This module introduces concepts of cell biology and tissue engineering, the structure and mechanics of soft tissues, and testing and failure prediction for biomaterials. 

• LO1. Understand the structures and mechanical properties of tissues in the body (AHEP M4/C4 M5/C5 M13/C13). 
• LO2. Apply the principles of large deformation mechanics to predict the behaviour of soft materials (AHEP M1/C1 M2/C2 M4/C4 M5/C5). 
• LO3. Analyse and predict fatigue and fracture of biomedical materials (AHEP M1/C1 M2/C2 M4/C4 M5/C5). 
• LO4. Understand concepts of cell biology and use them to predict tissue response to biomaterials and to critically appraise tissue engineering solutions (AHEP M4/C4 M5/C5 M13/C13). 

The Engineering Council sets the overall requirements for the AHEP (Accreditation for Higher Education Programmes). It is the standard used by the UK engineering profession to assess the competence and commitment of individual engineers and technicians and is in its 4th iteration. Link: ahep-fourth-edition 

The module will be delivered through a blend of face-to-face teaching (such as lectures, guided study, tutorials, and formative feedback sessions), and online learning material (such as recorded lectures, quizzes, numerical examples and sample tutorial problems). 

Subject specific skills: 

You will develop your subject-specific knowledge in independent and critical thinking through the following activities: 

• Analyse and predict fatigue and fracture in biomaterials. 

• Analyse the mechanics of soft tissues and solve problems relating to their deformation. 

• Plan mechanical tests on biological materials, analyse their behaviour and critically review experimental data. 

• Understand and apply concepts of cell biology, tissue reaction to biomaterials and tissue engineering. 

Professional and practical skills (AHEP4): 

• C1: Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study.  
  • M1 Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering.  
• C2 Analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles  
  • M2 Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.  
• C4 M4 Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address complex problems  
• C5 Design solutions for complex problems that meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards 
  • M5 Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards 
• C13 M13 Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations 

Transferable/Employability Skills (Graduate Attributes): 

• Ethically, socially and environmentally aware: 

  • ESA1: Consider own personal and professional ethical, social and environmental responsibilities, and act as global citizens 
  • ESA2: Demonstrate personal and professional integrity, reliability and competence 

• Independent and critical thinkers 

  • ICT1: Identify, define and analyse complex issues and ideas, exercising critical judgement in evaluating sources of information 
  • ICT2: Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and engage in the pursuit of new knowledge and understanding 
  • ICT3: Investigate problems and offer effective solutions, reflecting on and learning from successes and failures 

• Reflective & Resilient 

  • RR1: Actively reflect on own studies, achievements and self-identity 
  • RR2: Demonstrate resilience, adaptability and creativity in dealing with challenges, and be open to change 
  • RR3: Identify and articulate own skills, knowledge and understanding confidently and in a variety of contexts 
  • RR4: Engage with new ideas, opportunities and technologies, building knowledge and experience to make informed decisions about own future 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT  

The module will be assessed through a 48 hr written coursework during the exam period (LO 1-4), in which you will apply the concepts in the module to analyse and solve problems in an authentic, open-ended way, assessing your ability to apply the module material as professional engineers.  Answers should be approximately 2000 words, excluding references; the rubric states that one of the attributes being assessed is the ability to identify key points and communicate them concisely and clearly. 

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT  

Formative assessment is provided through tutorials which are delivered throughout the module.  

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

The reassessment will consist of a 48 hr written coursework. 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the  Summer period.  

• Structure and properties of tendon, skin, bone and other materials 

• Primary, secondary and tertiary structure of proteins and effect on mechanical properties 

• Other constituents of biomaterials: fluids, proteoglycans, minerals etc 

• Mechanics of soft materials 

• Matrix and tensor notation; indicial and Einstein’s notation 

• Continuum mechanics of large deformations; deformation tensors; different stress and strain measures 

• Hyperelastic materials; strain energy functions and their relationship to stresses and stiffness; common material models including Mooney – Rivlin and Ogden 

• Experimental testing of biomaterials 

• Techniques for deformation and strain measurements 

• Practical aspects of testing biological materials; environment and apparatus 

• Basic concepts of cell biology 

• Introduction to cell signalling, differentiation and morphogenesis of tissues 

• Response of cells and tissues to biomaterials 

• Engineered tissue replacements using scaffolds