Biomaterials

Subject 436-386 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points:

12.500

Level:

Undergraduate

Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.

Pre-teaching Period Start	not applicable
Teaching Period	not applicable
Assessment Period End	not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol	not applicable
Census Date	not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail	not applicable

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.

Time Commitment:

Contact Hours: Thirty-two hours of lectures, 12 hours of tutorials and 4 hours of laboratory work
Total Time Commitment: It is expected that students will commit at least 96 hours of private study in addition to their formal contact time.

Prerequisites:

None

Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

None

Non Allowed Subjects:

None

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Subject Overview:	An understanding of materials science and engineering provides the basis for this subject and will be provided in the initial component. This will allow entry for students from science, engineering and medicine. This subject will address different materials (polymers, metals, ceramics and composites) used in contact with living tissue, both natural and synthetic materials. The structure will be shown to govern material properties. Medical conditions will be examined to determine the material properties required for a specific function of the implantable material. Emphasis will be placed on two factors that influence the arterial properties, material structure and manufacturing route to tune the required performance. Students will be expected to explain the development of biomaterials in terms of materials selection, structure and properties, and evaluate the use of implants for satisfying the needs of medical implant. The effect of the material on the biological systems will be assessed. This will form the basis for other subjects such tissue engineering, biosensors and more advanced biomaterials. Topics covered will include natural materials such as proteins (collagens, elastin, keratins, silks and apatite), wound healing, blood clotting, biocompatibility, surface of materials (properties, characterization and interaction with the biological environment), different material forms (aerosols, microspheres, coatings, porous materials) hierarchical structures, degradation of materials, sterilization, stimulation of cells. applications will address cancer therapy, dental materials, orthopaedics, coronary applications (stents, heart valves), drug delivery, plastic surgery, eye implants and electrodes.
Assessment:	Final exam 3-hours to be held at the end of teaching before the official examination period (40%), project (20%), laboratories (20%) and mid semester quiz(20%).
Prescribed Texts:	Biomaterials Science: An introduction to materials in medicine by BD Ratner et al. Elsevier, 2005. ISBN 0-12-582463-7
Recommended Texts:	Information Not Available
Breadth Options:	This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information:	Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:	ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals; ability to communicate effectively with members from different disciplines; capacity for independent critical thought, rational enquiry and self-directed learning; ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team, with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member; ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution using engineering or biological approaches; openness to new ideas and unconventional critiques of received wisdom; intellectual curiosity and creativity, including understanding of the philosophical and methodological bases of research activity; expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning, capacity to do so.
Related Course(s):	Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical) Biomechanics Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical)Biocellular Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical)Bioinformatics Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical)Biosignals Bachelor of Engineering (EngineeringManagement)Mechanical&Manufacturing Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical &Manufacturing)/Bachelor of Commerce Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering)

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