2023/24 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

DSUR5115M Biomineralization and Biomimetics

10 creditsClass Size: 16

Module manager: Maisoon Al-Jawad
Email: m.al-jawad@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

Pre-requisite qualifications

Entry qualifications for programme of study.

Module replaces

None

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The study of the physics and chemistry of biomineralization processes in dental hard tissues and bone is one of the key concepts in oral biology. This module is designed to introduce students to the basic crystallisation processes involved in enamel, dentine and bone formation and the protein-mineral interactions at interfaces. This is important to understand the biomimetics, biomaterials and dental materials currently being used and being developed to create novel materials and treatments.With interactive lectures and seminars supported by workshop sessions the module will provide students with the opportunity to further develop critical abilities and analytical abilities.The module is designed to allow a flexible mode of delivery. It will be possible to deliver the content online or in person, synchronous or asynchronous.

Objectives

To provide a critical overview of the fundamental principles of biomineralization with particular emphasis on hard tissues relevant to the oral environment such as enamel, dentine and bone formation.

To allow you to evaluate current research developments in biomineralization, synthetic biomaterials and biomimetic products with applications in dental materials and oral biology.

Learning outcomes
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
1. Review and appraise the different biominerals and explain the physics and chemistry of fundamental biomineralization processes including protein-mineral interactions
2. Evaluate specific hard tissue formation processes such as enamel and bone formation in terms of protein-mineral interactions
3. Critically assess appropriate experimental techniques in biomineral, biomaterials and biomimetics research
4. Evaluate different applications of synthetic biomimetic materials in the oral environment.
5. Select, analyse, interpret and critically evaluate a range source material in the field of biomineralization and biomimetics

Skills outcomes
No additional skills.

Syllabus

• Biomineral Formation
• Chemical Basis and Organic Matrix-Mediated Biomineralization
- Interactions at Interfaces: Proteins and Cells
- Dental Hard Tissues – Structure and Function
- Enamel and dentine formation
- Mechanical Properties of Enamel and Dentine
- Bone formation and structure
- Basic Principles of Biomimetics
- Synthetic and Biological Biomimetics
- Biomimetics in dentistry
- Advanced techniques to study biomineralization and biomimetics

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	10	2.00	20.00
Seminar	2	2.00	4.00
Private study hours			76.00
Total Contact hours			24.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

Background reading and preparation of materials to take part in the seminars and workshop sessions

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

The formative assignment will be on a different topic to the summative assignment. Written feedback will be given on the formative essay before the summative essay is set to prepare the students for their sole summative assessment.
Peer feedback will be verbally given after the seminars/workshops following a prescribed format and criteria with the opportunity for group discussion.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay or Dissertation	2000 words	100.00
Assignment	Formative assignment 2000 words	0.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

The summative essay will be the sole assessment method with 100% of the module assessed from this essay. As such it will test all five learning outcomes.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 28/04/2023 14:57:42

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