327-1221-00L  Biological and Bio-Inspired Materials

SemesterAutumn Semester 2017
LecturersA. R. Studart, I. Burgert, E. Cabane, R. Nicolosi Libanori
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish
CommentStudents that already enroled in this course during their Bachelor's degree studies are not allowed to enrol again in their Master's.



Courses

NumberTitleHoursLecturers
327-1221-00 GBiological and Bio-Inspired Materials3 hrs
Thu14:45-17:30HCP E 47.4 »
A. R. Studart, I. Burgert, E. Cabane, R. Nicolosi Libanori

Catalogue data

AbstractThe aim of this course is to impart knowledge on the underlying principles governing the design of biological materials and on strategies to fabricate synthetic model systems whose structural organization resembles those of natural materials.
ObjectiveThe course first offers a comprehensive introduction to evolutive aspects of materials design in nature and a general overview about the most common biopolymers and biominerals found in biological materials. Next, current approaches to fabricate bio-inspired materials are presented, followed by a detailed evaluation of their structure-property relationships with focus on mechanical, optical, surface and adaptive properties.
ContentThis course is structured in 3 blocks:
Block (I): Fundamentals of engineering in biological materials
- Biological engineering principles
- Basic building blocks found in biological materials

Block (II): Replicating biological design principles in synthetic materials
- Biological and bio-inspired materials: polymer-reinforced and ceramic-toughened composites
- Lightweight biological and bio-inspired materials
- Functional biological and bio-inspired materials: surfaces, self-healing and adaptive materials

Block (III): Bio-inspired design and systems
- Mechanical actuation - plant systems
- Bio-inspiration in the built environment
Lecture notesCopies of the slides will be made available for download before each lecture.
LiteratureThe course is mainly based on the books listed below. Additional references will be provided during the lectures.

1. M. A. Meyers and P-Y. Chen; Biological Materials Science - Biological Materials, Bioinspired Materials and Biomaterials. (Cambridge University Press, 2014).
2. P. Fratzl, J. W. C. Dunlop and R. Weinkamer; Materials Design Inspired by Nature: Function Through Inner Architecture. (The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013).
3. A. R. Studart, R. Libanori, R. M. Erb, Functional Gradients in Biological Composites in Bio- and Bioinspired Nanomaterials. (Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 2014), pp. 335-368.

Performance assessment

Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course
ECTS credits3 credits
ExaminersA. R. Studart, I. Burgert, E. Cabane, R. Nicolosi Libanori
Typeend-of-semester examination
Language of examinationEnglish
RepetitionA repetition date will be offered in the first two weeks of the semester immediately consecutive.
Additional information on mode of examinationAll students will need to contribute to a project and presentation during semester, which will be graded according to the criteria communicated in the course. The final grade is composed of the grades of the written exam (80%) and the graded presentation (20%).
Written exam: 90 min, non-programmable calculator as aid.

Learning materials

 
Main linkLecture notes
Only public learning materials are listed.

Groups

No information on groups available.

Restrictions

There are no additional restrictions for the registration.

Offered in

ProgrammeSectionType
Food Science BachelorElectives (ONLY for Programme Regulations 2016)WInformation
Materials Science MasterElective CoursesW DrInformation