MEC8061 : Biomimetics
MEC8061 : Biomimetics
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Module Leader(s): Dr Oana Bretcanu
- Lecturer: Dr Kenneth Rankin, Dr Adam Wollman, Dr Matthew German
- 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 is focused on nature-inspired engineering. Understanding how nature works has helped scientists and engineers to find innovative solutions and strategies for development and/or optimization of complex functional materials, design and processes. The aim of this module is to introduce students to the fundamental principles of biomimetics.
Outline Of Syllabus
This module provides a solid basis for understanding the fundamental principles of biomimetics. It explores key elements for analysing complex problems through biomimetic approach. Lectures will cover topics such as bioinspired surfaces and surface functionalization, marine structures and marine-inspired biomaterials, biofouling and bioinspired antimicrobial surfaces.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
At the end of this module students should be able to:
- apply a comprehensive knowledge of biomimetics concepts to solutions of complex engineering problems (M1)
- select and apply appropriate bioinspired materials, design and engineering technologies to complex engineering problems (M2, M7 and 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 discuss engineering approaches inspired by nature (M4)
- effectively present a specific engineering topic at an appropriate technical level (M7, M17 and M18)
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 38 | 3:00 | 114:00 | Recommended revision for assessments, assuming prior regular independent study throughout teaching. Canvas practice quiz. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Module summary and final discussions |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | End of module in class online PC assessment covering whole syllabus |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | Lectures covering the 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 | Introduction to the module |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 0:30 | 0:30 | Practice for oral presentation |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 20 | 3:00 | 60:00 | Recommended regular personal study throughout teaching period to follow up taught classes |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures cover fundamental knowledge and help students to apply what they learnt to specific case studies.
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 [M1, M2, M13] |
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) [M4, M7, M17] |
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 [M1, M2, M13, M18] |
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 wider context of biomimetics.
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/
- MEC8061's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- MEC8061'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.
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2026 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, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2027/28 entry will be published here in early-April 2027. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.