Biomaterials

Module overview

The success of many medical devices depends on selecting materials that can function safely and reliably within the human body. Whether designing joint replacements, dental implants or cardiovascular devices, biomedical engineers must understand how materials interact with biological tissues and how these interactions influence long-term clinical performance. This module explores the engineering principles behind the selection and application of biomaterials. You will investigate the properties of metallic, ceramic and polymeric biomaterials, examining how engineers balance mechanical performance, durability, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility when designing medical implants. Through real clinical case studies—including hip and knee replacements—you will explore how engineering failures have shaped the development of modern biomaterials and gain an appreciation of the relationship between materials engineering and patient outcomes. By the end of the module, you will be able to evaluate and select biomaterials for a range of biomedical applications, combining engineering knowledge with an understanding of clinical performance and healthcare needs.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

C1/M1 Applying a knowledge of natural science and engineering principles based on a comprehensive understanding of materials science and mechanics to solve complex problems associated with the use and function of biomaterials in the body. The latest developments in biomaterials are discussed, supported by clinician feedback. C2 Case studies are presented throughout the course, and the coursework focusses on a real-life case study on a recent widely reported implant failure. The reasoning behind the failures and how they could have been avoided are discussed. C13/M13 The students are taught how biomaterials are selected, designed and manufactured using the latest engineering technologies and processes, in the context of safety critical devices. The limitations are discussed, and alternative materials and processes are introduced to further underpin the students’ knowledge. C17 The coursework is a written assignment that brings together principles learned in the initial series of lectures and asks the students to explain how implant components failed. They are asked to distil information from technical papers into a concise and readable report.

Disciplinary Specific Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Make informed decisions as to the best method to assess the suitability of a material for a specific application.
Prepare brief technical reports on clinically relevant problems.
Apply material property analysis techniques to orthopaedic biomaterials selection.
Solve problems by linking appropriate analytical approaches to engineering problems.
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of prospective joint replacement materials.

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

Biocompatibility and corrosion issues of these materials.
Material properties of metallic, polymer based and ceramic materials used in implants.
Techniques used to assess the performance of these materials both individually and as part of a joint replacement.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include • Provision of skeleton lecture notes. • Handouts. • Case studies. • Practical demonstrations. • Industrial talks. Learning activities include • Directed reading and web based resource searches. • Written coursework based on research into clinical experience (e.g. cases of implant failure). • Learning outcomes include. • Understanding of engineering principles and the ability to apply them to conduct the materials selection process. • Ability to apply and integrate knowledge and understanding of engineering materials to support the study of biomedical engineering. • A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of biomedical materials, in particular orthopaedic biomaterials, and an appreciation of their limitations. • The ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply to the problem of materials selection in new devices. • An awareness of developing technologies related to biomaterials. • A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations through case study evaluation and some appreciation of likely new developments in the biomaterials field.

Study time
Type	Hours
Lecture	33
Seminar	3
Wider reading or practice	8
Completion of assessment task	40
Preparation for scheduled sessions	66
Total study time	150

Assessment

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Continuous Assessment	25%
Final Assessment	75%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Set Task	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Set Task	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External

Module overview

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Disciplinary Specific Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Syllabus

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Assessment

Summative

Referral

Repeat

Repeat Information