BI3BT17-Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Evangelos Delivopoulos
Email: e.delivopoulos@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Implantable devices and regenerative medicine can now restore lost organs and their function. Soft, biodegradable constructs are laden with stem cells and transplanted into healthy tissue. On the other hand, elastic materials and refined microfabrication techniques have made it possible to engineer interfaces that can be chronically implanted, in order to record and stimulate the nervous system. This module provides students with a foundation in materials science and then introduces a series of medical device fabrication and tissue engineering technologies. The module examines different applications, such as artificial vision, cardiovascular implants and nervous system interfaces. These topics are examined over a series of 2 hour lectures. During a 3 week period in the mid-term, students undertake a team based project, writing a grant proposal for their team’s research idea and pitching it to their colleagues.

Aims:

The aim of the module is to enable the students to synthesize and evaluate tissue engineering solutions that can address current medical challenges. These range from targeted stem cell therapy to biocompatible materials for tissue regeneration. The module provides fundamental knowledge in materials science, developmental biology and neuroscience, as well as an overview of engineering techniques, at the forefront of research and industry.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Students should be able to discuss fundamental concepts in neural development (the formation of the neural tube, neurogenesis and neural migration, etc.). Students are expected to identify and employ the literature in a tissue engineering area of their choosing, in order to critically evaluate different regenerative/restorative strategies.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

In the first three weeks, the module will cover key concepts in essential materials science and technologies, as well as biocompatibility pathways.  In the middle of the term, student will be develop hypotheses in teams and suggest methodology to examine them. After enhancement week the module will cover technologies and interfaces at the forefront of biomaterials, stem cell research and neural and cardiovascular engineering.  Examples include: stem cell differentiation in hydrogel scaffolds, neuronal and glial patterning on multi-electrode arrays, neural interfaces and neuroprosthetic devices.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module is taught over the span of 10 weeks. In the 2 weeks before and after enhancement week, students conduct a group project in developing a research proposal around an agreed hypothesis. In the last week of the module students present their funding proposal to their peers, feedback is provided and the winning team is chosen to “fund” their project proposal.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		16
Practicals classes and workshops		4
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		35
Wider reading (directed)		5
Preparation for presentations		2
Group study tasks		8
Essay preparation		20
Reflection		10
Total hours by term	0		0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Oral assessment and presentation	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

A written 1.5 hour examination.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1 group project with presentation and group submission:  30%

Formative assessment methods:
Peer review and feedback during presentations. Feedback also provided by the lecturer.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resit by a written 1.5 hour examination.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 28 June 2021