NSCPHD1065 Fundamentals of Biomaterials: An Introduction to Biomimetics/Biomimicry

Volume 2013/2014
Education
Ph D and Masters- Masters students with appropriate background allowed after getting permission for their study plan. The course is not for students who have previously taken polymer science courses.
Content
This course is meant for students that have no or little background in polymers and polymer materials science and could be particularly useful for students interested in biomass, bioenergy, food science, etc. It is intended for students who would like to gain some knowledge of the fundamentals of material science of natural materials and of interesting examples in the area of biomimetics and biomimicry. The purpose of the course is that the student gets a grasp of how structure of a polymer and other materials can relate to its properties, commonly known as structure-property relationships. Molecular weight distributions, glass transition temperature and other basic, but very important polymer concepts will be covered. The concepts of intermolecular bonding, surfaces and adhesion will be taught. We will try and relate some of the concepts you learn to natural materials such as lignocellulosic material, and materials that exist in both human and animal bodies. Subjects such as the chemistry of polymerization and how polymers are synthesized will not be covered.

1. A: Introduction to Biomimetics and Biomimicry.

2. B: Primary and secondary atomic bonding.

3. C: Polymers:
Introduction to polymers.
What is the glass transition temperature (Tg)?
How chemical structure and morphology influences Tg and properties?
Structure-property relationships in polymers.

4. D: Surfaces and Adhesion:
Surface properties and Wetting
Adhesion Mechanisms


5 Bio-based Material:
E: Plant Based: Relating what has been learned in the previous sections; we will discuss and read papers on wood (softwood and hardwood), plant and agricultural fibers, and other natural and bio-based materials. This will include knowledge on wood, hemicellulose, lignin and cellulose.

F: Animal based: An introduction to diverse materials such as spider webs, seashells, fish scales, bones, mussels, barnacles, etc. will be taught to give an idea of biomimetics and biomimicry. and others interested in natural materials.
Learning Outcome
Introduction to Biomimetics and Biomimicry. Primary and secondary bonding. Molecular weight distributions, glass transition temperature and other basic polymer concepts will be covered. The relation of how structure of the polymer determines properties, commonly known as structure-property relationships, will be an important part of the course. Surface phenomenon and basics of adhesion and elementary concepts of composites will be covered. We will try and relate some of the concepts you learn during the course to understand natural materials such as lignocellulosic material, and materials that exist in both human and animal bodies. The course is not for students who have previously taken polymer science courses. Understanding the basics and fundamentals is a very important part of the course.
Literature
Basic book on primary and secondary molecular bonding. Scientific papers will be distributed throughout the course.
Bachelor completed. Basic knowledge of natural sciences.
The course will run for about 3 weeks, with about 12 (50 min) lectures: about two consecutive lectures, twice a week. Total of about 12 lectures of 50 min each. 6 hours of supervision which can be up to 1 hr after each 2 consecutive classes. Some homework and extensive reading material based on peer reviewed articles, from fundamental principles of polymers and papers based exclusively on bio-based (plant and animal) materials. Also included will be reading material that will enhance the knowledge of what has been taught. Handouts and papers on natural materials will also be distributed and this is a big part of the course. After each 2 classes, students will/may stay to discuss and answer question from previous lectures.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Course Preparation
  • 80
  • Exam Preparation
  • 10
  • Lectures
  • 12
  • Preparation
  • 14
  • Seminar
  • 6
  • Tutoring
  • 6
  • Total
  • 128
Credit
5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Other
The student will need to give a seminar based on a peer reviewed scientific article relevant to the course. Questions based on the seminar and paper will be part of the evaluation. Questions on the fundamentals taught during the course can also be asked during this period
Marking scale
passed/not passed
Censorship form
No external censorship