Bioengineering MSc

This module will introduce the following topics:

• Structure and function of cells and cell organelles
• Protein and enzyme structure and function
• Biosynthesis of cell components
• The role of cell membranes in barrier and transport processes.

Examples relating to biomaterials and medical devices will be given where appropriate.

This module considers aspects of human structure and function, and relevant terminology, pertaining to organ systems of interest to bioengineers including:

• Basic anatomical and medical terminology
• Cardiovascular system
• Gastrointestinal system
• Reproductive and excretory system
• Nervous system
• The skeletal system will be considered in greater depth with examples of normal and pathological function and engineering-based interventions.

Delivery

Assessment method

This module requires personal engagement in the classes and there is no examination. In this way this module is like the Individual Project. It has three cycles each comprising students individually preparing a talk, and report, on a topic within a theme and with a title that has been negotiated with the Advanced Materials Teachers (Professor AB Seddon, Dr X Hou and Dr I Ahmed) straight after the teachers have delivered an introductory lecture on that theme.

The point of the module is to improve oral presentation and engineering report-writing skills using advanced materials as a vehicle. The classes are seminars, where good practice is openly discussed and materials' advantages and disadvantages are openly debated. Not to attend classes is not an option or failure of the module at the end is very likely to ensue.

This module is designed to deal with a wide range of materials (including advanced metallic, ceramic, glass, composite and polymeric-based materials) for a wide range of applications. Also it considers materials' themes such as: aerospace materials, medical materials, coatings, carbon-based materials and so on.

The module deals with the underlying principles behind the suitability of material properties for the targeted applications, the processing of these materials, the effects of processing on their subsequent structure and properties and ultimate performance.

Method and Frequency of Class:

Method of Assessment:

A project-oriented module involving a review of publications and views on a topic allied to the chosen specialist subject. The module will also involve organisation and design of the main project. Skills will be acquired through workshops and seminars that will include:

• Further programming in MATLAB and /or MSExcel Macros
• Project planning and use of Microsoft Project
• Measurement and error analysis
• Development of laboratory skills including safety and risk assessment

Students will select a further set of specialist seminars from, e.g.:

• Meshing for computational engineering applications
• Modelling using CAE packages
• Use of CES Selector software
• Specific laboratory familiarisation
• Use of MSVisio software for process flow
• Use of HYSYS process modelling software
• Use of PSpice to simulate analogue and digital circuits

The specialist seminars will be organised within the individual MSc courses.

Delivery

Assessment method

This project involves students undertaking an original, independent, research study into an engineering or industrial topic appropriate to their specific MSc programme. The project should be carried out in a professional manner and may be undertaken on any topic which is relevant to the MSc programme, as agreed by the relevant Course Director and module convenor.

The project has several aims, beyond reinforcing information and methodology presented in the taught modules; the student is expected to develop skills in research, investigation, planning, evaluation and oral and written communication.

Final reporting will take the form of a written account including a literature review and an account of the student's contribution. A presentation will be made to academic staff towards the end of the project.

Method and Frequency of Class:

There will be a one hour introductory session/session via Moodle . All other activities are arranged on an individual basis between the student and the project supervisor.

Method of Assessment:

The project area is flexible and will be supervised by an academic member of staff

This module is concerned with the biomedical application of materials. It addresses three key areas: 

1. The clinical need for materials in medicine. An outline of cases where disease and trauma can be treated using materials and the tissues involved. 
2. The biological responses to materials in the body. Specifically the effect of the biological environment on materials and the effect of implantation of materials on the body. 
3. The application of materials in medicine. The material requirements, surgical procedures and expected biological performance of biomaterials. The advantages and disadvantages of using different types of materials and the importance of the design of medical implants.

Delivery

Assessment method

This module considers aspects of experimental and theoretical biomechanics including:

• Mechanical properties of biological tissues
• Hard tissues including bone
• Soft tissues including cartilage, tendon, disc and blood vessels
• Time dependent behaviour
• Experimental techniques
• Impact mechanics
• Modelling
• Custom implants

Delivery

Assessment method

This module will cover design, processing and material aspects of additive manufacturing and 3D printing technologies, as well as the current and potential applications of the technology in a wide variety of sectors. Topics include commercial and experimental systems, material requirements, design for additive manufacturing, software and systems, as well as case studies in industry and society.

This module introduces the principles, major algorithms and implementation possibilities of digital signal processing at an advanced level.

Delivery

Assessment method

The module provides students with the necessary background knowledge so that they can understand sensors and their applications.  The module covers a selection of topics where information is acquired from sensors and subsequently electronically processed. Applications will typically include, optical, acoustic, non-destructive evaluation, medical and bio-photonics.

This module consists of:

• Introduction
• Fundamental CFD theory
• Turbulence
• Multiphase
• Reactive Flow
• Quality Assurance

Method and Frequency of Class:

Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks. It is usually specified above if an activity only takes place in some weeks of a Semester.

Method of Assessment:

The techniques for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) are explored. The course aims to introduce the brain imaging technique of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), giving an overview of the physics involved in this technique.

The electromagnetic techniques of electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) will then be outlined, and the relative advantages of the techniques described.

Delivery

Assessment method