2017/18 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
MECH5490M Biomaterials (Short Course)
15 creditsClass Size: 50
Module manager: Dr Claire Brockett
Email: C.L.Brockett@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2017/18
Pre-requisite qualifications
Accredited undergraduate DegreeYear 4 students of MEng Mechanical Engineering and MEng Medical Engineering are exempt from this pre-requisite qualification.
This module is not approved as an Elective
Objectives
Aims1. To instil a fundamental understanding of the properties and applications of biomaterials, both natural and synthetic that are used in contact with biological systems in the area of total joint replacement.
2 To acquaint students with the interactions between biomaterials and the human body that lead to failure of devices.
Learning Outcomes/Objectives
On completion of this module delegates should be able to:
- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the mechanical and biological properties of both natural and synthetic biomaterials used in orthopaedics. In addition, students will develop the ability to synthesise and evaluate the knowledge gained via written assignments and class discussion.
- Describe the role of adsorbed proteins and cells in the tissue response to biomaterials
- Demonstrate an understanding of the host response to orthopaedic biomaterials and be able to compare the responses to different materials.
- Describe the methods of testing for biomaterials biocompatibility.
- Distinguish the events that lead to the degradation of materials in the biological environment.
- Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the application of biomaterials, both natural and synthetic, in orthopaedics.
- Demonstrate an understanding of implant failure from a biological perspective.
- Appreciate the complex mechanical and biological interactions between biomaterials and biological systems.
Syllabus
The course addresses the properties and applications of materials, both natural and synthetic that are used in contact with biological systems in the area of total joint replacement.
Topics include:
- Soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, tendons, skin, cartilage);
- Natural biological materials (polypeptides, polysaccharides, polyesters);
- Hard tissues (bone);
- Bone remodelling;
- Synthetic materials (polymers, metals, ceramics, coatings);
- Hydrogels, smart polymers, resorbable materials;
- Interfaces and fixation;
- Proteins and cells;
- Host response;
- Biological response to polymers and metals;
- Methods of testing biocompatibility;
- In vivo degradation of materials;
- Infection and sterilisation;
- Application of biomaterials in orthopaedics;
- Implant failure.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Example Class | 4 | 1.00 | 4.00 |
| Lecture | 28 | 1.00 | 28.00 |
| Seminar | 1 | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Private study hours | 116.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 34.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Private study
56 hours: 2 hours reading per lecture10 hours: preparation for seminar
50 hours: project related time for literature review
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
- One poster with extended abstract involving brief literature review and discussion related to the taught course material.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Assignment | Individual abstract and poster | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Unseen exam | 2 hr | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 14/02/2018
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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