Teaching Methodologies
The course adopts an integrative approach that combines theoretical exposition, practical application, and active student participation.
The lectures use slides and applied examples to introduce and develop fundamental concepts in materials science and biomaterials. The pedagogical model prioritises conceptual clarity and the contextualisation of real Bioengineering problems, fostering critical understanding.
The theoretical-practical classes focus on solving exercises and problems related to mechanical properties, structural behaviour, diffusion phenomena, degradation, and the suitability of materials for clinical applications. These sessions promote analytical reasoning, the application of theoretical principles, and the development of problem-solving skills.
Active student participation is encouraged through the discussion of practical cases, questions posed by the instructor, and collaborative analysis of problem results.
Teaching resources, namely slides and exercise sheets, are provided in advance, enabling prior preparation and promoting autonomous learning.
This integration ensures coherence with a student-centred model that combines structured knowledge transmission with active and applied learning.
Learning Results
This course aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge of the structure, properties, and applications of the main classes of materials used in Bioengineering. The intended learning outcomes are for students to: (i) understand the basic principles of materials science, including atomic bonding, crystal structure, and phase constitution; (ii) be able to classify materials into metallic, polymeric, ceramic, and composite classes; (iii) relate physicochemical and mechanical properties to the nature of materials and to biomedical applications; and (iv) understand the main tissue-biomaterial interactions.
The teaching approach, based on interactive lectures and theoretical-practical sessions, supports the progressive acquisition of these concepts and skills.
Program
Introduction to Biomaterials Science and Engineering.
Structure of solids: electronic structure, atomic and molecular bonding, crystalline structures, polymorphism, defects, and diffusion.
Metallic materials: mechanical properties, stress-strain behaviour, tensile testing, elastic and plastic deformation, alloys, fracture, wear, and corrosion.
Polymeric materials: natural, synthetic, and semisynthetic polymers, polymerization, crystallinity, thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers.
Ceramic materials: simple crystalline structures, mechanical behaviour, bioceramics.
Composite materials: particulate and fibrous reinforcements, Voigt and Reuss models.
Biomaterials: biocompatibility, biodegradability, bioactivity, hydrogels and controlled-release systems, medical applications.
Internship(s)
NAO
Bibliography
1. Smith, W. (1998). Princípios de Ciência e Engenharia dos Materiais (3ª edição). Lisboa: Mc Graw-Hill.
2. Callister, W. (2003). Materials science and engineering: an introduction (6ª edição). NY: John Wiley & Sons.
3. Park, J. & Lakes, R. (2007). Biomaterials – An Introduction (3ª edição). NY: Springer Science.
4. Ratner, B.; Hoffmann, A.; Schoen, F. & Lemons, J. (2012). Biomaterials Science: An Introduction to Materials in Medicine (3ª edição). Oxford: Academic Press.
5. Wagner, W.R. (2020). Biomaterials Science – An Introduction to Materials in Medicine (4th ed.). London: Academic Press.
6. Lanza, R., Langer, R., Vacanti, J. P. & Atala, A. (2020). Principles of Tissue Engineering (5th ed.). London: Academic Press.