MTE5885 - Biomaterials and biomechanics

Overview

The aim of this unit is to link the requirements of clinical medicine to engineering through advanced materials design and fabrication in the framework of new medical devices, therapeutics and diagnostics. Topics covered in the unit include cell biology and biomechanics at the cellular level, biocompatibility, tissue engineering and other composite material/cell applications, The use of stem cells in conjunction with materials and the use of materials to guide cellular fates and properties is of high relevance. A detailed study of medical additive manufacturing (3D printing) in metals, polymers and cells will be provided. Strong connection to how materials can contribute to solutions that address unmet clinical need will be made throughout the unit.

Offerings

S2-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

Requisites

Prohibition

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Professor Jess Frith

Unit Coordinator(s)

Professor Jess Frith

Teaching approach

Active learning

The teaching of this unit involves a combination of pre-class reading and preparation, expert-led sessions comprising teaching sessions material and active learning activities. Teaching is also carried out in practice classes. A list of reading and preparatory material will be provided several days prior to each session. Some videos will also be provided to facilitate the understanding of several key concepts introduced in teaching sessions. The sessions and assessments include both individual and group activities. Preparation work will need to be completed prior to the start of each week's sessions.

Assessment summary

Continuous assessment: 50%

Final assessment: 50%

This unit contains a hurdle requirement that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

Assessment

1 - Quizzes

2 - Assignments

3 - Laboratory work and related submissions

4 - Final assessment

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Laboratories

Practical activities

Workshops

Workload requirements

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 of hours independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Other unit costs

The following item is mandatory for practical aspects of the unit and should be purchased at your own cost as you will be reusing them throughout your course.

Calculator

Protective clothing and equipment:
• Laboratory coat - approximately $35 to $50
• Safety glasses - approximately $8, or prescription safety glasses (if required) - approximately $350
• Laboratory-appropriate enclosed footwear (non-porous material, equipped with non-absorbent, slip-resistant soles)

Costs are indicative only.

Availability in areas of study

E6011 Master of Professional Engineering - Specialisation: Materials engineering
E6014 Master of Engineering - Specialisation: Materials engineering
E6017 Master of Advanced Engineering - Specialisation: Medical engineering