ORTO3200 Materials, Design and Innovation Course description

The module provides in-depth study of materials used in prostheses and orthoses, their mechanical properties and mechanical design of prostheses and orthoses. The link between design and structural requirements is an important aspect. The module also covers clinical and production planning and quality improvement, health economics and ethics, as well as universal design, environmentally friendly methods and sustainable development. Other topics include development trends in materials and structural technology, and methods that can be used in innovation and fresh thinking.

The table below shows the subjects covered by the module, with credits specified:

• Ethics (0,5 credits)
• State and municipal studies, health and social policy (0,5 credits)
• Materials technology (9 credits)
• Innovation, production and quality assurance (5 credits)
• Total credits: 15 credits)

The student must have passed the second year of the programme.

After completing the module, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge of the mechanical properties of materials and their effects
• has knowledge of new and traditional construction methods
• has knowledge of quality improvement and health economy in both a clinical and a production-related context
• is familiar with the International Standard Organisation's (ISOs) standards for testing of prosthetic and orthotic components
• has knowledge of some other areas of assistive technology

Skills

The student is capable of

• discussing and reflecting on the design process
• calculating and analysing compression, tension, torsion, bending and shear stress in materials and discussing their bearing on the design of prostheses and orthoses
• calculating and analysing the stiffness and elasticity of materials
• calculating the effect of forces and moments of force on mechanical structures
• discussing how mechanical principles influence the design and structure of prostheses and orthoses
• discussing design and universal design
• discussing quality assurance and quality control of enterprises
• discussing design and material choices in relation to sustainability, the environment, health economics and other available resources

General competence

The student is capable of

• discussing possibilities for innovation in prosthetics and orthotics practice
• reflecting on how prosthetics and orthotics contribute to public health in a national and international perspective
• reflecting on experience gained through practical training
• reflecting on interprofessional cooperation in innovation projects

The work and teaching methods used vary between seminars, skills training, lectures, group work and self-study.

The following coursework requirements must be met before the student can take the exam:

• minimum attendance of 80 % at seminars and group work

Exam content: The learning outcomes

Exam form: Individual portfolio exam, up to 5,000 words, four assignments in the portfolio

Assessment: A grade is awarded for each of the assignments. All assignments count equally.

All

Grade scale A-F

One external and one internal examiner will assess a minimum of 20 % of the exam papers. The remaining papers will be assessed by two internal examiners. The external examiner's assessment shall benefit all the students.