The purpose of the module is to provide students with an insight into the prominence of polymeric materials in medical devices. After completing the module students will have a comprehensive understanding of the latest advances in polymer science and polymer processing which are underpinning medical device technology

Polymeric Materials for Medical Devices Synthetic polymers - HEMA; UHMWPE; Polyanhydrides, polyphosphazenes, PEG,PMMA,PLGA, PLA and copolymers; Natural polymers - hyaluronic acid; fibrin, collagen, chitosan, starch, gelatine, fibronectin, copolymers etc; thermoplastics; thermosets; elastomers; copolymers. Structure/Property/processing relationships. Fundamentals - Polymerisation (cationic, anionic, free radical, condensation); Molecular weight; Polymer architecture (linear, branched, network, star shaped, dendritic structures); Bulk state; Tg (Fox-Flory Theory);Tm; crosslinking; polymer fracture mechanics; Viscoelasticity; mechanical and thermal response; free volume; temperature/ viscosity relationships (William Landel Ferry Theory). Polymer Morphology - Crystal orientation; crystal conformations; single crystals; solution crystallisation; melt crystallisation; spherulites; tie chains; Avrami theory; chain - folded theory; DSC; WAXS; SAXS. Medical Device Processing Technologies - Extrusion, Injection moulding, compression moulding; hydrophilic medical device coatings; medical device packaging Biodegradation Sterilisation techniques - UV, ETO, gamma rays, autoclave etc Polymer Characterisation - GPC/SEC;DSC;DMTA; Rheology; TGA; FTIR; Raman

On successful completion of this module, it is expected that students will be able to: Recognise the key relationships between polymer structures and properties and how these influences subsequent processing steps. Apply the essential processes and characteristics governing polymeric material behaviour to solve problems related to biomedical and pharmaceutical industries. Analyse and critically evaluate technical performance of polymeric materials in biomedical device applications.

Support a professional commitment to ethical practice. Challenge conflicting issues between personal beliefs and ethical considerations.

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The module will be taught through an inter-linked and inter-dependent series of lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions. The learning process will be scaffolded through a series of problem based learning assignments, in which the latest research findings on the topic will be discussed and critically analysed within the context of student enquiry. The module will be delivered through blended learning environment in order to prioritise student active engagement with practical problems over content delivery.