Advanced Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
| Keywords |
| Classification |
Keyword |
| OFICIAL |
Science and Technology of Materials |
Instance: 2025/2026 - 1S 
Cycles of Study/Courses
| Acronym |
No. of Students |
Study Plan |
Curricular Years |
Credits UCN |
Credits ECTS |
Contact hours |
Total Time |
| M.EMAT |
14 |
Syllabus |
2 |
- |
6 |
39 |
162 |
Teaching Staff - Responsibilities
Teaching language
Portuguese and english
Objectives
This course prepares students to acquire advanced knowledge in Biomaterials, focusing on manufacturing by advanced technologies, structure, surface and properties, with an emphasis on interaction with the biological environment. It aims to enable them to develop and characterize biomaterials in different contexts, especially when integrated into medical devices. It is also intended to develop critical analysis, the resolution of technical and scientific problems, the selective evaluation of scientific information and the ability to design research, development and innovation projects in the area. Theoretical-practical classes convey essential scientific and technological foundations, allowing knowledge to be applied to practical cases and developing technical skills. The seminars reinforce critical thinking, contact with the state of the art and scientific communication skills, ensuring solid and up-to-date training.
Learning outcomes and competences
Based on the students that shall be involved in this subject, that may derive from very different and heterogeneous backgrounds, the first part of this subject shall allow them to rise to a common ground of knowledge allowing them to follow and have participation adjusted to the required capability to expect in an advanced topic. The students shall develop capabilities allowing them to understand and intervene in the selection and/or development of new materials for application in the field of medical devices. On the other side, students are exposed to advanced technologies to design, plan, and development of materials. This knowledge will allow students to understand, and conceive the relationships between material surfaces and the cellular environment and extracellular matrices.
By the end of the Subject, the students are prepared to critically analyze scientific documentation and undertake research and development work in Biomaterials.
Working method
Presencial
Program
3D Biomodeling. Medical image acquisition techniques. Processing of three-dimensional structures by additive manufacturing. 3D Bioprinting. Customized biomaterials in metals, polymers, composites and metals. Applications in maxillofacial and orthopedic reconstructive surgery.
Bioreactors.
Biological Glues.
Textile Structures - production methods and characterization of fibrous structures.
Mandatory literature
Buddy D. Ratner;
Biomaterials science. ISBN: 0-12-582463-7
Fernando Jorge Alves;
Protoclick- Protototipagem Rápida
Teaching methods and learning activities
The UC adopts an active, interdisciplinary and student-centered pedagogical approach. The main objective is to ensure significant and progressive learning, which articulates the scientific mastery of the content with the development of technical, analytical, ethical and professional skills necessary for research, innovation and clinical application in the area of biomaterials.
The methodology is based on a balanced combination of theoretical-practical classes and thematic seminars with external guests. This methodological diversity ensures alignment with the defined learning objectives and the program contents of the four modules of the curricular unit.
Theoretical-Practical classes aim to present and discuss the fundamental concepts. The theoretical component contextualizes the content in light of the most recent advances, promoting understanding of scientific-technological foundations and their clinical and industrial relevance. They include critical analysis of case studies, applied problem solving and discussion of scientific articles. Students develop skills in materials selection, interpretation of experimental data, and informed decision-making in real biomedical contexts.
Thematic seminars will be held with the participation of experts from the academic, clinical and industrial fields, who will present current perspectives on research and development of advanced biomaterials. These moments will provide students with direct contact with professionals and researchers, promoting critical reflection, scientific updating and the expansion of the knowledge and collaboration network.
Evaluation Type
Distributed evaluation with final exam
Assessment Components
| Designation |
Weight (%) |
| Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico |
30,00 |
| Teste |
70,00 |
| Total: |
100,00 |
Amount of time allocated to each course unit
| Designation |
Time (hours) |
| Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico |
43,00 |
| Estudo autónomo |
80,00 |
| Frequência das aulas |
39,00 |
| Total: |
162,00 |
Eligibility for exams
Students must obtain a minimum score of 10 in the theoretical exam of the UC and in the bibliographic research work.
Calculation formula of final grade
Final classification: 70% for the theoretical exam and 30% for the bibliographic research work.
Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)
The classification will be obtained through a theoretical exam, and the student has to carry out the work of biographical research.
Classification improvement
The improvement of classification will be obtained through a theoretical exam, taking into account the component already obtained in the bibliographic research work.