Department of Mechanical Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2011/12 |
|
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7) |
| Period: |
Semester 1 |
| Assessment:
| EX100 |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Supplementary assessment information not currently available (this will be added shortly) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take ME20023 or take ME20024 or take ME20071 |
| Description:
| Aims: To explore the structure and mechanical properties of hard and soft tissues of the human body and how structural engineering materials can be used to replace, reconstruct or repair them. To examine structure:function relationships at the interface between medicine and engineering. Learning Outcomes: After taking this unit the student should be able to: * Relate the structure and properties of bone and soft tissues to their role in the human body. * Demonstrate knowledge of a range of materials that can be used to replace both soft and hard tissues of the body and be aware of the extent and the limitations of replacement components in terms of design and materials. Skills: Facilitated intellectual and professional key skills. Content: Biological materials: The structure and properties of the main hard and soft tissues in the body - bone, teeth, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and muscle. Chemical and physical compositions of their main constituents - calcium phosphate, dentine, enamel, collagen and elastin. Mechanical properties: Stress, strain, Young's modulus, toughness, creep and fatigue in both biological and made materials. Mechanical response of hard and soft tissues in terms of their structures. Crystalline and amorphous structures. Sports injuries, fracture healing and repair. Biomedical Materials and Devices: Use of biomaterials for replacement and repair of hard and soft tissues. Functional considerations - forces on joints, cyclic loading, wear and tear, body environment. Materials used for implant purposes - metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers, composites, coatings. Applications in the fields of orthopaedics, bone substitutes, cardiovascular, dental, drug delivery and wound healing. Evaluation of biomaterials : Biocompatibility testing, corrosion, wear, deterioration, regulatory requirements. Topics and case studies for self study that could be examined. |
| Programme availability: |
ME40265 is Optional on the following programmes:Department of Mechanical Engineering
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