Each course consists of a series of lectures (and laboratory sessions when indicated), midterm examinations, and final examinations. Courses marked by an asterik (*) are required.

Principles of Biomaterials Science
G17.1000  Course directors: J. LeGeros, V. Thompson. 3 points.
Covers the scientific principles underlying the area of materials science, including concepts of kinetics, thermodynamics, diffusion, and quantum mechanics, etc., as they relate to the structure and properties of materials. Also discusses the role of interfaces on absorption, nucleation, phase diagrams of interest to materials scientists, the role of dislocations and other defects in the macroscopic formation associated with materials, the solidification of metals and alloys, and mechanisms of strengthening alloys.

*Metal and Ceramic Biomaterials
G17.1001  Course directors: J. LeGeros, M. Pines. 3 points.
Covers the structure and properties of metals and alloys generally used in dentistry and medicine and their criteria for clinical applications. Also discusses fundamental processes involving deformation, precipitation, order-disorder transformations, principles involving phase diagrams, recent advances in the development of titanium and other alloys for dental and orthopedic implants, low golds, and nonprecious alloys.

*Polymers and Biopolymers
G17.1002  Course director: H. Upton. 3 points.
Covers the chemistry, structure, and properties of polymers used in dentistry and medicine, both inorganic and organic. Topics include the science of large macromolecules, molecular weights and measurements, polymerization mechanisms, mechanical properties of polymers, thermoplastic and thermosetting resins, chemistry of polysiloxanes, emulsion and suspension polymerization, polymers associated with restorative materials, ionic polymers, silicones, polymethylmethacrylate, BIS-GMA, reinforced polymers, composites, etc.

*Bioceramics
G17.1003  Course directors: R. LeGeros, J. LeGeros. 3 points.
Covers the preparation, structure, chemical compositions, and thermal and mechanical properties of crystalline and glassy phases of ceramics used in dentistry and medicine.

*Testing Methods in Biomaterials
G17.1004  Lecture and laboratory. Course directors: M. Pines, J. Ricci. 2 points.
Covers the principles governing tensile tests, compressive tests, creep tests, thermal and setting expansions, corrosion and tarnish tests, microstructural examination, and familiarization with the testing and use of instruments.

*Biomaterials-Tissue Interface I, II
G17.1005, 1006  Course directors: R. LeGeros, J. Ricci. 3 points per semester, 2 semesters.
Provides background knowledge on the response of cells in vitro and tissues in vivo to different types of biomaterials used in dentistry and medicine. Covers surface chemistry of biomaterials, protein interaction with surfaces, effects of surface chemistry and microstructure on cell and tissue response, and other topics.

Degradation of Biomaterials
G17.1007  Course directors: M. Pines, J. Ricci. 2 points.
Covers the principles and testing of in vivo and in vitro corrosion. Describes electrochemical mechanisms, corrosion tendency and electrode potentials polarization and corrosion rates, passivity, and crevice corrosion. Also discusses testing methods involving anodic potentiostatic and potentiodynamic polarization techniques, stress corrosion cracking, intergranular corrosion, corrosion fatigue, oxidation and tarnish phenomena, and principles governing corrosion-resistant alloy development.

Introduction to Electron Microscopy
G17.1008  Lecture and laboratory. Course directors: M. Pines, J. Ricci. 3 points.
Covers the physical construction of the scanning electron microscope and the theory of its use, the signals emitted when a high-velocity beam of electrons is allowed to scan a specimen target, and principles of resolution and contrast. Also coves the principles and uses of backscattered electron imaging and X-ray microanalysis. Familiarizes students with specimen preparation, instrumental use for microstructural examination, and interpretation. Provides hands-on experience.

*Physical and Chemical Methods in Biomaterials G
17.1011  Lecture and laboratory. Course directors: J. LeGeros, J. Ricci. 3 points.
Introduces students to the principles and techniques used in the study of materials and hard tissues, including X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, inductive coupled plasma, and mechanical testing. Provides hands-on experience.

*Experimental Design in Biomaterials Research I, II
G17.1012, 1013  Course director: J. LeGeros. 3 points first semester; 2 points second semester.
Covers mathematical and statistical tools that are useful in biomaterials research. Trains students to (1) evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of a study; (2) design research protocols taking into account required statistical power and sample size; (3) use appropriate statistical analysis tools; and (4) interpret the significance of the experimental results. Also covers reliability, life testing, and Weibull analysis.

Seminars in Biomaterials G
17.1015  Course directors: J. Ricci, department faculty. 3 points.
Covers aspects of the materials used in clinical dentistry and medicine including restorative materials, alloys, cements, impression materials, gypsum products, and cell-biomaterial interactions.

Imaging Science
G17.1016  Course director: T. Bromage. 4 points.
Highlights basic principles of preparation and imaging relevant to biomaterials research, particularly as they relate to 2-D and 3-D transmitted and reflected light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of bone and tooth microanatomy. Provides students with the opportunity to work with samples, the purpose being to integrate preparation methods for some specific imaging mode(s). Also exposes students to and allows them to perform digital processing, analysis, and measurements of images acquired from their prepared samples.

Readings in Biomaterials and Biomimetics
G17.2000  Course director: E. Clark. 1-4 points.
Covers reviews and critique of scientific literature related to biomaterials and biomimetics. Requires students to prepare summaries of scientific papers and critique.

*Introduction to Research
G17.2001  Course directors: R. LeGeros, E. Clark. 2 points.
Required of all students during their first or second semester. Provides students with necessary information regarding research in the department and preparation of the thesis proposal.

*Research in Biomaterials
G17.3000  Course directors: department faculty. 2-6 points.
Thesis research work. Additional courses are available through arrangements with other departments of the Graduate School of Arts and Science.

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