This introductory course will address basic and applied concepts of polymers as biomaterials. The students will be exposed to both fundamental synthetic mechanisms of polymers and their physical and chemical properties. Specific emphasis will be placed on biodegradation mechanisms, mechanical properties and surface chemistry of polymeric materials. Cellular interactions with various surfaces and immunological responses will be covered. The focus of 42-511 (27-511) Biomaterials, taught in the Fall, will be on the principles, properties and applications of ceramics and metals as biomaterials. Prerequisites: 09-105 Modern Chemistry and 09-217 Organic Chemistry I. This course also known as 27-510.