Course Objectives:
Developing materials for use in medicine is a challenging interdisciplinary process and requires an understanding of material bulk and surface properties, the various biological responses to the materials, the clinical context of their use, manufacturing processes, cost, sterilization, packaging and regulatory issues. This course is designed to introduce students to the various classes of biomaterials in use and their application in selected subspecialties of medicine.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. differentiate the various classes of biomaterials on the basis of structure and function;

2. differentiate various analytical methods based on their use to characterize bulk and surface properties of biomaterials;

3. differentiate the molecular and cellular events that follow exposure of materials to bodily fluids and to contact with various tissues of the human body;

4. differentiate various biomedical devices based upon function, biomaterial composition, patient risk and clinical application; and, to

5. describe various practical aspects of biomedical device design, fabrication and testing.

Citation: P. Tresco, "Biomaterials," Biomedical Engineering, Univeristy of Utah.

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