Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

Biocompatibility is explored and is related to the foreign body response. The importance of the interfacial properties of biomaterials is covered and includes factors affecting cellular response and protein adsorption. Polymers and ceramics used in medicine are reviewed with examples including the total hip joint replacement (TFJR), heart valves, catheters and vascular grafts and hydrogels used in ophthalomology. Drug delivery devices are reviewed and include degradation mechanisms and kinetics. Biomaterials with biological recognition and smart biomaterials will be studied. Biosensors and examples in bionanotechnology will be investigated. Tissue engineering and scaffold manufacture is covered and the use of stem cells for regenerative medicine reviewed.

Objectives

Have a basic understanding of the processes involved in the foreign body response and biocompatibility

Appreciate some factors that affect protein adsorption

Understand the different classes of polymeric biomaterials used in the body.

Be familiar with some of the degradation processes of polymers

Describe some methods of drug delivery

Describe the action and use of smart materials

Be familiar with ceramic materials used in body and some aspects of thermal spraying

Understand some techniques used in tissue engineering including some methods of scaffold manufacture

Understand some techniques commonly used to characterise biomaterial surfaces.

Be able to review a journal article and provide a detailed assessment.

Have an ability to communicate within a team, and submit a group assignment.

Assessment

Examination (2 hours): 50%
Mid-semester test (1 hour): 20%
Individual assignment: 10%
Group assignment: 10%
Laboratory work:10%

Chief examiner(s)

Professor George Simon

Contact hours

2 hours lectures, 1 hour tutorials, 8 hours of private study per week per week and 6 hours laboratory classes per semester

Prerequisites

Must have passed 96 credit points

Prohibitions

MTE4539, MTE5596