Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
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Loughborough University

Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

BEng (Hons) Biomaterials Engineering

Academic Year: 2020/21

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

Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining

Final award BEng/ BEng+DIS/ BEng+DIntS / BEng+DPS
Programme title Biomaterials Engineering
Programme code MPUB05
Length of programme The duration of the programme is either 6 semesters, or 8 semesters if students undertake industrial training leading to the additional award of the Diploma in Industrial Studies, Diploma in Professional 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 J5BY, J5BZ
Admissions criteria

BEng - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/j5by

BEng+DIS/DIntS/DPS - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/j5bz

Date at which the programme specification was published Mon, 11 Jan 2021 09:33:21 GMT

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

Part A – All modules are compulsory

 

Code

 Semester

Title

 Modular Weight

MPA220

1 and 2

Introductory Materials Science and Processing

20

MPA202

1 and 2

Experimentation and Practical Skills

20

MPA222

1 and 2

Computer Aided Engineering

20

MPA221

1 and 2

Thermodynamics and its Applications

20

MPA223

1 and 2

Materials Applications and Engineering Design

20

MAA301

1 and 2

Mathematics for Materials 1 and 2

20

 

Part B – 110 credits of compulsory modules, 10 credits of optional modules

 

Code

 Semester

 Title

 Modular Weight

Compulsory or Optional

CGB018

2

Plant Engineering

10

C

MPB208

2

Fracture Mechanics of Materials

10

C

MPB312

1 and 2

Materials Processing

30

C

MPB313

1

Materials in Service

10

C

PSA201

1

Anatomy and Physiology 1

10

C

MPB231

2

Biomaterials 1 (Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering)

10

C

CGA005

1

Chemical and Biochemical Processes

10

C

MAB101

1

Mathematics for Materials 3

10

C

MAB205

2

Statistics

10

C

MPB209

2

Materials Characterisation

10

O

LAN---

1 or 2

Language - with approval of the Programme Director in semester 1 or 2

10

O

 

Part I – Diploma in Industrial Studies, Diploma in International Studies and Diploma in Professional 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

MPI003

1 and 2

Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS, non-credit bearing)

120

 

Eight Semester Programme

In accordance with Regulation XI, students can undertake a placement, leading to the additional award of the Diploma in Industrial Studies or Diploma in Professional Studies, or if taken at a University overseas the Diploma in International Studies.  Participation in a placement, or study abroad, is subject to Departmental approval and satisfactory academic performance in Parts A and B.

 

Part C – 110 credits of compulsory modules, 10 credits of optional modules

 

Code

 Semester

 Title

 Modular Weight

Compulsory/Optional

MPC101

1

Sustainability, Recycling and Environmental Issues

10

C

MPC103

2

Industrial Case Studies

10

C

MPC108

1

Surface Engineering

10

C

MPC114

2

Composite Materials

10

C

MPC130

1 and 2

Biomaterials Project

30

C

MPC131

1 and 2

Biomedical Component Design

20

C

MPC231

2

Biomaterials 2 (Biomaterials for Drug Delivery)

10

C

CGC024

1

Biochemical Engineering 

 10 

C

MPC312

1

Nano Materials

10

O

MPC311

1

Advanced Processing Methods

10

O

BSC522

1

Entreprenuership and Innovation

10

O

LAN---

1 or 2

Language - with approval of the Programme Director in semseter 1 or 2

10

O

------

1 or 2

Other Level 6 module from the Univresity module catalogue with agreement of the Programme Director

10

O


5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B and from Part B to Part 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 must gain credit (≥40%) in the module MAA301 Mathematics for Materials 1 and 2 to progress from Part A to Part B.

 

In addition for students entering prior to 2019/2020: In order to progress from Part A to Part B and from Part B to Part 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 students commencing their studies from 2015 to 2019 must gain credit (≥40%) in the core Materials’ module MPA201 to progress from Part A to Part B and also must gain credit (≥40%) in the modules MAA101 Mathematics for Materials 1 and MAA201 Mathematics for Materials 2 to progress from Part A to Part B.

 

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.  The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 30 : Part C 70 to determine the final percentage mark.

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