42026 Biomedical Polymers
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 65111 Chemistry 1
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Description
Cutting edge technologies such as stem cells and 3D bioprinting for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are based on the use of biomedical polymers. These polymers are mixed with specific cells to generate a bioengineered tissue, which can be used for drug testing, toxicology studies and regeneration in humans. This subject aims at providing students with knowledge to: 1) discern the different polymers based on their chemical structure and how this relates to their biological function; 2) engineer tissue constructs that are 3D bioprinted with tissue-specific features; and 3) validate 3D bioprinted tissue with mammalian cells. The first lectures provide introductory information regarding polymers and their specific applications, while the remaining lectures feature guest lecturers, currently doing research in the field of biomedical polymers from both industry and academia. Students design bioprinted tissues using polymers and mammalian cells, based on their literature review and laboratory activities in the state-of-the-art facilities located in the HIVE.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Describe the latest developments in biomaterials, stem cells, bioprinting and nanotechnology using biomedical polymers. (D.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Identify the differences between natural and synthetic biomedical polymers used for in vitro and in vivo applications. (D.1) |
| 3. | Apply biomedical polymers for research and clinical applications. (C.1) |
| 4. | Utilise communication and collaboration skills to work in academic and industry environments. (E.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
- Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
Students enrolled in the Master of Professional Engineering should note that this subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 competencies:
- 1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
- 1.4. Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline.
- 2.1. Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
- 3.2. Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
- 3.4. Professional use and management of information.
Teaching and learning strategies
In a weekly delivery mode, there are one-hour lectures and three-hours of practical activities. Lectures will be online and delivered either live or pre-recorded by full-time staff and guest lecturers. For laboratory activities, students will be organised into small “Groups”. Each Group will establish a team in Microsoft Teams and Canvas, which will form the basis of the group activities. Each table-group must invite their tutor to their Teams group. This will encourage interactive learning and understanding, as in-depth synthetic mechanisms can be explained to the class using different methods and illustrations, potentially including the use of online virtual simulations. A critical literature review is part of the final project where students will need to develop an engineering approach to apply biomedical polymers for medical applications. Presentations will provide students the opportunity to conceptualise and present their investigations to the class. Student learning is supported by the following approach: before each class, pre- reading of lecture notes and any additional material available on Canvas will be required. On Tuesdays, an online lecture will be delivered, and questions can be asked either during or after this time. The three hour labs on Thursdays will provide students with opportunities to learn about the use of polymers and cells in bioinks, and work collaboratively in the HIVE (lab activity). During the group presentation in week 12, students will be provided with opportunities to share their knowledge relating to novel biomedical engineering research while developing their own 3D bioprinted tissue using mammalian cells and bioinks. These presentations will include a literature review together with a detailed description of how the student engineered their tissue in the lab. This will require each group to strategically allocate responsibilities among themselves and work collectively to present the work to the class.
Content (topics)
- Topic 1: Introduction to Biomedical Polymers
- Topic 2: Polymers for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
- Topic 3 Polymers for Bioprinting
- Topic 4: Bioprinting of Cardiac Cells
- Topic 5: Biopolymer-based Formulations
- Topic 6: Mechanical Characterisation of Bioprinted Hydrogels
- Topic 7: Polymers for Stem Cells
- Topic 8: Silk Fibroin as a Natural Polymer for Tissue Engineering Applications
- Topic 9: Photoactivated Polymers for 3D Bioprinting Technology NOTE: Practical activities for Week 9 are on a public holiday, therefore a new date for this will be provided before the exact date and informed to students through Canvas.
- Topic 10: Bioprinting of Cartilage Tissue
- Topic 11: Innovations in Hydrogels for Bioprinting
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Lab activities and notes
| Intent: | To develop professional and technical note taking and report writing skills. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | No limit. |
Assessment task 2: Group presentation
| Intent: | To develop project presentation skills. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, D.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 10 minutes |
Assessment task 3: Project report
| Intent: | Promote critical thinking about cutting-edge research. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, D.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | Maximum 8 pages |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Required texts
Students will be provided with lecture notes during lectures on Canvas (or the day before when available). Notes on important concepts will also be separately provided to student during class.
Recommended texts
Matyjaszewski K., Davis T. P., 2003, Handbook of Radical Polymerization, John Wiley and Sons.
Odian G., 2004, Principles of Polymerization, Wiley.
Ratner B. D., Hoffman A. S., Schoen F. J., Lemons J. E., 2013, Biomaterials Science, Elsevier.
References
Student’s lecture notes and recommended textbooks.
Other resources
Students will gather on a Microsoft Teams Channel to share their material and to build on their group's presentations facilitated by the support of the Subject Coordinator and Tutors