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2019/20 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MECH5490M Biomaterials

15 creditsClass Size: 85

Module manager: Dr Claire Brockett
Email: C.L.Brockett@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2019/20

Pre-requisite qualifications

Accredited undergraduate Degree
Year 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

Aims

1. 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.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module delegates should be able to:
1. 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.
2. Describe the role of adsorbed proteins and cells in the tissue response to biomaterials
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the host response to orthopaedic biomaterials and be able to compare the responses to different materials.
4. Describe the methods of testing for biomaterials biocompatibility.
5. Distinguish the events that lead to the degradation of materials in the biological environment.
6. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the application of biomaterials, both natural and synthetic, in orthopaedics.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of implant failure from a biological perspective.
8. Appreciate the complex mechanical and biological interactions between biomaterials and biological systems.

Upon successful completion of this module the following UK-SPEC learning outcome descriptors are satisfied:

A comprehensive understanding of the relevant scientific principles of the specialisation (SM1m, SM7M)
Awareness of developing technologies related to medical engineering (SM4m)
Understanding of concepts relevant to the discipline, some from outside engineering, and the ability to evaluate them critically and to apply them effectively, including in engineering projects (SM6m, SM9M)
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies in medical engineering (EA5m)
Ability to extract and evaluate pertinent data and to apply engineering analysis techniques in the solution of unfamiliar problems in medical engineering (EA6m, EA6M)
Awareness of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in engineering (EL1m, EL8M)
Awareness of relevant regulatory requirements governing engineering activities in the context of the particular specialisation (EL5m, EL12M)
Awareness of and ability to make general evaluations of risk issues in the context of the particular specialisation, including health & safety, environmental and commercial risk (EL6m, EL13M)
Advanced level knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials and components (P2m, P12M)
Understanding of the use of technical literature and other information sources (P4)
Understanding of appropriate codes of practice and industry standards (P6)
Awareness of quality issues and their application to continuous improvement (P7)
A thorough understanding of current practice in medical engineering and its limitations, and some appreciation of likely new developments (P9m)
Apply their skills in problem solving, communication, information retrieval, working with others, and the effective use of general IT facilities (G1)


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 typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Example Class111.0011.00
Lecture112.0022.00
Independent online learning hours10.00
Private study hours107.00
Total Contact hours33.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)150.00

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 typeNotes% of formal assessment
AssignmentIndividual abstract and poster50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated


Exams
Exam typeExam 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 website

Last updated: 30/04/2019

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