This course focuses on the clinical performance of metals, ceramics and polymers and discusses the chemical, physical, mechanical and biological questions raised by the unique use of these materials within the human body. The material's response to the various components of its biological environment are addressed, followed by the response of the host to the presence of the implanted material. Applications to tissue engineering and the relevance of nanoscale phenomena are also discussed. This course is offered as both ESM 453 and CME 371. Not for credit in addition to BME 353.