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School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

Biomaterials and Biocompatibility (902H1)

Biomaterials and Biocompatibility

Module 902H1

Module details for 2025/26.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)

Module Outline

This module provides an in-depth exploration of biomaterials used in a wide range of biomedical applications such as in active and passive biomedical implants. The module covers fundamental structure-property relationships, physical, chemical, and mechanical aspects of bulk and surface properties of metallic, polymer, and ceramic biomaterials. Students will learn about principles of surface engineering, host-tissue response, blood compatibility, extracellular matrix collagen, bioadhesion, protein adsorption, and polymers for controlled drug release. The module further explores corrosion and degradation mechanisms, the selection of biomaterials based on function, biological environments, toxicity, and economic aspects with practical examples. Current research trends and medical device regulations will be discussed.

Module learning outcomes

Comprehensively identify biomedical material applications, and the material properties that are critical for metallic, polymer and ceramic biomaterial. Independently select the proper type of biomaterial for given applications

Systematically identify basic physical, chemical and mechanical processes that may occur on biomaterials in use, including corrosion and degradation reactions that occur for different biomaterials and their consequences

Perform and analyse experimental evaluations of common biomedical materials

Present and evaluate a project and laboratory assignments in writing

TypeTimingWeighting
Unseen ExaminationSemester 2 Assessment60.00%
Coursework40.00%
Coursework components. Weighted as shown below.
ReportT2 Week 8 50.00%
Group written submissionEASTER Week 1 50.00%
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Spring SemesterLecture2 hours22212212100
Spring SemesterPractical3 hours00010010000
Spring SemesterSeminar4 hours00000000002

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

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The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.

School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

School Office:
School of Engineering and Informatics, Â鶹ӳ»­, Chichester 1 Room 002, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QJ
ei@sussex.ac.uk
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