MSc Biomaterials / Course details

On successful completion of this Unit the student should:

• Understand the requirements of a biomaterial used for medical applications.
• Understand the general classifications of biomaterials for medical applications.
• Understand the importance of materials in medicine.
• Have an overview of the biomaterial-based medical devices currently used in clinical practice.
• Have an overview of body anatomy and the material-like properties of the native tissue constructs
• Be able to relate material properties to specific biomedical applications.
• Understand the advance therapeutics and the concept of tissue engineering.

UNIT CONTENT:

• General classification of a biomaterial for medical applications.
• Requirements of a biomaterial used for medical applications and biocompatibility.
• Examples of specific tissues/organs and clinically used biomaterials including musculoskeletal system, skin, oral cavity, lower urinary tract, cardiovascular system, eye and nervous system.

The programme unit aims to:

• Illustrate the links between medical problems, biological scenarios, chemical issues and mechanical performance.
   
• Provide the students with knowledge of the general classification of the biomaterials for medical applications.
   
• Provide the students with an understanding of the requirements of biomaterials for medical applications.

• Provide the students with general understanding of the specific body constructs such as skin, cardiovascular system, eye, musculoskeletal system and lower urinary tract, their anatomical structure and material-like properties of the native tissues

• Provide a number of examples of applications of biomaterials in the clinic environment.

• Knowledge and understanding
• Intellectual skills
• Practical skills
• Transferable skills and personal qualities

• Defend the importance of materials in medicine and their historical development.
• Recognise the industrial and clinical applications of biomaterials.
• Discuss the concept of tissue engineering (TE).
• Explain tissue, organ and system response to biomaterials.
• Classify diseases, ageing or trauma that requires surgical intervention and the methodology used.
• Describe the variety of materials and scaffolds that can be utilised for a variety of applications.

• Discuss how alternatives to common surgical solutions can be exploited using biomaterials and tissue engineering approaches.

• Team working.
• Present in groups.

• Presentation and communication skills.
• Team working, organisation, time management.  

Feedback give verbally and written.

• Principles of Tissue Engineering 3rd Edition, Lanza, Langer and Vacanti
• Biomaterials Science 3^rd or 4th Ed Ratner et al
• Additional directed and suggested reading is provided as pdfs via Blackboard