Development of a 3-week Intensive Interdisciplinary Biomaterials Course for Non-engineering Majors

摘要

A new course creating awareness of biomaterials was created that incorporated a special focus on biocompatibility of materials. The goal of the instructors to develop a course to attract and introduce students from multiple majors was met. Through the biocompatibility lab, the students were able to gain a hands-on experience of biological response to varying material properties. The students enjoyed their course-long research projects in which they developed ideas on an implantable device in an area of interest as well as felt challenged to continue seeking more knowledge. Students avidly sought to have a deeper understanding of journal articles evidenced by thoughtful questions throughout the course. Students at the end of the course responded that they felt more prepared to enter into healthcare professions once they had completed this introductory course.