The University of Sheffield
Department of Materials Science and Engineering

New MSc Programme: Master in Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine

Introduction:

Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine is not an esoteric, merely technical or isolated subject matter in health sciences, but has now become a critical science function, no less important than clinical management of the patients or surgical interventions. In fact, Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine is now inseparable from technology and this is one of the major themes of our programme.

This new MSc programme reflects the teaching and research strengths of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Sheffield across all areas of Materials Science and Engineering. Ours is a specialist MSc Programme that has been designed with you (medic, dentist, material scientist, engineer, and physical scientist) in mind - a unique and pioneering MSc, which combines the discipline of biomaterials, engineering, dentistry and medicine

The efficient and innovative exploitation of science and medicine is a critical component of successful healthcare, and this unique combination is helping both large and small commercial entities that are flourishing in the fiercely competitive global economy of the 21st Century. The MSc will provide you with the understanding, skills, and techniques to be the best in your chosen career path. At The University of Sheffield, you will experience an unrivalled education and training in Biomaterial and Regenerative Medicine at a place where we are developing the technologies of tomorrow. Our MSc combines the best academic practice in Biomaterials with unique insights into medicine, engineering and biological sciences and most importantly is embedded in one of the oldest and a World class Materials Science and Engineering Department.

Aims of the course

The main aim of this MSc is to introduce the students to the field of biomaterials, and in particular to the factors that are important in the selection, design, and development of biomaterials for clinical applications. Materials widely used in hard and soft regenerative medicine, dental materials, drug delivery and other medical applications will be discussed.

The course will also enable students to develop a sound knowledge and understanding of biomaterials science, engineering, regenerative medicine, and its associated specialisms, informed by the research interests of the staff and develop in students an independence of thought and a critical approach to evidence, theories and concepts, particularly in the context of biomaterials science, engineering and regenerative medicine.

Why study at The Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Sheffield?

We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and friendly department. Our teaching has been consistently ranked as excellent by both students and accreditation bodies. All of our research activities were recognised internationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour in the last Research Assessment Exercise (2008).

The University of Sheffield has led the field in biomaterials and Tissue Engineering for over two decades. The step-up in the development of your career is to be found here - a unique MSc, in a unique university, in a unique location.

Course Structure:

Our well–designed MSc course will provide you with essential knowledge, tools, skills and self-confidence to enhance your career. Successful completion of a challenging, academically demanding and rigorous Masters level course will, moreover, markedly differentiate you, while simultaneously providing strong evidence of your intellectual abilities and perseverance under strong pressure to potential employers. The course provides core modules in the following topics:

Compulsory:

Research:

There are significant research elements included in this programme, including a research project based on the research interests of academic staff working in the field of biomaterials and Tissue Engineering. Students will undertake a multi-disciplinary research project in one of the Department´s world leading research groups. This will provide them with a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current research issues related to Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine. They will gain a comprehensive understanding of techniques and research methodologies undertaking an in-depth individual research project, so demonstrating that they can: carry out independent, original research; critically evaluate their own and others’ results; and propose new hypotheses.

Optional:

You choose 2 out of 4 option modules:

Entry Requirements:

A good honours’ degree or equivalent in materials, metallurgy, chemistry, dentistry, medicine or a related engineering or science subject from an approved institution.

Applicants whose first language is not English are required to have either IELTS minimum score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 in each component); TOEFL, minimum score 575, plus a score of 4.5 in the Test of Written English, or minimum of 232 in the computer-based TOEFL.

To successfully undertake the course it is essential that you have good command of the English language, including technical English. If you would like to improve your English language skills before you register, pre-sessional English language courses are available at the University´s English Language Teaching Centre. Details can be found at:

www.shef.ac.uk/eltc/courses/summerschool/index.html

Those passing the Masters examinations at a suitable standard will be eligible to proceed to the research school for MPhil/PhD degrees.

Assessment:

The methods of assessment include coursework and formal written examinations. A number of modules will include continuous assessment and some or all of the work during the module will count towards the final mark. The MSc Research Project will be conducted under close supervision during the summer term and is evaluated by thesis, presentation and viva examination.

All students produce a 15,000-word dissertation based on their individual research project, which may be experimentally, theoretically or industrially based.

Contact for further enquiries:

Dr. Ihtesham ur Rehman
Course Director
Reader in Biomedical Materials
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
The Kroto Research Institute
The University of Sheffield
North Campus
Broad Lane, Sheffield S3 7HQ
Phone ++44 (0)114 222 5946
Fax: ++44 (0) 114 222 5945
Email: i.u.rehman@sheffield.ac.uk
or
Postgraduate Taught Admissions Tutor