Module Descriptor
MECHGB01 Biomaterials
Code
MECHGB01
Alt. Codes(s)
None
Titles
Biomaterials
Level
UCL Credits/ECTS
Start
September
End
Taught by
Prof Mohan Edirisinghe (Module Coordinator)
Dr Suwan Jayasinghe
Prerequisites
At least a 2-ii degree in Science, Engineering or a degree in Medicine.
All candidates must satisfy UCL's English Language requirements
Course Aims
The first few lectures of this course presents an overview of biomaterials, including the
properties of natural biomaterials such as skin, bone, hair etc. Metallic biomaterials, including
stainless steel and titanium are discussed. This is followed by a few lectures on Co-based
alloys, currently these alloys are gathering a great deal of interest for orthopaedic prostheses
for the knee, shoulder and hip as well as in fracture fixation devices. An insight into the types
of polymers and their potential applications as biomaterials is presented, including polymer
devices. Using a case study (such as polyurethane) developmental stages during the design
and synthesis of a biomedical polymer is elucidated. Methods of analysing biomedical
polymeric materials from the laboratory to in-vitro testing are described. Examples of how
degradation of polymeric materials can be harmful to their surroundings and methods which
have been developed to overcome such issues are discussed; this part of the course requires
students to prepare a short literature review based essay on a relevant aspect designated
during the lectures. Bioceramics are discussed in detail, including a case study on
hydroxyapatite. A few lectures cover the development of composites for biomedical
applications. The course content from year to year can vary slightly depending on the
international research outcomes related to this very dynamic subject.
Recommended Reading
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Journal articles cited during lectures from: Biomaterials, J. Mater. Sci. Mater. in
Medicine, J. Biomedical Research etc.
Biomaterials: The intersection of biology and materials science/J.S. Temenoff, A.G.
Mikos, 2008.
Biomaterials: An introduction/ Joon Park, R.S. Lakes. - 3rd ed., 2007.
Page last modified on January, 28, 2015 12:35