The Biomaterials Certificate Program is designed to build competency in the development and use of materials for biomedical applications. The program reviews the wide range of available materials, syntheses, characterization methods, fabrication techniques, in vivo and in vitro medical devices, advantages, limitations, and their outlook for the future.

After completion of the Biomaterials

Certificate Program, students will be equipped with a basic understanding of the following:

• General polymer fundamentals

• Test methodologies

• Medical devices

• Biotechnology

• Materials suited for in vivo and in vitro applications

• Degradable, non degradable, and natural polymers

• Orthopedic biomaterials and applications

• Nanotechnology

• Fabrication techniques

• Advantages and limitations

• Outlook for the future

A basic understanding of general chemistry is recommended but not required.

Students will be assigned 5 homework assignments, and a final project for each course.

The Biomaterials Certificate Program is composed of the following four courses:

Biomedical Polymers

Biomedical Polymers is a course that provides the most recent development of biomedical polymers and their applications and covers a variety of biomedical areas such as in cardiovascular, dental, orthopedic, ophthalmologic and wound healing research. We will investigate polymer biocompatibility, absorption in the body, advantages relative to conventional materials, and any issues they may possess.

Orthopedic Biomaterials

Orthopedic Biomaterials is a course that provides a comprehensive overview of orthopedic biomaterials and their use as load bearing members, wear applications, bone bonding applications, and joint replacements. This course will investigate metallic, ceramic and polymeric biomaterials, advantages and disadvantages of each technology, and how they are used in the various orthopedic applications, such as minor or major joint prostheses, osteosynthesis implants, bone deformation correcting implants, bone replacement materials and artificial ligaments. New product developments in this area from a material, technology, and clinical perspective will be presented.

Biomedical Nanotechnology

Biomedical Nanotechnology is a course that investigates key areas in which nanotechnology can benefit biomedical applications, understanding of nanomaterials for various biomedical applications, wet and dry nanotechnology, and basics of nanofabrication. This course also introduces applications such as drug delivery, imaging and diagnostics, and tissue regeneration and engineering.

Fundamentals of Biotechnology

Fundamentals of Biotechnology is a course that examines biotechnology, such as medical processes (i.e. getting organisms to produce new drugs, or using stem cells to regenerate damaged human tissues and perhaps re-grow entire organs) and industrial processes (i.e. production of new chemicals or the development of new fuels for vehicles). Other applications involve the improvement of agriculture, which involves such processes as the development of pest-resistant grains or the accelerated evolution of disease-resistant animals.

This course is Instructor-led and delivered through our award-winning online Learning Management System