Subject

Biology Materials and Biomaterials Laboratory

  • code 13563
  • course 3
  • term Semester 1
  • type OB
  • credits 6

Main language of instruction: English

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish

Timetable
 Sem.1  MO 09:00 13:00 P2L04
 Sem.1  TH 09:00 13:00 P2L04

Teaching staff

Head instructor

Dra. Jenifer OLMOS - jolmos@uic.es

Office hours

Please send an email to set up a meeting

Jenifer Olmos: jolmos@uic.es

Introduction

In the event that the health authorities announce a new period of confinement due to the evolution of the health crisis caused by COVID-19, the teaching staff will promptly communicate how this may effect the teaching methodologies and activities as well as the assessment.

The use of biological materials and biomaterials in the field of Bioengineering has proven to be an effective tool for the regeneration and/or functional repair of tissues. As a result, the design and fabrication of biomaterials and their characterisation are extremely important when it comes to obtaining certain properties that facilitate these regenerative processes and, thus, restore tissue functionality.   

Pre-course requirements

Students must have successfully completed the subject Biomaterials and Biocompatibility (2nd semester)

Objectives

 

  • To design biomaterials based on the target tissue and perform basic operations
  • To develop biomaterials using the most relevant techniques
  • To characterise the properties of these biomaterials
  • To graph and analyse the results
  • To draw up laboratory reports
  • In-class presentations and discussion of the results

Competencies

  • CB1 - Students must demonstrate that they have and understand knowledge in an area of study based on general secondary education. This knowledge should be of a level that, although based on advanced textbooks, also includes some of the cutting-edge elements from their field of study.
  • CB2 - Students must know how to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional way and have the competences that are demonstrated through the creation and defence of arguments and the resolution of problems within their field of study.
  • CB3 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) and to issue judgements that include a reflection on important issues that are social, scientific or ethical in nature.
  • CB4 - Students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • CB5 - Students have developed the necessary learning skills to undertake subsequent studies with a high degree of autonomy.
  • CE1 - To solve the maths problems that arise in the field of Bioengineering. The ability to apply knowledge of geometry, calculate integrals, use numerical methods and achieve optimisation.
  • CE15 - The ability to undertake a project through the use of data sources, the application of methodologies, research techniques and tools specific to Bioengineering, give a presentation and publicly defend it to a specialist audience in a way that demonstrates the acquisition of the competences and knowledge that are specific to this degree programme.
  • CE16 - To apply specific Bioengineering terminology both verbally and in writing in a foreign language.
  • CE17 - To be able to identify the engineering concepts that can be applied in the fields of biology and health.
  • CE21 - The ability to understand and apply biotechnological methodologies and tools to research, as well as to the development and production of products and services.
  • CE6 - To incorporate the foundations of science and materials technology, while taking into account the relationship between microstructure, synthesis or process and the properties of materials.
  • CG10 - To know how to work in a multilingual and multidisciplinary environment.
  • CG3 - To be able to learn new methods and theories and be versatile so as to adapt to new situations.
  • CG5 - To undertake calculations, valuations, appraisals, expert reports, studies, reports, work plans and other similar tasks.
  • CT3 - To know how to communicate learning results to other people both verbally and in writing, and well as thought processes and decision-making; to participate in debates in each particular specialist areas.
  • CT5 - To use information sources in a reliable manner. To manage the acquisition, structuring, analysis and visualisation of data and information in your specialist area and critically evaluate the results of this management.
  • CT7 - To be fluent in a third language, usually English, with a suitable verbal and written level that is in line with graduate requirements.

Learning outcomes

  • To become familiar with and implement the various biomaterial production techniques
  • To become familiar with and implement the existing methods for sterilising and disinfecting biomaterials, and prevent contamination by using sterile handling techniques
  • To be able to perform calculations and formulations for biomaterial synthesis
  • To become familiar with the basic biomaterial characterisation techniques and analyse their properties
  • To be able to graph and interpret results using software and draw up laboratory reports 
  • To be able to interpret and reason the results and present and defend arguments in a group discussion
  • To be able to work as a team
  • To be able to work in a scientific laboratory and prepare scientific reports on specific topics 

Syllabus

  1. Protein extraction and purification
  2. Films
  3. Particles
  4. Cements
  5. Hydrogels
  6. Scaffolds
  7. Surface modification
  8. Injectable materials

Teaching and learning activities


In blended

The following methodologies and activities that can be carried out through Moodle Collaborate are:

  • Manipulation of the data obtained, creation of graphs and discussion of the data
  • Correction of exercises and problems

The following methodologies and activities are in-class:

  • Laboratory practices
  • Laboratory notebook
  • Exercises and problems

Initially, the total of the subject is 100% is in-class modality. In the event that there are recommendations by the Government of the University and/or the Ministry of Health of the Spanish State or the Generalitat of Catalonia, it will be changed to the Blended modality.

Evaluation systems and criteria


In blended

First call exam:

  1. Laboratory reports (25%)(*)
  2. Laboratory notebook (25%)(*)
  3. Presentation (15%)*
  4. Final exam (35%)

It is recommendable work on the assignments during all course. 

The exams will take place in person

A minimal mark of 5.0 should be obtained in the final exam in order to be taken for the calculation of the course average. The no realization of assignments will imply the failure of the subject (*). 

The subject will be passed with a minimum mark of 5.0 in the total score grade.

The same evaluation criteria will be applied in the second sitting of the exam, without the possibility of obtaining a distinction with honors.

Being late for more than 10 min at the start of the class or coming late after the break for more 10% of total classes will lead to 0.5 points reduction in the final grade. The same criteria will be applied for unjustified absence.

Attendance is mandatory 90% to pass the subject

Important considerations

  1. Plagiarism, copying or any other action that may be considered cheating will be zero in that evaluation section. Besides, in exams it will mean the immediate failing of the whole subject.
  2. Changes of the calendar, exam dates or the evaluation system will not be accepted. Exchange students (Erasmus and others) or repeaters will be subjected to the same conditions as the rest of the students.
  3. Attendance is mandatory and must be greater than 90% to pass the subject.

Bibliography and resources

Johnna S. Temenoff & Antonios G. Mikos. Biomaterials: The intersection of Biology and Materials Science. Pearson, 2009

Evaluation period

E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:

  • E1 14/01/2021 10:00h P2A03
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