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

• Understand the structures and mechanical properties of tissues in the body. 

• Apply the principles of large deformation mechanics to predict the behaviour of soft materials. 

• Analyse and predict fatigue and fracture of biomedical materials. 

• Understand concepts of cell biology and use them to predict tissue response to biomaterials and to critically appraise tissue engineering solutions. 

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). 

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.

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. There is no word count as the answers will frequently comprise mathematical calculations, diagrams and tables as well as text, but the rubric states that one of the attributes being assessed is the ability to identify key points and communicate them concisely and clearly. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

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. The reassessment will also consist of a 48 hr written coursework. 

• 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