| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
This module is for students who are either part of the MRes programme, and the MSc in Biomedical Engineering.
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• To develop knowledge and understanding of the commercial use of additive manufacture and 3D printing for biomedical applications.
• To learn how to use biomedical CAD/CAM software to design person specific medical devices.
• To develop knowledge and understanding of biomaterials, and specifically how to select and evaluate biomaterials for a specific application.
• To develop knowledge and understanding of bioprinting and biofabrication, and specifically the techniques by which cells and other biological materials may be processed.
• To develop knowledge of medical devices, therapeutic products and their regulation.
• To develop knowledge and understanding of the additive manufacture processes and process chains which can be used in biomedical applications, including those for biofabrication.
The module will be delivered in five main sections:
1. Introduction to Additive Manufacture for Biomedical Applications. Introduction to the module, review of current commercial applications (medical models; orthotics and prosthetics; dental aligners; in the ear hearing aids; surgical guides; dental crowns and bridges; craniofacial plates) and potential future applications (tissue engineering and regenerative medicine).
2. Biomedical CAD/CAM. Training in the use of a commercial biomedical CAD/CAM software package. Understanding of the different types of model used in biomedical CAD/CAM, and of the capabilities of the different types of imaging technologies.
3. Biomaterials. Introduction to biomaterials: definitions, examples, properties and requirements. Applications of biomaterials in medicine (bone scaffolds, hip implants, craniofacial fixation systems).. Sterilisation and surface modification of biomaterials.
4. Medical Devices, Therapeutic Products and Regulatory Processes. Classifications of device and therapeutic product. Tissue engineering strategies. Medical device and therapeutic product regulation.
5. Biofabrication and Bioprinting. Techniques for systematic processing of biological materials. Cell/material co-processing. Potential applications.
Students will also undertake two significant pieces of coursework: a biomedical CAD/CAM case study, and a case study in medical product development or technology development which exploits the advantages of additive manufacturing. Moreover, through the laboratory demonstrations, students will have a real feel of how research concepts come to life and how some of the presented techniques and machines work (according to the laboratory inventory).
On completion of the module students will:
• Understand the benefits of additive manufacture in biomedical applications, bioprinting and biofabrication.
• Understand how medical devices and therapeutic devices are regulated.
• Understand how to choose biomaterials for a particular application, and how they should be evaluated.
• Understand the types of models used in biomedical CAD/CAM.
On completion of the module students will:
• Be able to use commercial biomedical CAD/CAM software.
• Be able to research the development or use of a biomedical AM or fabrication technique and synthesize the information to produce a report on the research or commercial state of the art and future directions.
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 23 | 4:00 | 92:00 | Coursework |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 4:00 | 4:00 | Student presentations (PiP) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | PiP lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 16 | 2:00 | 32:00 | Coursework |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 8:00 | 16:00 | PiP Biomedical CADCAM |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 4:00 | 4:00 | PiP Lab tour and demonstration |
| Guided Independent Study | Skills practice | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | Biomedical CAD/CAM |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | Support and guidance for coursework exercises |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 32:00 | 32:00 | Reviewing course materials and reading around the subject matter |
| Total | 200:00 |
The teaching sessions are intended to give the students the foundations with which to pursue their coursework exercises, in which they will apply what they have learnt to specific case studies and/or product development exercises. The practical sessions will introduce the students to the biomedical CAD/CAM software, and to the AM and biofabrication techniques, so that they can use these skills in their coursework exercises.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case study | 1 | M | 40 | Report and assessment of CAD models - max 2,000 words |
| Design/Creative proj | 1 | M | 10 | Presentation on Individual Research Project (up to 10 mins). Students present initial ideas for assessment and get some feedback. |
| Case study | 1 | M | 50 | Research Project - report on a case study in development or use of biomedical AM or biofabrication - max 2,000 words |
The two pieces of coursework will allow the students to show that they have understood all the elements required in order to bring a biomedical product to market using AM, and that they have the technical skills in terms of CAD/CAM process to design and manufacture parts using relevant techniques. Coursework is preferred as it provides a mechanism for the students to show that they are able to integrate the separate elements together to demonstrate an understanding of the current state of the art and likely future directions.
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Disclaimer: The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2023/24 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 2024/25 entry will be published here in early-April 2024. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.