2000-2001 Catalog Data: MSE 461. Biological and Synthetic Materials (3) II Discussion of structure and properties of
biological materials and composites, such as bone, teeth and elastin. Synthetic materials as substitutes for biological
materials, biocampatibility. 1.5 ES, 1.5 ED. P, CHEM 103A. May be convened with MSE 561.
S.A. Wainwright et al., Mechanical Design in Organisms
Instructors:
Paul Calvert, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, and S.Raghavan, Professor of Materials
Science and Engineering
Prerequisties by Topic:
Knowledge of organic chemistry, polymers, materials science. Computer-based organic chemistry independent
study available.
Method for Assessing Student Knowledge of Prerequisite Topics:
None, Independent study org. chemistry makeup available.
Overall Educational Goals:
By comparing materials which fulfill parallel roles in natural and artificial systems,
to illustrate the relationship between material, structure and design and to help students develop the abilty to devise
new paradigms in design.
Specific Instructional Goals:
Comparison of biological and synthetic designs and materials usage, including
biomedical materials.
Topics:
Tensile materials: natural and synthetic fibers
Tough materials: skin, textiles and films
Composite materials: bone and fiber-reinforced composites
Hard materials: shell and ceramics
Elasticity and toughness in biological structures
Mobility
Vision
Biomedical materials
Computer Usage:
Excel or equivalent homework encouraged. Homework hints on Web>
Laboratory Projects:
Tow homework design exercises
Assessment of Course Goals:
Quizzes
*Note: Graduate-Level: Requirements include additional computational and written exercises
ABET Category Content:
Engineering Science, 1.5 credits or 50%
Engineering Design, 1.5 credits or 50%
Prepared by: Paul Calvert Date: 01/18/01
