76066 - Applied Material Science

Learning outcomes

The student learns the basic knowledge on the structure and behavior of the materials utilized in podiatry, as well as on the degradation mechanisms in the specific conditions of use. At the end of the course the student is able to choose the most suitable material for practical application in podiatry.

Course contents

The topics of the course are summarized here below:


- EU regulation of medical devices 2017/745

- introduction to material science and technology

- physical / chemical, mechanical, and technological properties of the materials of interest in podiatry

- materials of natural origin

- polymers and main production systems

- biomaterials, definitions, applications and legislation in the biomedical field.

- main processes of material degradation and fracture

- tools for a critical choice of the most suitable material for specific medical devices in practical applications in podiatry

- tools for critical analysis of scientific literature

Readings/Bibliography

Material provided by the teacher, available on the Virtuale platform.

Teaching methods

The teaching consists of 2 CFU. Teaching will be carried out through lectures and will be supplemented by critical reading and discussion of relevant scientific articles in the areas of the topics covered in class.

Assessment methods

For this module, the testing mode consists of: 1. an oral test based on a thesis developed on a topic of the student's choice; 2. test with multiple-choice quizzes with topics on the program carried out. The module grade concurs with the others in determining the final grade.

Teaching tools

Video projector, PC, mobile app for interactive teaching

Office hours

See the website of Piera Versura