CHEN40790 Bio-material Interactions

Academic Year 2024/2025

This module will focus on bio-material surface interactions, and the importance of surfaces in biocompatibility will be extensively explored. Surface characterization techniques will be presented in detail during the course of the module, including methods of modifying surfaces down to the nanoscale by using nanotechnology. In vitro and in vivo methods of measuring bio-material compatibility will be assessed as well as biofilm formations. A number of case studies will be delivered in order to showcase current research and development in bio-material interactions such as drug delivery, antimicrobial surfaces, biofilms in wastewater treatment and tissue engineering. Hands on demonstrations of surface characterization techniques will be delivered during this module.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

1. Display a detailed knowledge of surfaces and methods for modifying them at the nanoscale.

2. Describe in detail the fundamental interfacial and biological phenomena that dictate cell-material interactions.

3. Conduct detailed assignments in a variety of problem case-study areas for, inter alia, (i) biocompatibility in biomaterials, (ii) surface treatment, (iii) medical-device infections, and (iv) bio-corrosion.

Indicative Module Content:

- Detailed description of surfaces and their importance in biocompatibility
- Surface engineering techniques for modifying bio-material surfaces at the nanoscale
- Characterization techniques of surfaces
- Case studies based on current state-of-the-art research on related topic of bio-material interactions
- Tutorials on surface characterization techniques

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Specified Learning Activities

70
Autonomous Student Learning

50
Total

144
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures, case studies, group-work and hands on tutorials. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Quizzes/Short Exercises: This in-class test will be based on the lectures given from week 7 to week 12. n/a Graded No

25
Exam (In-person): End of term examination will be based on reading material given during the term. n/a Graded No

50
Group Work Assignment: This group work assignment will be in the form of a group presentation and will be based on topics that students can pick at the start of the term. n/a Graded No

25

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

For a relatively small MEngSc class, it shall be possible to give some written feedback on assignments to all students individually (e.g., a few sentences, preferably with constructive criticisms and advice for future work). There can be the possibility of a brief meeting, if the student so wishes, and at the discretion of the lecturer/coordinator.

Name Role
Professor Eoin Casey Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Dimitrios Zevgolis Lecturer / Co-Lecturer