Advanced Studies in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, At least 80 cr

Biomaterials is a class of engineered materials aiming at treating, repairing or augmenting diseased or injured tissue. This module is a direct follow up of the minor in Medical Biomaterials. All students enrolling in this this module will learn about the various materials used in clinics. They will be able to not only understand the tissue/materials interactions but also the properties dictating their unique role in improving human health.

The tissue engineering track aim at giving up to date education on a new generation of biomaterials. As of today the majority of the biomaterials clinically employed are either synthetic or natural in nature. In recent years the field of tissue engineering, i.e. combining biomaterials with biological cues, has made a breakthrough in the medical field. In this track the students will be able to weigh the challenges in combining biomaterials and living cells in a unique biomaterial. They will be introduced to the various possible applications of these new material, from drug delivery to tissue regeneration. In conclusion, student will process the necessary skills to manipulate cells and biomaterials. Students will understand the critical properties the material must possess in order to support cells within its structure. 

• Students have developed a clear understanding on the principles of biomaterial science and are able to apply their knowledge to tissue engineering.
• Students have developed an integrated insight on the role of cells, biomaterials, biophysical and chemical signals and growth factors in tissue engineering.
• Students appraise ethical and legal considerations of tissue engineered-products, in a clinical context.
• Students can describe how the tissues and organs can be reconstructed with the help of tissue engineering.
• Students can separate and compare different tissue types and organ structures both in macroscopic and microscopic level.