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Unit of study_
BMET5944: Nanofabrication and Bioinspired Materials
2026 unit information
This unit introduces the foundation concepts of nanobiotechnology, nanofabrication and bio-inspired materials. It also covers the basic physics of the solid state nanocrystals, their synthesis and functionalisation, and the unique properties of nanomaterials; characterisation techniques of materials, as well as their applications including in biodiagnostics and wearable bioelectronics.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Engineering
| Study level | Postgraduate |
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| Academic unit | Biomedical Engineering |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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1000-level materials science and mechanics |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Nanotechnology Fundamentals: Explain the fundamental concepts of nanotechnology and describe how nanoscale dimensions influence the physical, chemical, biological, and engineering properties of materials and devices.
- LO2. Nanofabrication Techniques: Explain and compare the operating principles, advantages, limitations, and applications of top-down and bottom-up nanofabrication approaches, including photolithography, electron beam lithography, focused ion beam lithography, nanoimprint lithography, soft lithography, and nanocrystal synthesis.
- LO3. Structure–Property–Function Relationships: Analyse how material composition, hierarchical structures, surface chemistry, and fabrication methods determine the functional performance of nanomaterials, bio-inspired materials, microfluidic systems, and wearable bioelectronic devices.
- LO4. Bio-inspired Engineering Design: Explain how biological systems work, and evaluate their applications in healthcare, dentistry, robotics, sensing, and sustainable manufacturing.
- LO5. Emerging Technologies: Evaluate emerging technologies, including AI-guided materials discovery, DNA nanotechnology, electronic skins, wearable bioelectronics, organ-on-chip systems, and cardiac organoids, for future biomedical and engineering applications.
- LO6. Problem Solving: Apply nanofabrication, nanomaterials, and bio-inspired design principles to propose engineering solutions for real-world challenges in healthcare, diagnostics, flexible electronics, and advanced manufacturing.
- LO7. Project and Team Skills: Critical thinking in the literature review, and ability to work in a team for the assignments and the group project.
- LO8. Research Communication: Demonstrate effective scientific communication by critically evaluating current literature, engaging in discussions with field experts, and presenting technical information through written reports and oral presentations.
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