Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
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Loughborough University

Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

BEng (Hons) Biomaterials Engineering

Academic Year: 2015/16

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.

This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Study.

This specification should be read in conjunction with:

  • Summary
  • Aims
  • Learning outcomes
  • Structure
  • Progression & weighting

Programme summary

Awarding body/institution Loughborough University
Teaching institution (if different)
Owning school/department Department of Materials
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body
Final award BEng/ BEng+DIS/ BEng+DIntS
Programme title Biomaterials Engineering
Programme code MPUB05
Length of programme The duration of the programme is six semesters, or eight semesters if students undertake industrial training leading to the award of the Diploma in Industrial Studies, or study at a University abroad leading to the award of the Diploma in International Studies. These occur between Part B and Part C.
UCAS code
Admissions criteria

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/departments/ 

 

Date at which the programme specification was published Fri, 18 Sep 2015 20:14:38 BST

1. Programme Aims

  • To provide a degree programme in the interdisciplinary field of biomaterials which satisfies the needs of industry.
  • To produce graduates of outstanding ability who have a strong academic background with especially outstanding business and transferable skills.
  • To produce graduates who manage their own learning, communicate effectively and make use of primary source materials.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

•  QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications

•  QAA Benchmark Statements for Materials

•  Institute of Materials Guidelines for Accreditation

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of the programmes, graduates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

  • Relevant principles of materials science, biology and physiology as applied to biomaterials engineering;
  • A number of specialist materials topics connected with metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites;
  • The role of information technology and library resources in providing support for biomaterials engineers;
  • Engineering and biological/chemical principles relevant to materials selection;
  • The materials aspects of design;
  • The professional and engineering responsibilities of biomaterials engineers;
  • Processing of materials;
  • Procedures for the characterisation and testing of materials.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to:

  • Select and identify an appropriate material and manufacturing route for the design of a biomedical component;
  • Utilise materials engineering and biological principles to develop new materials/processing routes for improved performance of biomedical systems;
  • Solve materials engineering problems;
  • Select and apply appropriate IT tools to a variety of materials problems;
  • Analyse materials aspects of components;
  • Select materials from an environmentally appreciative viewpoint;
  • Interpret numerical data and apply mathematical methods to the analysis of materials engineering problems.
b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of the programmes, students should be able to:

  • Use appropriate mechanical testing, biological testing, degradation/corrosion testing, optical, X-ray, electron metallographic, and surface and chemical analysis methods for the study of materials;
  • Manipulate systems for the processing of polymers, ceramics and metals
  • Use appropriate computer software for design and modelling exercises;
  • Evaluate and present practical data in a suitable format;
  • Explain experimental results in terms of theoretical mechanisms and concepts;
  • Compile clear and well-structured technical reports;
  • Acquire and use sources of information appropriately;
  • Demonstrate project management skills.
c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of the programmes, students should be able to:

  • Work effectively, both as part of a team and/or independently;
  • Organise and manage time and resources effectively; for short-term and longer-term commitments;
  • Communicate effectively through written, graphical, inter-personal, and presentation media;
  • Apply constructive and structured approaches to problem solving;
  • Demonstrate a reasonable level of numeracy; appropriate to the cognitive skills required;
  • Acquire and use sources of information appropriately;
  • Demonstrate project management skills.
  • Compile clear and well-structured technical reports.

4. Programme structure

4.1         Part A – Introductory Modules

4.1.1     Compulsory modules (total module weight 120)

 

 

Code

 

Semester

 

Title

 

Modular Weight

MPA201

1

Structure and Properties of Materials

10

MPA202

1 and 2

Experimentation and Practical Skills

20

MPA203

1 and 2

CAD and Engineering Drawing

10

MPA204

1 and 2

Engineering Analysis

10

MPA205

1

Thermodynamics and Phase Equilibria

10

MPA206

2

Introduction to Metal Processing

10

MPA207

2

Mechanics for Materials

10

MPA210

1

Introduction to Product Design and Materials Selection

10

MAA101

1

Mathematics for Materials 1

10

MAA201

2

Mathematics for Materials 2

10

PSA201

1

Anatomy and Physiology 1

10

 

4.2          Part B – Degree Modules

4.2.1    Compulsory modules (total module weight 120)

 

Code

 

Semester

 

Title

 

Modular Weight

MPB201

1

Polymers : Structure and Properties

10

MPB203

2

Polymers: Processing

10

MPB204

2

Ceramics: Processing and Properties

10

MPB205

1 and 2

Experimental skills

10

MPB206

1

Engineering Alloys

10

MPB208

1

Fracture Mechanics of Materials

10

MPB231

2

Biomaterials 1

10

MAB101

1

Mathematics for Materials 3

10

MAB206

2

Statistics

10

BSB560

 1 Principles of Marketing 10 

CGA005

 1 Chemical and Biochemical Processes (B Eng status)  10
CGB018   2 Plant Engineering  10

 

4.3     Part I –   Diploma in Industrial Studies and Diploma in International Studies Modules

 

Code

 

Semester

 

Title

 

Modular Weight

 

MPI001

 

1 and 2

 

Industrial Training Placement (DIS, non-credit bearing)

 

120

 

MPI002

 

1 and 2

 

Overseas University Placement (DIntS, non-credit bearing

 

120

 

4.3.1    Eight Semester Programme

In accordance with Regulation XI, students will undertake an approved placement or study abroad leading to the Diploma of Industrial Studies, if following Module MPI001, or leading to the Diploma in International Studies, if following Module MPI002.  Participation in a placement or study abroad is subject to Departmental approval and satisfactory academic performance during Parts A and B.

 

4.4     Part C – Degree Modules

4.4.1    Compulsory core modules (total module weight 110)

 

Code

 

Semester

 

Title

 

Modular Weight

MPC101

1

Sustainability, Recycling and Environmental Issues

10

MPC103

1 and 2

Industrial Case Studies

10

MPC114

1

Composite Materials

10

MPC109

1

Design for Vulnerable Users

10

MPC108

2

Surface Engineering

10

MPC231

2

Biomaterials 2

10

MPC130

1 and 2

Biomaterials Project

30

MPC131

1 and 2

Biomedical Component Design

10

CGC024

1

Biochemical Engineering (BEng status)

10

 

4.4.2      Additional optional modules. Chosen options to be approved by the Programme Director. Choose 10 credits from:

 

 

Code

 

Semester

 

Title

 

Modular Weight

MPC106 2 Electrochemical Technology 10
BSC144 2 Project Management 10
EUL---  1 and 2 Language* with the approval of the Programme Director 10

 

 

 

 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B and from Part B to C and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also:

 

- Students commencing their studies from 2015 onwards must gain credit (≥40%) in the core materials module MPA201 to progress from Part A to Part B. They also must gain (≥40%) in the modules MAA101 Mathematics for Materials 1 and MAA201 Mathematics for Materials 2 to progress from Part A to B.

 

5.2 Re-assessment

Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XX for candidates, who have the right of reassessment in all parts of the programme, to undergo reassessment in the University’s Special Assessment Period (except where SAP- exempt modules are involved).

Where a candidate has achieved fewer than 60 credits in a part of the programme, reassessment in the relevant part is not available to that candidate in the Special Assessment Period.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidate’s final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C, in accordance with the scheme set out in Regulation XX.  The average percentages for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 30: Part C 70 to determine the final percentage for the award of BEng.

 

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