Module: Biomaterials & Processing Technology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Biomaterials & Processing Technology
Module Code	MEC1034 (ITS: MM413)
Faculty	Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng	School	Engineering & Computing
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

1. To familiarise the students with materials used to replace part of a living system, or to exist in intimate contact with living tissue, and for minimally invasive surgical applications. 2. Students will understand biomaterial requirements, limitations and recent developments.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify the characteristics and properties of the natural materials from which living systems are made.
2. Describe and explain the biological processes associated with the implantation of biomaterials in the body.
3. Identify, describe and explain models for the viscoelastic and/or rubber-like behaviour of artificial and natural biomaterials, and describe experiments to test these properties.
4. Identify, describe and explain relevant materials processing technologies, including polymer processing (e.g. extrusion), metal processing (e.g. casting) and coating technologies (e.g. PVD, CVD, Thermal Spray).
5. Analyse and solve linear viscoelastic problems (Maxwell, Kelvin models, Boltzmann superposition principle), soft tissue mechanics problems (simple finite elasticity models, prescribed deformations), fluid mechanics problems (polymer extrusion), and residual stress calculations (thermal spray coating processes)
6. Compile a well organised independent desk study on a biomaterial, including(i) writing a literature survey (ii) identification of key mechanical and physical properties required for a selected application, and (iii) biological evaluation of the biomaterial according to a relevant standard

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Lectures
Tutorial	12	Tutorials
Laboratory	12	Laboratory or practical sessions
Independent Study	77	Study, problem solving and literature review
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20170	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Inam Ul Ahad	Module Teacher	Garrett Mcguinness, Nicholas Dunne, Tanya Levingstone

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Project	Individual project relating to a specific biomaterial or class of biomaterials	30%	Week 12
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	70%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to biomaterials

Properties of natural materials constituents.
In vivo versus In vitro properties. Bone. Tissue.

Polymers, Biopolymers.
Viscoelasticity. Resorbable and bioerodible polymers. Sterilisation issues.

Hydrogels
Classification and basic structure. Preparation. Swelling behaviour. Determination of Structural Properties. Applications.

Metals
Metals used in the biomedical industry. Evolution of a metallic prosthesis. Casting, Mechanical forming, Heat treatment, Finishing, Mechanical properties associated with metallic components.

Ceramics / Composites.
Reactive ceramics. Composites used in the biomedical industry. Fabrication of composites. Mechanical properties. Casting materials. Applications.

Thin Films, Grafts and Coatings
Processes. Mechanics.

General principles.
Methods for modifying the surfaces of materials. The nature of the plasma environment. Laser methods.

Host response
Local host response. Systemic and host response.

Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
Concept, Principles, Bioreactors, Experimental Characterisation Methods

Indicative Reading List

Books:

B.D. Ratner, A.D. Hoffman, F.J. Schoen, J.E. Lemons: 2004, Biomaterials science: an introduction to materials in medicine, 2nd, Elsevier Academic Press, 0-12-582463-7
William D. Callister, Jr: 2003, Materials science and engineering, 6th, J. Wiley, New York, 978-0-471-13576-0
Joon B. Park and Roderic S. Lakes: 1992, Biomaterials, Plenum Press, New York, 0306439921
Adil Al Mayah: 2018, Biomechanics of Soft tissues: Principles and Applications, CRC Press, 135-1-135-813

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None