Biomaterials

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

200 hours

Enrolment in the 745BM Master of Biomedical Engineering

OR

AND

None

None

Students cannot gain credit for this subject and BMEN30005 Biomechanics and Biomaterials (2012 and before).

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

AIMS

This course is designed to enable students to apply the fundamental principles in material sciences to biomedical applications. It will address different materials (polymers, metals, ceramics and composites) used in contact with living tissue. In addition, students will be introduced to biological materials like bone, muscles, skin and vasculature.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

A main focus in this subject is to examine the application of materials in the physiological environment. Topics will include host reaction, testing and degradation of biomaterials in biological environment (e.g. blood – material interaction). Finally, students will be introduced to the regulatory, ethical and legal aspects of fielding biomaterials.

This subject has been integrated with the Skills Towards Employment Program (STEP) and contains activities that can assist in the completion of the Engineering Practice Hurdle (EPH).

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)

Having completed this subject the student is expected to be able to:

1. Describe the material science and engineering requirements related to biomaterials
2. Recognise the complexity in the application of materials in biology
3. Describe the practical aspects of biomaterials
4. Apply mechanical testing on biomaterials
5. Apply basic regulatory and ethical concepts to biomaterials.

• Four case study reports due throughout semester (total 15%), requiring approximately 5-6 hours work each
• One group term paper and presentation due near end of semester (35%), requiring approximately 40 hours work per student
• End-of-semester exam of two hours duration (50%).

HURDLE - Students will need a mark of at least 50% in the exam to pass this subject.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1-5 are assessed in the final exam, case studies reports, and class presentation.

TBA

None

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Ability to apply knowledge of science and engineering fundamentals
• Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation, and solution
• Ability to conduct an engineering project
• Ability to communicate effectively, with the engineering team and with the community at large
• Ability to manage information and documentation
• Capacity for creativity and innovation
• Understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities, and commitment to them
• Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, as a team leader or manager as well as an effective team member
• Capacity for lifelong learning and professional development.