Biomaterials and Biomechanics
Overview
This unit is designed to enable students to apply the fundamental principles in material sciences to biomedical applications. It will address different materials (polymers, metals and composites) used in contact with living tissue. In addition, students will be introduced to biological materials like bone and soft tissue.
Requisites
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Describe the material science and engineering requirements related to a range of biomaterials (K1, K3, K5, K6, S1, S2, S3, A3, A4, A5)
- Recognise the complexity in the application of materials in medical devices (K1, K3, K5, S1, S2, S3, A2)
- Describe the practical aspects of biomaterials (K1, K3, K5, S1, S2, A2)
- Correlate biomaterial properties to intended clinical applications (K1, K5, S1, S2, S3)
- Develop group working skills (S2, A2, A7)
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Online Lecture |
1.00 | 6 weeks | 6 |
| On Campus Lecture |
1.00 | 6 weeks | 6 |
| On Campus Class |
2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Online Learning Activities |
0.50 | 12 weeks | 6 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning |
9.00 | 12 weeks | 108 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | Individual | 20-25% | 1,3 |
| Online Assignment | Individual | 5-15% | 1,3,4 |
| Report | Group | 25-35% | 2,5 |
| Presentation and Report | Group | 35-40% | 2,3,4,5 |
Hurdle
As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass a unit and meet all ULOs to a minimum standard, an undergraduate student must have achieved:
(i) An aggregate mark of 50% or more, and (ii) 40% of the possible final marks for the presentation and report in Task 3 Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirement (ii) will receive a maximum of 45% as the total mark for the unit.
Content
- Structure of materials
- Biological interfacing
- Host response to biomaterials
- Physical property modifications
- Biocompatibility of materials
- Characterisation of materials
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.