Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the module, the student will be able to:
• Explain the structure–property–function relationships of the major classes of biomaterials, including metals and alloys, ceramics and glasses, natural and synthetic polymers, stimuli-responsive materials, biomimetic materials, and composite systems.
• Compare and evaluate biomaterial synthesis, fabrication, and processing strategies, and assess their influence on material performance and application.
• Select and justify appropriate physicochemical, mechanical, and biological characterisation methods for the evaluation of biomaterials and biomaterial-based systems.
• Analyse the mechanisms of biomaterial degradation, biocompatibility, and host immune responses, and evaluate their implications for material performance.
• Critically evaluate contemporary biomaterials research literature and assess the strengths and limitations of different material design and characterisation approaches.
• Assess the role of biomimicry and bioinspired design principles in the development of advanced biomaterials.
• Evaluate ethical, societal, and equality, considerations associated with biomaterials research, development, and application.
• Assess sustainability considerations in biomaterials development, including responsible materials sourcing, environmental impact, resource efficiency, circular economy principles, and life-cycle analysis.
• Evaluate the relevance of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to biomaterials research, manufacturing, and implementation.
• Apply principles of mathematics, materials science, engineering, and data analysis to the interpretation and evaluation of biomaterials data.
• Evaluate experimental strategies for the synthesis, characterisation, and application of a biomaterial system, taking into account scientific, ethical, sustainability, and practical considerations.
• Communicate scientific concepts, experimental findings, and critical analyses effectively in written and oral formats.
Indicative Module Content:
This course will cover:
• Definitions and historical development of biomaterials, biocompatibility, biomimetics, and responsible materials innovation.
• Overview of major classes of biomaterials, including metals and alloys, ceramics and glasses, natural and synthetic polymers, stimuli-responsive materials, and composite systems.
• Structure–property–function relationships in biomaterials and their influence on material performance.
• Biomaterial synthesis, fabrication, and processing approaches, including top-down and bottom-up methodologies, self-assembly, additive manufacturing, and micro- and nanoscale fabrication techniques.
• Principles of biomaterials characterisation, including physicochemical, mechanical, structural, and biological characterisation methods.
• Biomaterial degradation and stability, including hydrolytic, enzymatic, oxidative, and mechanically induced degradation mechanisms.
• Biomaterial–host interactions, including biocompatibility, protein adsorption, foreign body responses, inflammation, and immune system interactions.
• Biomimetic and bioinspired materials design strategies for biomedical and biotechnology applications.
• Critical analysis and discussion of contemporary biomaterials literature, with emphasis on material design, synthesis, characterisation, and performance.
• Sustainability in biomaterials development, including responsible sourcing, green manufacturing, circular economy principles, life-cycle assessment, and environmental impact.
• Ethical, societal, equality, diversity, and inclusion considerations in biomaterials research, development, and implementation.
• Emerging trends and future directions in biomaterials research.
• Discussion-based learning activities, journal clubs, case studies