2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MECH5490M Biomaterials

15 creditsClass Size: 90

Module manager: Dr Wassim Taleb
Email: W.Taleb@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

UG Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Medical Engineering

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module aims to develop an in-depth understanding of biomaterial properties and applications, focusing on those used in total joint replacement. It intends to familiarise students with the intricate interplay between biomaterials and the human body, elucidating factors contributing to device failure. Upon completion, participants should exhibit profound knowledge of mechanical and biological attributes of biomaterials, discern the role of proteins and cells in tissue responses, understand host reactions, describe biocompatibility testing methods, discern material degradation processes, and grasp the application and failure of biomaterials in operation.

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.

Objectives

- 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 successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

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. Understand the complex mechanical and biological interactions between biomaterials and biological systems.

Upon successful completion of this module the following Engineering Council Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP) learning outcome descriptors (fourth edition) are satisfied:
9. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering. (M1)
10. Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed. (M2)
11. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed. (M3)
12. Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems. (M4)
13. Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used. (M17)

Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:

a. Critical thinking
b. core literacies,
c. Information searching,
d. Academic writing

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.

Methods of Assessment

We are currently refreshing our modules to make sure students have the best possible experience. Full assessment details for this module are not available before the start of the academic year, at which time details of the assessment(s) will be provided.

Assessment for this module will consist of;

1 x Assignment
1 x In-person closed book exam

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	15	2.00	15.00
Seminar	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			124.00
Total Contact hours			26.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative quiz after each topic.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 13/09/2024

Disclaimer

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