MEDICAL IMPLANTS AND BIOMATERIAL APPLICATIONS - 2021/2

Module code: ENGM261

Module Overview

This module covers the principles of the design and use of medical implants, orthopaedic implants in particular, related prosthetic technology and biomaterials such as metals, ceramics and polymers and composites with specific reference to biomedical applications.

Module provider

Mechanical Engineering Sciences

Module Leader

XU Wei (Mech Eng Sci)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Independent Learning Hours: 116

Tutorial Hours: 6

Captured Content: 28

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Introduction to medical implants


  • Review of medical implants



 

Design of implants


  • An introduction to the design of implants from the biomechanics viewpoint with a discussion of implants’ mechanical properties and testing in the product development, the attachment methods for mechanical implant, basic skills of stress analysis for design of a mechanical implant and selection of materials for hip, knee, dental and percutaneous trans-femoral osseointegration implant.



 

Trans-femoral Osseointegration and dental implants


  • Introduction to trans-femoral osseointegration and dental implant

  •  

  • Engineering solutions to the issues of  osseointegration

  • Improvement of mechanical and surface properties of implants



 

Articular Implants


  • Assessments, arthroscopy, minimally invasive methods.

  • Current joint replacement methods in upper and lower limbs.

  • Elbow, shoulder, hip and knee joint implants, design requirements and available solutions.



 

Materials for medical applications


  • Introduction to human tissue properties - Viscoelastic materials

  • Smart materials for implant: Introduction to the mechanical and physical properties of shape memory alloys; their current clinical use and their clinical potential.

  • Bonding, structure etc. with comparisons of major groups of materials such as metal ceramics, polymers and composites. The importance of the surface – tribology and attachment. Replacing bone – scaffolds etc. The total hip replacement. Stents, valves, lens etc. Drug delivery, Apparatus (scalpels/filters for dialysis/X-ray tables etc.).



 

Biological techniques and tissue engineering

The basics of two broad ranging techniques used in the investigation of the reaction between biomaterials and host (recipient) tissues. Histological/cytological preparation. Discussion of the difficulties of interpretation, use and artefact that can arise with these methods. The use of living cells and biodegradable polymers in joint and organ replacement; current research and future prospects.

Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Examination ONLINE (OPEN BOOK) EXAM WITHIN 24HR WINDOW 100

Alternative Assessment

Not applicable.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate understanding of scientific principles, methodologies and mathematics methods as well as the ability to describe particular systems and processes in the final examination. The implant technology coursework element allows students to demonstrate that they can interpret a problem and present a solution clearly and accurately.

 

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:


  • Implant technology coursework [ Learning outcomes 2, 3 ] (24 hours)                    {40%}

  • Examination                          [ Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, ] (2 hours)                      {60%}



 

Formative assessment and feedback


  • Written feedback is given on the coursework assessments including a TurnItIn report



Verbal feedback is given in tutorials

Module aims

  • An up-to-date knowledge base on the biomechanical and clinical requirements relevant to mechanical implants and on the associated surgical procedures.
  • An understanding of biocompatibility, physiology and biological responses of human tissue to biomaterials

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
001 Demonstrate a systemic understanding of current methods for medical implants including advanced materials and tissue engineering techniques for implant technology (SM6M, SM7M, SM8M, P2M, Q1) K
002 Critically evaluate current approaches of implementing engineering solutions, with particular reference to the development of mechanical implants. (Q4, SM4M, D9M, D10M, D11M, EL11M) KCP
003 Continue to independently advance their knowledge in the field of medical implants and relevant areas in clinic (D2, D4, EA6M, SM9M, EA5M, Q7) T

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

Introduce implant design and development technologies, industry standards, regulations and clinical practice, prosthetic design and development method and clinical practice and biomaterial applications. This is delivered principally through lectures and tutorial classes.

The learning and teaching methods include:


  • 28 hours lecture in week 3 and 4

  • 8 hour tutorial in week 3 and 4

  • 2 hours revision lectures

  • Implant coursework (24 hours)



 

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENGM261

Programmes this module appears in

Programme Semester Classification Qualifying conditions
Biomedical Engineering MEng 2 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.