MEC8059 : Biomaterials
MEC8059 : Biomaterials
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Oana Bretcanu
- Lecturer: Dr Matthew German, Dr Adam Wollman, Dr Kenneth Rankin
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
MSc Entry Requirements
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
The module covers fundamental aspects of biomaterials science with an emphasis on biomaterials for bone tissue engineering. The module focuses on the biomaterials used in medical devices for orthopaedic applications, their properties and methods of fabrication. Typical examples will be given for the application of biomaterials in the medical field. Their benefits and limitations will be discussed and appraised.
Outline Of Syllabus
This module will introduce major classes of biomedical implant materials including metals, ceramics and polymers. Properties, advantages and limitations of commercial medical devices and biomaterials such as bioglasses, bone cements, hip and knee implants, dental materials, etc will be evaluated. Relevant case studies will be used as examples for selection of biomaterials used today in orthopaedic surgery.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
At the end of this module students should be able to:
- apply a comprehensive knowledge of properties and limitations of biomaterials and medical devices to complex problems and solutions in orthopaedic applications (M1 and M2)
- select and apply appropriate biomaterials, bioengineering technologies and processes to complex healthcare problems and solutions (M13)
Intended Skill Outcomes
At the end of this module students should be able to:
- select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to analyse specific healthcare case studies (M4)
- effectively present a specific bioengineering topic at an appropriate technical level (M17 and M18)
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 44 | 2:30 | 110:00 | Recommended revision for assessments, assuming prior regular independent study throughout teaching. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Introduction to the module |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | End of module in class online PC assessment covering whole syllabus |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 0:30 | 0:30 | Oral presentation and answers to questions |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Module summary and final discussions |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 0:30 | 0:30 | Practice for oral presentation |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | Lectures covering the whole syllabus |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Tutorial - Edupack materials database software demonstration |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 20 | 3:00 | 60:00 | Recommended regular personal study throughout teaching period to follow up taught classes |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Practice on materials database software |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures cover fundamental knowledge and help students to apply what they learnt to specific case studies. Edupack tutorial provides additional support to consolidate biomaterials selection based on the design requirements.
Independent study supports the students’ self-study in reading around the lecture material and learning to solve the practical engineering problems identified during lectures.
Assessment preparation and completion will allow students to fully prepare for both their formative and summative assessments.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 60 | 1 | A | 70 | End of module in class Inspera digital assessment covering whole syllabus |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | 1 | M | 30 | PowerPoint individual presentation on specific topic (10 min presentation followed by questions) |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 1 | M | Canvas Practice Quiz for the digital exam. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The Inspera digital exam will assess theoretical understanding of all aspects of the module. The students should be able to apply a broad range of knowledge to the healthcare applications of biomaterials.
The oral presentation will assess communication skills on a specific topic, at a technical level suitable to the audience. The students should be able to select and critically evaluate technical literature, to effectively present their specific topic.
The formative assessment will help students to prepare for their summative examination, by reinforcing key concepts related to taught material covered during lectures.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MEC8059's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- MEC8059's past Exam Papers
General Notes
This module is on the ‘optional list modules’ for MRes students in Medical School. Please avoid clashes with MRes timetable.
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.