Actual course information
Up to date schedule information
Biomaterials
Description
This course introduces the field of biomaterials science, an emerging area at the interface between chemistry, materials science and biology. Throughout the course, the potential of soft materials (e.g. polymers, hydrogels, liposomes) to specifically modulate various biological processes will be explored at several length scales in the context of wound healing, regeneration and disease. Moreover, an in-depth evaluation of the preparation methods of various polymeric scaffolds and their characterization will also be presented. The overall goal of this course is for students to gain an appreciation of the challenges faced in this interdisciplinary field, but also the opportunities for the intervention of materials at the chemical biological interface.
Course Objectives
to introduce the field of biomaterials science and the various roles that soft materials can play in this emerging area;
to describe the synthesis, preparation and characterization of various biologically inert and active materials from the molecular to the macroscopic scales;
to describe several key biological processes (e.g. at the cellular and physiological levels) involved in wound healing, regeneration and disease;
to be able to identify potential areas for intervention using materials.
Mode of Instruction
The course consists of weekly lectures, guest lectures and student presentations.
Assessment method
Literature assessment and pair presentation over an ongoing debate in the biomaterials field.
Reading list
- Selected research articles and reviews that will help to guide the lecture will be provided at the end of each lecture and Blackboard
Contact information
Supramolecular materials: from biosensors to cell delivery devices
This course will be given in 2016-2017.