Biomaterials

Course aim

• To provide students with an understanding of the structures and properties of natural and synthetic materials and nanomaterials used in biomedical applications.
• To develop an appreciation of the interactions of those materials with biological environments, including bodily fluids and soft and hard tissues.
• Working in a team environment and using online methodologies, to acquire practical problem solving skills in the context of biomaterials and effective communications skills.

Course content

Materials science basics. Metals, ceramics and polymers for various biomedical applications. Natural and synthetic biomaterials. Fundamentals of biocompatibility. Interactions between molecules and surfaces – electrostatic, van der Waals, hydrogen bonding, steric and hydrophobic interactions. Specific biomolecular interactions. Protein adsorption and biofouling. Cell adhesion and colonisation of surfaces. Surface modification methods to influence adsorption/adhesion. Tissue engineering. Regenerative medicine. Biosensor technologies. Materials for drug delivery; targeted and controlled drug release.

Textbook(s)

Buddy D. Ratner, Allan S. Hoffman, Frederick J. Schoen & Jack E. Lemons 2012, Biomaterials Science, An Introduction to Materials in Medicine, 3rd, Elsevier

Prerequisite(s)

Completion of 2 years of a Science/Engineering program with focus on Materials Science

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Examination, Group presentation, Workshop assignments

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 2)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
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Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.