Module Catalogue 2023/24

Pre Requisite Comment

This module is for students who are either part of the MRes programme, and the MSc in Biomedical Engineering.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

•       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.

Outline Of Syllabus

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).

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

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.

Intended Skill Outcomes

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.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

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.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

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. The Presentation on Product Development is designed as an exercise for students to complete in order to gain feedback on their progress, which they then take forward in developing their Case Study 2 final report.

General Notes

N/A