Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemical Engineering School
Introduction to biomaterials science, artificial organs, prosthetic devices, regulatory testing and evaluation of new biomaterials. Polymeric, ceramic, metallic and composite biomaterials.
Biomaterials is one of the most rapidly-expanding technological fields of recent decades. It draws on physical sciences, engineering, physiology and clinical science disciplines to understand and ensure the performance of any substance that has been engineered to interact with biological systems for a medical purpose. From total organ/joint replacement, wound dressings, dental repairs and controlled drug delivery systems to advances in biomimetic engineering and regenerative medicine, almost every human being on earth will be exposed to biomaterials during their lifetime. The course is designed to explore the entire process of “Biomaterials Translation” from scientific discoveries and intellectual property protection, to the founding of start-ups and associated funding, technological and regulatory hurdles that need to be overcome to take new biomaterials technologies to market. Assessment comprises both project, team-based and individual tasks, and makes use of the UQ library’s excellent scientific journal and patent databases. Students will be immersed in real technology case studies to teach them how researchers, technologists, government regulatory bodies and investors cooperate. Lectures will cover the traditional classes of biomaterials, biocompatibility and testing, with tutorials, practicals and additional research-based learning activities exploring and sharing information about innovation and commercialisation in the biomaterials and medical device sector.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Basic biology and materials science are recommended in order to perform well in this course.
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CHEE1001 or BIOE1001
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
CHEE4305 and CHEE7325
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Vignesh Selvaprithiviraj
Associate Professor Nasim Amiralian
Tutor
Mr Micah Clarke
Mr Ronny Pibaque
Mrs Astrid Nausa Galeano
Mr Ryan McKinnon
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
L01 St Lucia -ﾠ Mon 12 PM – 2 PM, Mansergh Shaw Building, Room 45-204
T01 St Lucia -ﾠThu 8 AM - 10 AM, Therapies Annexe, Collaborative Room 84A-304
P01 St Lucia - Wed, Thu or Fri between 10 AM - 6 PM
Biocompatibility: Hawken Engineering Bldg., Lab 50-C401 (Weeks 2-5 only)
Mechanical Properties: Andrew N. Liveris Bldg., Labs 46-542 and 46-641 (Weeks 5-8 only)
Aims and outcomes
The aim of the course is to allow students to explore the entire process of “technology evolution” from scientific discoveries and intellectual property protection to the founding of start-ups and associated funding, technological and regulatory hurdles required to take new biomaterials technologies to market. Students will be immersed in real technology case studies to teach them how researchers, technologists, government bodies and investors cooperate.ﾠ
In completing this course, we anticipate that the students will:
- Understand both the historic and contemporary role of biomaterials in medicine, as well as appreciate how key future developments evolve.
- Understand the unique biomaterial design requirements that are sitting at the interface between physical science, engineering, and medicine disciplines.
- Appreciate and understand the "technology evolution" processes arising within complex R&D/technological networks in order to successfully discover, design, develop and commercialise new biomaterials.ﾠ
- Appreciate and understand the key types of biomaterials used in medicine, their requisites for medical applications, as well as mechanical/chemical/biological properties of biomaterials.
- Have improved teamwork skills by cooperating effectively with a group of students from different disciplines and backgrounds on the Major Literature Review.
- Have developed new transferrable professional skills (diverse information retrieval and synthesis, broader understanding of biomedical technology development and the importance of many stakeholders along the way), applicable to academic or industrial environments alike.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate a knowledge of biomaterial requirements in medical devices, understand the properties of biomaterials used in medical devices, and be able to engineer solutions for the use of biomaterials in medical devices.
LO2.
Conduct a detailed scientific literature search and critique the literature to generate a report of the historical and current state of play of research.
LO3.
Conduct a comprehensive IP search and generate an insightful report of IP relating to a biomaterial or medical device.
LO4.
Demonstrate effective spoken and written communication to a non-scientifically literate audience, or an audience with diverse backgrounds.
LO5.
Manage personal independent research and learning through pro-active and responsible use of resources such as online course material, library databases and internet.
LO6.
Analyse scenarios and develop solutions to multidisciplinary biomaterials problems.
LO7.
Work and cooperate effectively in a team consisting of students from a range of academic disciplines and personality types.
LO8.
Demonstrate an understanding of the social and ethical context of biomaterials in society that set medical related biomaterials apart from other material engineering disciplines.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Quizzes 1, 2 & 3
|
50% Individual (Hurdle*) |
Quiz 1 - Biocompatibility 21/08/2025 8:00 am Quiz 2 - Mechanical Properties 25/09/2025 8:00 am Quiz 3 - Families of Biomaterials (Examination Period)
Quizzes 1 & 2: 1st half of normal tutorial timeslot. Quiz 3: Run in the Exam Period. Date and time tba. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration | Prac Reports | 20% Individual |
Biocompatibility Prac Reports due 5/09/2025 2:00 pm Mechanical Properties of Biomaterials Prac Reports due 26/09/2025 2:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Major Literature Review (MLR)
|
30% Group |
MLR: Non-assessable Team Charter 22/08/2025 2:00 pm MLR: Non-assessable Team Check-In 10/10/2025 2:00 pm MLR: Team Presentations & Interviews held on Tues and Thu this Week 13 28/10/2025 10:00 am |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Quizzes 1, 2 & 3
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 50% Individual (Hurdle*)
- Due date
Quiz 1 - Biocompatibility 21/08/2025 8:00 am
Quiz 2 - Mechanical Properties 25/09/2025 8:00 am
Quiz 3 - Families of Biomaterials (Examination Period)
Quizzes 1 & 2: 1st half of normal tutorial timeslot.
Quiz 3: Run in the Exam Period. Date and time tba.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L06, L08
Task description
Quiz 1 - 15%: Biocompatibility is a core module, with lecture and tutorial material from weeks 2 and 3 to be tested with a Quiz in Week 4. This is an open book, invigilated in-class Quiz. There will be 5 minutes reading time, followed by a 60 minute Quiz.
Quiz 2 - 15%: Biomaterials mechanical properties is a core module to be tested with a Quiz in Week 9. This includes the Week 6 lecture and tut, plus the Week 5, 6, 7 or 8 practical demonstrations. This practical demonstration will be performed in-person. This is an open book, invigilated in-class Quiz. There will be 5 minutes reading time, followed by a 60 minute Quiz.
Quiz 3 - 20%: Families of biomaterials (Polymers, Composites, Metals and Ceramics) is a core module, with lecture and tutorial material from weeks 7-12 to be tested with a final School-administered Quiz run during the Exam Period. This is an open book, invigilated Quiz. There will be 10 mins reading time, followed by a 90 minute Quiz.
These 3 assessment tasks are to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Hurdle - the aggregate mark for Quizzes 1 + 2 + 3 combined must be >= to 50%.Submission guidelines
Quizzes 1 & 2 will be run on paper in the classroom.
Quiz 3 will be run on paper in the Exam Period.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Prac Reports
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 20% Individual
- Due date
Biocompatibility Prac Reports due 5/09/2025 2:00 pm
Mechanical Properties of Biomaterials Prac Reports due 26/09/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L05, L06
Task description
After attending the two (2) prac demonstrations (Biocompatibility (Weeks 2-5) and Mechanical Testing of Biomaterials (Weeks 5-8), you will be required to submit two separate reports answering several questions pertaining to the practical sessions and the raw data provided.
Use of AI (Artificial Intelligence)
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Submitted electronically through Turn-it-in using the Blackboard link.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
An extension request is not considered late until 24 hours after the assessment due date & time.
Late submission
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
Major Literature Review (MLR)
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 30% Group
- Due date
MLR: Non-assessable Team Charter 22/08/2025 2:00 pm
MLR: Non-assessable Team Check-In 10/10/2025 2:00 pm
MLR: Team Presentations & Interviews held on Tues and Thu this Week 13 28/10/2025 10:00 am
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
Task Summary: Key Focus – A factual, detailed "deep-dive" review and analysis of Biomaterials Development for a current medical device product that is on the market today.
Based on the topic provided, a Major Literature Review (MLR) must be delegated and compiled into a professional group presentation and interview. The group must immerse themselves in the following key facets:
Science, IP & Regulatory, People and Organisation, Timeline, Competitors and Presentation/Interview Quality. The associated full Task Description and Marking Rubric clearly breaks down these sections of the presentation/interview with the associated allocation of marks.
A non-assessable Team Charter activity (Week 3), an Interim Report (Week 10) plus BuddyCheck Peer Assessment will be implemented to ensure Teams delegate and balance workload equitably across the abovementioned key elements of the MLR throughout semester.
Use of AI (Artificial Intelligence)
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their MLR assessment components, independent of AI and MT tools.
Criteria & Marking
A more detailed assessment criteria and marking sheet can be found on Blackboard.
Submission guidelines
Team Charter, Interim Report and Final Presentation PowerPoint slides submitted electronically through Turn-it-in using the Blackboard links.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
An extension request is not considered late until 24 hours after the assessment due date & time.
Late submission
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically an overall mark of <20. Shows lack of understanding of the field of biomaterials (as per grade 2), as well as failure to complete assessment tasks, attend lectures, and tutorials. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically an overall mark of 20-44. Shows lack of understanding of the field of biomaterials, inadequate performance and involvement in quizzes, assignments and practical. Grade scores below 3 indicate a marked lack of professional competence in the course material. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Typically an overall mark of 45-49. Falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass. Shows poor understanding of the field of biomaterials, inadequate performance in quizzes, assignments and practical. Grade scores of 3 indicate a lack of professional competence in the course material. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically an overall mark of 50-64 and at least a 50% pass mark for In Class Quizzes (Identity Verified Assessment Hurdle). The grade demonstrates satisfactory understanding of the field of biomaterials, good all-round performance and involvement in quizzes, assignments and practical, as well as basic level of problem solving skills and satisfactory quality of written assignment work. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically an overall mark of 65-74 and at least a 50% pass mark for In Class Quizzes (Identity Verified Assessment Hurdle). The grade demonstrates good understanding of the field of biomaterials and some level of cross-disciplinary understanding as evidenced from assessment. The student has demonstrated good problem solving skills, good involvement in teamwork, quizzes, assignments and practical, and a good quality of written assignment work, including adequate referencing and a some critical analysis of the literature. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically an overall mark of 75-84 and at least a 50% pass mark for In Class Quizzes (Identity Verified Assessment Hurdle). The grade demonstrates very good understanding of the field of biomaterials. The student has demonstrated excellent cross-disciplinary understanding as evidenced in all aspects of assessment, as well as very good problem solving skills, very good team collaboration and involvement, a very good quality of written assignment work including correct referencing and a discerning, critical analysis of the literature. The grade reflects excellent involvement in class and engagement during learning activities. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically an overall mark of >=85 and at least a 50% pass mark for In Class Quizzes (Identity Verified Assessment Hurdle). The grade demonstrates critical and deep understanding of the field of biomaterials. Student has embraced and demonstrated excellent cross-disciplinary understanding as evidenced in all aspects of assessment, as well as demonstrated creative problem solving skills, excellent team collaboration and involvement, and an excellent quality of written assignment work, including correct and thorough referencing and a discerning and sophisticated critical analysis of the literature. |
Additional course grading information
The 3 Quizzes, run during tutorials and Exam Week 1, will be considered an Identity Verified Assessment Hurdle needing a 50% pass mark for students to pass this course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for some items in this course.
Not all of the assessment components of this course may be re-assessed with supplementary assessment. A grade of 3 or N does not guarantee that supplementary assessment may be undertaken for this course, however students may apply.
Refer to my.UQ for how to apply for supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
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Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Public domain information, e.g. media reports, government "grey literature", regulatory databases or direct communications with Biomaterials-related experts.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Lecture |
Introduction to biomaterials (Part A) Course introduction, structure, concepts, learning objectives, group conduct and expectations, (Part B) Biomaterials history (Prof Darren Martin). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06, L07, L08 |
Tutorial |
Advanced literature search skills Tute 1: Advanced literature research skills. Major Literature Review team allocation. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05, L07 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 5 |
Practical |
Biocompatibility practical This practical session is designed to support the Biocompatibility#1 and Biocompatibiity#2 lecture content (Dr Vignesh Selvaprithiviraj). Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L06, L08 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Lecture |
Biocompatibility #1 Overview of biocompatibility, key definitions and concepts, inflammation, wound healing, foreign body response. Biocompatibility is a core module to be tested with a Quiz in Week 4 (Dr Vignesh Selvaprithiviraj). Learning outcomes: L01, L06, L08 |
Tutorial |
Biocompatibility #1 Tute 2: (A) Biocompatibility #1, (B) MLR Team Charter support. Learning outcomes: L01, L06, L08 |
|
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Lecture |
Biocompatibility #2 Introduction to the immune system (host response), biocompatibility testing, introduction to toxicity. Biocompatibility is a core module to be tested with a Quiz in Week 4 (Dr Vignesh Selvaprithiviraj). Learning outcomes: L01, L06, L08 |
Tutorial |
Biocompatibility #2 Tute 3: (A) Biocompatibility #2, (B) MLR Team Charter support. Learning outcomes: L01, L06, L08 |
|
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Lecture |
Biomaterials case study #1 Haemostatic wound dressings (These real biomaterials project case studies are designed to give depth and meaning to the Biocompatibility module as well as the Major Literature Review assessment) (Dr Amanda Kijas). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06, L08 |
Multiple weeks From Week 5 To Week 8 |
Practical |
Mechanical testing of biomaterials practical Mechanical Testing of (1) TPU pacemaker lead insulation and (2) injectable dermal filler hydrogel. (Dr Nasim Amiralian) Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Lecture |
Biomaterials discovery, design & development and commercialisation An introduction to the complex full process of developing a new biomaterial - a global view (Prof Darren Martin). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L06 |
Tutorial |
Medical device hands-on demonstration session Tute 5: Hands-on real medical device “show-and-tell” session. Learning outcomes: L01, L06, L08 |
|
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Lecture |
Mechanical properties of biomaterials Biomaterials mechanical properties is a core module to be tested with a Quiz in Week 9 (Prof Darren Martin). Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
Tutorial |
Mechanical properties of biomaterials Tute 6: Mechanical properties of biomaterials. Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
|
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Lecture |
Polymeric biomaterials Polymers - Arguably the class of biomaterials which has undergone the most sophisticated transformation during the last 30 years (Prof Darren Martin). Will be tested in the final Quiz in the Exam period. Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
Tutorial |
Polymeric biomaterials Tute 7: Covering this week's lecture content on polymers. Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
|
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Lecture |
Composite biomaterials & anisotropic tissues Composite and nano-composite biomaterials are becoming increasingly-important. Our bodies are also made of composites (Dr Nasim Amiralian). Will be tested in the final Quiz in the Exam period. Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
Tutorial |
Composite biomaterials & anisotropic tissues Tute 8: (A) Covering this week's lecture content on composites and tissues. Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
|
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Lecture |
Biomaterials case study #2 Biostable TPU pacemaker lead insulation now implanted in more than 90 million patients worldwide (These real biomaterials project case studies are designed to give depth and meaning to the Major Literature Review assessment) (Prof Darren Martin). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06, L08 |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Lecture |
Metallic biomaterials Metallic biomaterials is a core module (Dr Jeffrey Venezuela). Will be tested in the final Quiz in the Exam period. Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
Tutorial |
Metallic biomaterials Tute 10: (A) Covering this week's lecture content on metallic biomaterials. (B) MLR interim report support. Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
|
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Lecture |
Ceramic biomaterials + Biomaterials case study #3 (A) Ceramic biomaterials, (B) Case study #3, CeramTec alumina composite (Prof Darren Martin). Will be tested in the final Quiz in the Exam period. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06, L08 |
Tutorial |
Ceramic biomaterials Tute11: (A) Covering this week's lecture content on bioceramics. (B) Support to prepare for final Quiz. Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
|
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Lecture |
Biomaterials case study #4 Experiences building several successful medical device companies (Tim Case, CEO Trioda Wilingi). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06, L08 |
Tutorial |
IP protection and "patent-paper-pairs" What are patents and why do we need them? We will workshop the important activity and relationship between "scientific" (eg university or clinical academic) and "technological" (eg private company, investor) networks, then how to best measure & communicate this in the Major Literature Review (Prof Darren Martin). Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:
- Safety Induction for Practicals
Course guidelines
Safety Induction for Practicals
Anyone undertaking courses with a practical component must complete the UQ Undergraduate Student Laboratory Safety Induction and pass the associated assessment.
Specific instructions, usage guidelines and rules for each of the undergraduate laboratories will be delivered as part of each course.
In some cases, students may be required to attend a specific face-to-face laboratory induction/training session.