MEEN40630 Biomaterials

Academic Year 2022/2023

At the end of this module, it is anticipated that students will have obtained a detailed understanding the major classes of biomaterials (e.g. metals / alloys, ceramics / glasses, natural / synthetic / stimuli responsive polymers and composites thereof) and cell-derived devices used in medical device, pharmaceutical, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine sectors. It is also expected that the students will have obtained a detailed understanding of different biomaterial fabrication and characterisation methods, specific to a cell type and/or clinical indication. It is also expected that the students will have obtained a detailed understanding of biocompatibility, host response and implant failure mechanisms, as well as ethical considerations related to medical device development.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the module, the student will be able to:
- Describe the use of the major classes of biomaterials (e.g. metals / alloys, ceramics / glasses, natural / synthetic / stimuli responsive polymers and composites thereof) in medical device, pharmaceutical, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine sectors.
- Describe the use of cell-derived biomaterials in medical device, pharmaceutical, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine sectors.
- Select appropriate biomaterial(s) and processing method(s) for the development of devices for a specific cell type and/or clinical indication.
- Specify biophysical, biochemical and biological in vitro microenvironment modulators that control cell fate.
- Specify suitable methods for biophysical, biochemical and biological characterisation of implantable medical devices for a specific clinical indication.
- Understand mechanisms involved in implant failure.
- Understand cytotoxicity and biocompatibility issues relating to implantable medical devices.
- Appreciate regulatory requirements in the development of medical devices.
- Appreciate important ethical considerations in different areas of medical device development.
- Appreciate innovation, commercialisation and clinical translation in medical device development.
- Report and disseminate scientific findings.

Indicative Module Content:

- Definitions of biomaterials, biocompatibility, advanced therapy medicinal products, personalised medicine, etc.
- Introduction to different classes of biomaterials (ceramics / glasses, metals / alloys, natural / synthetic / stimuli responsive polymers)
- Introduction to bottom-up / top-down nano- and micro- biomaterial processing methods for the development of 2D and 3D devices (e.g. sponges, hydrogels, imprinted substrates, electrospun scaffolds, etc.)
- Introduction to biomaterials characterisation as necessary (e.g. structural, thermal, mechanical, biological properties, including preclinical and clinical assessment)
- Discuss implant failure
- Introduction to cellular systems and discussion on how we can control cell fate
- Introduction to commercialisation, clinical translation and regulatory requirements
- Discussions on ethical issues associated with biomaterials development
- Clinical indications as necessary (e.g. bone, cartilage, tendon, skin, cornea, etc.)
- Industry talk(s)
- Intellectual property management

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

19

Small Group

40

Seminar (or Webinar)

3

Laboratories

3

Autonomous Student Learning

66

Total

131

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Most content is delivered as lectures. There is small laboratory report. There is also a small group written assignment that require students to undertake a critical analysis of an important topic in biomaterials. These topics may be related to, but not directly concerned with material covered in lectures. Therefore, this course work constitutes a form of self-directed learning. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
Biomaterials (EEME40490)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: A medical device related assignment Unspecified n/a Graded No

30

Examination: end of semester examination Unspecified No Graded No

20

Multiple Choice Questionnaire: x1 multiple choice in class examination associated with the lectures delivered by Prof Dimitrios Zevgolis Unspecified n/a Graded No

20

Lab Report: A medical device related lab report Unspecified n/a Graded No

10

Multiple Choice Questionnaire: x1 multiple choice in class examination associated with the lectures delivered by Prof Kenneth Stanton Unspecified n/a Graded No

20


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
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

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Letter grades and brief comments related to the two written assignments will be provided to students within three weeks of submission deadlines.

Name Role
Professor Kenneth Stanton Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
     
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Thurs 13:00 - 13:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 12 Thurs 13:00 - 13:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: Odd Weeks Thurs 17:00 - 17:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 13:00 - 13:50
Autumn