Cell and Molecular Biology Biochemistry

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the multidisciplinary field of biomaterials, focusing on the biological responses to materials and the clinical context of their use. Through lectures, paper reviews, in class discussions and invited lectures, students will be introduced to the Biomaterials Science and the physiological interactions between body environment and biomaterials. Students will be required to acquire understanding and expertise from analysis of primary literature and will complete group presentations on the status of state-of-the-art biomaterial applications, including medical implants, artificial organs, and scaffolds for tissue engineering.

RA3: Be able to carry out conceptual designs for bioengineering applications according to their level of knowledge and understanding, working in a team. Design encompasses devices, processes, protocols, strategies, objects and specifications broader than strictly technical, including social awareness, health and safety, environmental and commercial considerations. RA4: Be able to use appropriate methods to carry out studies and solve problems in the biomedical field, commensurate with their level of knowledge. Research involves conducting literature searches, designing and carrying out experimental practices, interpreting data, selecting the best approach and communicating knowledge, ideas and solutions within their field of study. May require consultation of databases, safety standards and procedures. CB1: Students have demonstrated possession and understanding of knowledge in an area of study that builds on the foundation of general secondary education, and is usually at a level that, while relying on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting edge of their field of study. CB2: Students are able to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and possess the competences usually demonstrated through the development and defence of arguments and problem solving within their field of study. CB3: Students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their field of study) in order to make judgements which include reflection on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues. CB4: Students should be able to communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. CG2: Ability to design, draft and develop scientific-technical projects in the field of biomedical engineering. CG4: Ability to solve problems with initiative, decision-making, creativity, and to communicate and transmit knowledge, skills and abilities, understanding the ethical, social and professional responsibility of the biomedical engineer's activity. Capacity for leadership, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. CG7: Drafting, representing and interpreting scientific-technical documentation. CG10: Knowledge of the structure, composition, processing, properties and behaviour in service of the different families of materials and their interrelationships. Being able to select materials according to their applications in biomedicine. CG15: Ability to apply microfabrication, microfluidics, nanotechnology and 3D printing techniques in the field of biomaterials. CG17: Ability to apply engineering, micro-engineering, nano and biotechnology techniques to solve complex biomedical problems in regenerative medicine. ECRT15: Understand the properties of the different existing biomaterials and the organism's responses to biomaterials and implants. Critical ability to evaluate the possibilities and potential applications of existing or foreseeable biomaterials in the near future. CT1: Ability to communicate knowledge orally and in writing to both specialised and non-specialised audiences. CT2: Ability to establish good interpersonal communication and to work in multidisciplinary and international teams. CT3: Ability to organise and plan their work, making the right decisions based on the information available, gathering and interpreting relevant data in order to make judgements within their area of study.

This course is intended to provide a general understanding of the multidisciplinary field of biomaterials. Specifically, different types of biomaterials and the body¿s natural responses to biomaterial implantation will be studied. In addition, biomedical applications of biomaterials as well as design and development of commercial products will be addressed. 1. Introduction to Biomaterials. Basic concepts 2. Polymers and hydrogels for biomedical applications 3. Ceramics for biomedical applications 4. Biomaterial degradation 5. Designing biomaterials for 3D printing 6. Surface modification of biomaterials 7. Extracellular matrix-based biomaterials 8. Biomaterial implantation: acute inflammation and wound healing 9. Immune response to biomaterials 10. Infection, tumorigenesis and calcification of biomaterials 11. Blood-biomaterial interactions

The program will be divided into master classes (lectures) and discussion/problem classes (seminars). For specific subjects, there will be invited lectures given by prestigious professionals in the field. The topics covered by the invited speakers are part of the subject and will be evaluated in the continuous evaluation blocks and in the final exam as well. Students may be required to read assigned chapters/articles before the lectures and seminars. In the discussion classes, relevant scientific articles and problems will be presented and discussed by the students and the teaching team.