MTE3204 Biomaterials 1
Faculty of Engineering
MTE3204 Biomaterials 1 is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering, offered in 2025 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2025
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 4 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
Reviews
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Requisites
Before MTE3204
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After MTE3204
No unit lists MTE3204 as a prerequisite in the 2025 handbook.
Overview
Classifications of biomaterials covering metallic, polymeric, ceramic and composite materials; typical structures and properties for biomedical applications. Definitions of biocompatibility and critical design criteria of biomedical devices. Introduction to basic human anatomy, cell and biomolecule structure and function, and cellular fate processes. Fundamentals of cell-biomaterial interactions and the response of living tissues to implanted biomaterials, including inflammatory responses and blood compatibility. Assessment of biocompatibility of biomaterials, sterilisation procedures and an introduction to ethical and regularity issues with biomedical devices.
Offerings in 2025
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Assignment 1WrittenThreshold hurdle10%
- Assignment 2ProjectThreshold hurdle10%
- QuizzesQuiz / TestThreshold hurdle10%
- Lab reportsWrittenThreshold hurdle20%
- Final assessmentExaminationThreshold hurdle50%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Appreciate how the varying characteristics of the four types of biomaterials (metallic, polymeric, ceramic and composite) affect their properties and interactions with the body, and discuss how these relate to their application in medical devices and products.
- 2
Apply knowledge of the basic features of human anatomy, cell and biomolecule structure and function to evaluate how biomaterial properties influence their interaction with the body.
- 3
Discuss the potential applications of biomaterials in combating the most threatening human diseases and appreciate the biomaterial selection requirements.
- 4
Appreciate the ethical responsibilities and regulatory processes involved in the process of developing biomaterials and translating medical devices.
- 5
Research the latest developments in a biomaterials related application and justify why those biomaterials are suitable for the application.
- 6
Function as an effective team member by participating in all group activities and conducting peer-assessment of individual and team performance.
Workload and teaching
- Laboratories6 hours
- Workshops24 hours
- Practical activities24 hours
- Teaching approachOnline learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.
Teaching will be provided through pre-recorded lecture videos. If you are not residing in Victoria during the semester, there will be online videos for the lab practicals.
You will participate in a live virtual active learning session.
Learning resources
Required resources
Generally, you must be able to complete the requirements of your course without the imposition of fees that are additional to the student contribution amount or tuition fess. However, you may be charged certain incidental fees or be expected to make certain purchases to support your study
Technology resources
You must regularly check Moodle for announcements.
Where it fits
MTE3204 is part of 4 areas of study in the 2025 handbook.
- BIOMDENG03Biomedical devices streamBiomedical engineeringNo reviews yet
- MATSENG05Materials engineering technical electivesMaterials engineeringNo reviews yet
- MDTCHMNR02Studying an engineering specialisationMedical technologyNo reviews yet
- MNTENMNR02Studying an engineering specialisationMicro and nano technologiesNo reviews yet
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Laurence Meagher
- Unit Coordinators
- Professor Laurence Meagher
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for MTE3204?
MTE3204 has no prerequisites.
When is MTE3204 offered?
In 2025, MTE3204 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
How much work is MTE3204?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does MTE3204 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 4 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include MTE3204?
MTE3204 is part of Biomedical engineering; Materials engineering; Medical technology; and Micro and nano technologies.