CQUniversity Unit Profile
CHEM13081 Biomaterials: Environmental and Medical Applications
Biomaterials: Environmental and Medical Applications
All details in this unit profile for CHEM13081 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit is an introduction to the use and usefulness of biomaterials. You will be introduced to the materials science of metals, ceramics, polymers and composites, and the engineering principles behind biomaterial design. You will also discuss the medical and environmental applications of biomaterials, such as biomedical engineering, bioactive polymers and antifouling biofilms.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 3
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Prerequisite: CHEM11041 Chemistry for the Life Sciences or CHEM11043 Atoms, Molecules and Matter or CHEM11044 Chemical Reactions

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 2 - 2021

Mixed Mode

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Residential Schools

This unit has a Compulsory Residential School for distance mode students and the details are:
Click here to see your Residential School Timetable.

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Research Proposal
Weighting: 15%
2. Research Assignment
Weighting: 35%
3. Take Home Exam
Weighting: 50%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation (SUTE)

Feedback

Students highlighted that the major assessment for this Unit was focused on a research proposal and writing a scientific manuscript in the format of either the journal Biomaterials Science or the Journal of Chemical Education. Those CC13 students who had completed a chemistry minor were required to take only three basic chemistry specific subjects within their whole degree. As such, research proposal and writing a scientific manuscript in the above-mentioned format remains beyond their level of competency.

Recommendation

In the next offering, the major assessment item will be reviewed to ensure it is relevant for the different cohorts studying the unit.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Describe the various types of biomaterials and the principles of biomaterial design and development
  2. Discuss strategies to solve significant problems in health and the environment using the principles of biomaterial science
  3. Evaluate the use of biomaterials and devices constructed with biomaterials
  4. Assess the compatibility of biomaterials in health and environmental disciplines and apply the appropriate compatability requirements to real world applications.
  5. Discuss the responses of living tissues to implanted biomaterials

Potential RACI accreditation of the unit - currently in discussion with the RACI.

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Practical Assessment - 15%
2 - Written Assessment - 35%
3 - Take Home Exam - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Practical Assessment - 15%
2 - Written Assessment - 35%
3 - Take Home Exam - 50%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Introduction to Biomaterials

Edition: 2 (2011)
Authors: Jeffrey O. Hollinger (Editor)
CRC Press
Binding: eBook

Additional Textbook Information

If you prefer to study with a paper copy, they are available at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code). eBooks are available at the publisher's website.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Vancouver

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Ty Jones Unit Coordinator
t.h.jones@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 12 Jul 2021

Module/Topic

Introduction to Biomaterials
- History
- Potential

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Students should start to form groups for their group assessments.
Week 2 Begin Date: 19 Jul 2021

Module/Topic

Biomaterials Surfaces: Physics
- Surface properties and cell adhesion

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Students should finalise their group assessments.

Students should be preparing for Assessment 1: Planning an investigative experiment.

Week 3 Begin Date: 26 Jul 2021

Module/Topic

Biomaterials Surfaces: Chemistry
- Chemisorption on metals and oxides
- Aqueous corrosion of metals
- Polymer

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 02 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Biomaterials Surfaces: Bio-chemistry
- Protein interaction
- Cell-surface interaction

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Ensure your complete list of consumables (chemicals), glassware (with size and number required) and instrumentation required for the investigative experiment associated with assessment 1 is submitted to Moodle by 3 pm AEST, Friday, August  6th, 2021.

Week 5 Begin Date: 09 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Surface modification of Biomaterials

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Submit assessment 1 -  Research  Proposal


Assessment 1 (Practical and Written) - linked with assessment 2 Due: Week 5 Friday (13 Aug 2021) 11:55 pm AEST
Vacation Week Begin Date: 16 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 6 Begin Date: 23 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Biomaterials and Nanomaterials

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 30 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Systematic Research Experimental Review 

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Residential School - Rockhampton North campus 30th August – 1st September 2021.

Week 8 Begin Date: 06 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

Biosensors

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 13 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

Biomaterials for medical applications
- Drug Delivery

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 2 (Written) – linked with Assessment 1 Due: Week 9 Friday (17 Sep. 2021) 11:55 pm AEST


Assessment 2 (Written) - Linked with Assessment 1 Due: Week 9 Friday (17 Sept 2021) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 10 Begin Date: 20 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

Biomaterials for medical applications
- Tissue generation

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 3 (Written) Due: Week 11 Monday (27 September 2021) 11:55 pm AEST.

Week 11 Begin Date: 27 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

Biomaterials for medical applications
- Medical devices.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 04 Oct 2021

Module/Topic

Biomaterials for environmental applications

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 11 Oct 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 18 Oct 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Take Home Assessment/Exam Due: Exam Week Monday (18 Oct 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Assessment Tasks

1 Research Proposal

Assessment Title
Assessment 1 (Practical and Written) - linked with assessment 2

Task Description

Assessment 1 & Assessment 2 are group assessments for the research topic that you have chosen from self-allocated topic choices with your group members. You are required to perform the following tasks for this assessment with your chosen topic:

  • Design a research experimental proposal (500 -1000 words),
  • Conduct your proposed experiment during the residential school in week 7.

Assessment 1: Practical and written assessment is comprised of three parts:

  • Part A: Build your equipment and consumables list and submit via Moodle (2% weighting) - Due week 4, Friday, 6 August 2021, 23:55 PM (QLD Time).
  • Part B: Submit your Experimental Proposal via Moodle (10% weighting) - Due week 5, Friday, 13 August 2021, 23:55 PM (QLD Time). Word Count requirements: 500 - 1000 words.
  • Part C: Your individual component (3% weighting) has two requirements: Statement of each team member's role, contribution and responsibility (1% weighting); Self & Peer Assessment (SPA) and Self Evaluation (2% weighting) - Due week 5, Friday, 13 August 2021, 23:55 PM (QLD Time).

You are required to conduct your experiment during the residential school in Week 7: Monday 30 August - Wednesday 1 September 2021.

In order to conduct your experiment, the equipment and resources proposed for the experimental design task must be available in the laboratory. To ensure this, please liaise with your unit coordinator and technical staff associated with CHEM13081 or check the Rockhampton Laboratory Equipment List on Moodle.

To ensure you have the equipment for your experimental proposal, you are required to complete an Excel list of consumables (chemicals), glassware (with size and number required) and instrumentation, and submit your list on Moodle by 23:55 pm AEST, Friday, August 6th, 2021.

Refer to the Assessment 1 Task Description document available on Moodle's Assignment 1 for more details of each part's requirements and the marking rubric.


Assessment Due Date

Week 5 Friday (13 Aug 2021) 11:55 pm AEST

Submissions must be uploaded via the CHEM13081 Moodle site and must be in MS Word format.


Return Date to Students

14 days after submission with feedback via Moodle.


Weighting
15%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

General Guidelines
  • Your experimental research proposal should be coherent, be well structured, and all external sources must be cited in the correct format (Vancouver).
  • Text should be word-processed, with appropriate layout and use of headings/sub-headings.
  • Tables and figures should be used to illustrate specific aspects of your work.
  • Figures and tables should be correctly labelled.
  • The references should be listed at the end of the assessment.
  • Please avoid images with very large file sizes as this will make your proposal too large to upload/download.
All submissions must be typed and should be made in electronic format, and be submitted through the assessment link in Moodle, by uploading your file following the on-screen instructions. You must submit the assessment by uploading word document(s) ( i.e. .doc or .docx), through the Moodle site. Mac users should ensure that the file name has '.doc' or '.docx' for word files.
Marking Criteria
Adheres to Appendix A - Marking Rubric of Assessment 1 - Task Description available on Moodle. 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online Group

Submission Instructions
Upload assessment in WORD FORMAT by following the instructions on the Moodle site for CHEM13081.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe the various types of biomaterials and the principles of biomaterial design and development
  • Discuss strategies to solve significant problems in health and the environment using the principles of biomaterial science


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

2 Research Assignment

Assessment Title
Assessment 2 (Written) - Linked with Assessment 1

Task Description

This is a group assessment. It is comprised of two components (35% total weighting): i) team component and ii) individual component
i) Team component (30% weighting): You are required to report your findings from their experimental design during their residential school (assessment 1) in the form of a scientific manuscript. The manuscript should be in the format of either the journal Biomaterials Science or the Journal of Chemical education. The formatting and author guidelines can be found on the individual journal's websites. Refer to Moodle for more information about assessment 2 - Task Description and marking rubric (Appendix B). Adherence to the marking rubric is a part of the Assessment Criteria for this task.
Word Count: 1000 – 2500 words

ii) Individual component (5% weighting): is composed of two tasks - Individual Practical Skills Set at the residential schools & Self-Reflection Statement. You are required to complete and submit the following tasks:

  • Students’ individual practical skills (2.5% weighting) will be assessed during the residential school (please refer to Appendix C on Moodle site for marking rubric requirements).
  • Self-Reflection Statement (2.5% weighting): 100 to 200 words (please see the Moodle site for the task description).


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Friday (17 Sept 2021) 11:55 pm AEST

Submissions via the Moodle site for CHEM13081 and must be in MS Word format


Return Date to Students

Week 12 Monday (4 Oct 2021)

14 days after submission with feedback via the unit Moodle - CHEM13081 site


Weighting
35%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

A full journal assessment marking rubrics (Appendix B) will be available on the unit Moodle site, using the following criteria:

• Adheres to Appendix B on Moodle.

Presentation's journal article adherence to Biomaterials Science guidelines or Journal of Chemical Education & clarity of expression.

A complete assessment marking rubric for individual practical skills set at the residential school on the unit Moodle (Appendix C), using the three main criteria:

  • Process of science.
  • Laboratory techniques and skills.
  • Community practice aspects of science.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online Group

Submission Instructions
Upload assessment in WORD FORMAT by following the instructions on the Moodle site for CHEM13081.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Discuss strategies to solve significant problems in health and the environment using the principles of biomaterial science
  • Evaluate the use of biomaterials and devices constructed with biomaterials
  • Assess the compatibility of biomaterials in health and environmental disciplines and apply the appropriate compatability requirements to real world applications.

3 Take Home Exam

Assessment Title
Take Home Assessment/Exam

Task Description

The assessment will be a written take-home exam. It will cover the content you have studied during this term. This assessment is designed to assess your comprehension of the concepts presented in the unit through their application to answer a series of questions. It will be made available via Moodle site during the university's standard exam period. Further details will be provided through Moodle.



Assessment Due Date

Exam Week Monday (18 Oct 2021) 11:45 pm AEST

Take-Home assessment - Date and time to be advised on Moodle.


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Monday (18 Oct 2021)

Moodle Marks will be returned via Moodle 14 days after the Take-Home Exam is submitted.


Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

Marks will be awarded for each question as indicated in the assessment item. All submissions should be typed and saved and submitted via Moodle site as a Microsoft Word document.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submissions must be in MS Word format on the unit Moodle - CHEM13081 Site

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe the various types of biomaterials and the principles of biomaterial design and development
  • Evaluate the use of biomaterials and devices constructed with biomaterials
  • Assess the compatibility of biomaterials in health and environmental disciplines and apply the appropriate compatability requirements to real world applications.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?