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.
Corrections

Unit Profile Correction added on 30-08-23

  1. Assessment Task 2 due date to be changed from Week 8 Monday (4 Sept 2023) 10:00 am AEST to Week 10 Monday (18 Sept 2023) 10:00 am AEST.
  2. Assessment task description to read:

This assessment is based on work covered in Weeks 1 through 7 of the term. Topics covered may include:

General biomaterial principles

Surface physics

Surface chemistry

Surface biochemistry

Surface modifications

Nanomaterials

Biosensors

The purpose of this assessment is to assess students' understanding of the specific application of biomaterials to electrochemical detection. Students will undertake a literature review to cover the recent developments in biosensors that utilise biomaterials.

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 - 2023

Online

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).

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. Report
Weighting: 20%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%
3. Take Home Exam
Weighting: 40%

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 SUTE Units Comments

Feedback

For Assessment Task 1, make the Experimental Proposal due date before the equipment list is due so that groups are able to receive feedback and adjust their experiments and equipment lists as necessary

Recommendation

The equipment list task's due date will be modified for submission after the proposal task for Assessment 1.

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 compatibility requirements to real world applications
  5. Discuss the responses of living tissues to implanted biomaterials.

Potential RACI accreditation of CU18 (Bachelor of Science) - currently under consideration. 

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 - Report - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 40%
3 - Take Home Exam - 40%

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
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Introduction to Biomaterials

2nd edition (2011)
Authors: Jeffrey O. Hollinger (Editor)
CRC Press ( Taylor & Francis )
London London , UK
Binding: eBook

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
Ray Marshall Unit Coordinator
r.marshall@cqu.edu.au
Shaneel Chandra Unit Coordinator
s.chandra@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 10 Jul 2023

Module/Topic

Introduction to Biomaterials
- History
- Potential

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 17 Jul 2023

Module/Topic

Biomaterials Surfaces: Physics
- Surface properties and cell adhesion

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 3 Begin Date: 24 Jul 2023

Module/Topic

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

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 31 Jul 2023

Module/Topic

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

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 07 Aug 2023

Module/Topic

Surface modification of Biomaterials

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic





Assessment 1: Biomaterials Report Due: Week 5 Friday (11 Aug 2023) 11:55 pm AEST
Vacation Week Begin Date: 14 Aug 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 6 Begin Date: 21 Aug 2023

Module/Topic

Biomaterials and Nanomaterials

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 28 Aug 2023

Module/Topic

Biosensors

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 04 Sep 2023

Module/Topic

Biomaterials for medical applications
- Drug Delivery

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 2: Written Task Due: Week 8 Monday (4 Sept 2023) 10:00 am AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 11 Sep 2023

Module/Topic

Biomaterials for medical applications
- Tissue generation

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 18 Sep 2023

Module/Topic

Biomaterials for medical applications
- Medical devices.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 25 Sep 2023

Module/Topic

Biomaterials for environmental applications

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 02 Oct 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 3: Take Home exam Due: Week 12 Friday (6 Oct 2023) 9:00 am AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 09 Oct 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

Please note the text is a non mandatory requirement for this unit.

Assessment Tasks

1 Report

Assessment Title
Assessment 1: Biomaterials Report

Task Description

Report

Biomaterials are synthetic material used to make devices to replace part of a living system or to function in intimate contact with living tissue. They lie at the boundary between science and engineering as well as biology / physiology and the clinical sciences. In Assessment 1, you will conduct research to review (at least two) biomaterials published in credible scientific journals. In doing so, you will aim to better understand the main aspects of biomaterial development and implementation. You will then prepare and record a short presentation (10 minutes maximum) that summarizes your key findings, reviews the chosen references and demonstrates your understanding of key biomaterial principles. Your chosen biomaterial must come from two either polymers, metals or ceramics.

Your presentation should be prepared in PowerPoint (or similar) then recorded (use of Zoom Meeting recording option is recommended) and submitted as an .mp4 file.

Additional details and instructions will be provided via the CHEM13081 Moodle site.


Assessment Due Date

Week 5 Friday (11 Aug 2023) 11:55 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 7 Friday (1 Sept 2023)


Weighting
20%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

  • Relevance, reliability and depth of reviewed literature (including correct referencing) – 25%
  • Demonstrated understanding of key biomaterial concepts – 25%
  • Slide content and layout – 25%
  • Presentation delivery – 25%


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Presentation slides should be submitted via Moodle as a .pptx file; Presentation video should be submitted via Moodle as an .mp4 file.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Evaluate the use of biomaterials and devices constructed with biomaterials

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment 2: Written Task

Task Description

This assessment is based on work covered in weeks 1 through 6, of the term. Topics covered may include:

  • General biomaterial principles
  • Surface physics
  • Surface chemistry
  • Surface biochemistry
  • Surface modifications
  • Nanomaterials

The purpose of this assessment is to assess students' understanding of the concepts covered from weeks 1-6. This will be demonstrated through student responses to a series of questions and calculations within the written task.  Marks will be awarded for each question as indicated in the assessment item. Explanations for each answer must be provided and if calculations are required all workings must be provided.



Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Monday (4 Sept 2023) 10:00 am AEST

Submission as a word file with name and student number in file name. Submit via moodle.


Return Date to Students

Week 10 Monday (18 Sept 2023)


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

Marks will be awarded for each question as indicated in the assessment item e.g., correct explanation, correct working, correct answers with appropriate unit if required.

Show all working or reasoning for answers, correct units, correct formula, clear and correct diagrams where required.



Referencing Style

Submission
Online

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

3 Take Home Exam

Assessment Title
Assessment 3: Take Home exam

Task Description

Assessment Task 3 - Take Home Exam, will cover content you have studied this term. This assessment will be in the form of a written assessment. The assessment will be will be timed. You will have 2 hours to complete the assessment during the allocated 24-hour testing period at the end of the term. Please upload your completed Take Home Exam via Moodle as a Microsoft Word document.

In completing this assessment, you should note the following:

• Attempt all questions

• All submissions should be typed and saved as a Microsoft Word document

• Show all calculations and detailed workings as required

• Completed assessment is to be submitted via upload on Moodle page.

The breakdown of topics to be covered in Assessment Task 3 will be made available on Moodle prior to the Take Home Exam date.



Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (6 Oct 2023) 9:00 am AEST

You will have 2 hours to complete the assessment within the allocated 24-hour testing period. Submission as a word file with name and students number in file name. Submit via moodle.


Return Date to Students

Within 14 days of submission


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

Marks will be awarded for each question as indicated in the assessment item e.g., correct explanation, correct calculations and answers.

Show all working or full reasoning for answers, correct units, correct formula, correct and fully labelled diagrams where required.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe the various types of biomaterials and the principles of biomaterial design and development
  • Discuss the responses of living tissues to implanted biomaterials.

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?