Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title STRUCTURAL BIOMATERIALS
Code MATS410
Coordinator Dr RA D'Sa
Mechanical, Materials & Aerospace Eng
R.Dsa@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 7 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

The aims of this course are to develop an advanced understanding of the structure and properties of materials used in medical devices. In particular:

  • how this relates to their application in medical devices
  • how the interactions with the biological environment influences their structure and properties (e.g. degradation)
  • how the surface properties of the materials influence the biointeractions and biocompatibility
  • how the surface properties of the materials can be modified to enhance the biological interactions

Learning Outcomes

Be able to select appropriate materials, in terms of their structure and properties, for specific medical implant applications

Evaluate and understand the likely biocompatibility of the choice of material

Undestand strategies to enhance biocompatibility via surface modification

Syllabus
1  1

Metals and Alloys: Including Stainless steels, Co-Cr alloys, Ti an Ti alloys, including Ni-Ti smart materials, and their use in orthopaedic, dental and cardiovascular applications.

2

Corrosion: Its importance for implant metals and alloys and the role of the biological environment on their corrosion

3

Polymers: Including polyolefins, polyacrylics, polyesters, polyurethanes, silicone rubber, natural and synthetic hydrogels and their use in orthopaedic, cardiovascular and ophthalmic applications

4

Polymer degradation: Intentional and unintentional degradation and its application in degradable implants and drug delivery

5

Ceramics and composites: Inclu ding inert, bioactive and resorbably ceramics and their applications. Ceramic/polymer, polymer/polymer and cell/polymer composites and tailoring their properties for specific applications

6

Biocompatibility: Definition, components, how it is measured and what is its importance to implant materials

7

Surfaces: The surface properties of implant materials and how they are analysed

8

Biointerface: Analysis of the material surface/biological envirnoment interface

9

Surface modification: Surface chemical and topographical modification of implant materials, including biofunctionalisation, to control biological interactions

10

Group discussions and presentations


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture -

Tutorial -


Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 24

   12

       36
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 114
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  5 hours  1st Semester  30  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 There is no reassessment opportunity,  
Coursework  5 hours  1st Semester  30  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 2 There is no reassessment opportunity,  
Coursework  6 hours  1st Semester  40  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 3 There is no reassessment opportunity, Notes (applying to all assessments) Written report An individual report, for instance related to strategies for surface modification of implants. This work is not anonymously marked. Small group project A small-group project activity, for instance related to failure of medical components, and possibly assessed using a wiki/poster presentation. This work is not anonymously marked Case study report For instance a written medical-device case-study to apply the lecture material to a real product. This work is not anonymously marked  

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: