AME 50571 - Biomaterials
Biomaterials are engineered materials designed to replace, restore or augment biological materials for therapeutic benefits. The interaction of engineered materials with biological systems involves complex structure-property relationships which are only beginning to be established. Historic and nascent advances in biomaterials are critically and independently evaluated by the class using published reports in the literature.
Significance:
Biomaterials are engineered materials designed to replace, restore or augment biological materials for therapeutic benefits. The interaction of engineered materials with biological systems involves complex structure-property relationships which are only beginning to be established. Historic and nascent advances in biomaterials are critically and independently evaluated by the class using published reports in the literature.
Prerequisites:
AME 20241, CBE 30361 (or consent of the instructor).
The course objectives and content will be ideal for seniors and first year graduate students.
Objectives and Content:
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Provide a fundamental framework for understanding and manipulating complex processing-structure-property relationships in biomaterials.
- Critically and independently evaluate published reports on any biomaterial used in any biomedical application.
- Effectively communicate critical and independent thinking.
Structure: bonding, composition, cross-linking, crystallinity, crystallography, crystal/grain morphology & size, gradation, molecular weight, orientation, porosity, surface topology, etc.
Properties/Performance: bioactivity, biocompatibility, bioresorption, corrosion resistance, elasticity, fatigue resistance, fracture strength, optical resonance, shape-memory, viscosity, wear, etc.
Applications: orthopaedics, cardiovascular, oncology, dental, urology, etc.
Studies: animal models, bench top, human trials, in vitro, retrievals
Student Comments:
“I learned a lot in this class. The material was very well chosen and I thought the subjects of each article were fascinating.”
“I feel that greatest strength was the class structure. Rather than the usual lecture format, students worked in groups and attacked problems themselves with the instructor providing occasional hints for general direction and focus. I feel that this method makes the students learn more about the subject matter (forced to research a topic themselves) then when they are just told about a topic.”
“I have never had a class structured like this... I learned a ton about a topic I never knew anything about before. The readings, and even more so the required research, had me learning completely new things every week.”
“I think the structure and organization of the class is excellent and builds many skills that will help students succeed throughout their career.”
“This was one of the best classes I have taken. I loved the style in which the class was taught.”
“...helped me learn how to learn on my own. Throughout this course I learned how to actively seek out information.”