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Biomedical Materials Science: University of Birmingham

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Degree 
BMedSc
Address
Biomedical Materials Science: University of Birmingham, The School Of Dentistry, University Of Birmingham, St Chad's Queensway,Birmingham B4 6NN, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Subject
Biotechnology
Duration 
3 years
Telephone 
+44(0)121 237 2761
Fax 
+44(0)121 625 8815
Website 
http://www.dentistry.bham.ac.uk



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Artificial hip joints, replacement blood vessels and heart valves, artificial teeth and fillings, contact lenses and modern drug delivery systems are just a few of the growing number of applications of biomedical materials.

This degree offers you the opportunity to gain a comprehensive background in the medical science and engineering of materials for repairing or replacing damaged, diseased or missing tissues in the human body. You can make a genuine contribution to improving medical and dental care.

As the course is multidisciplinary and therefore taught in several departments, including Medicine, Metallurgy and Materials and Biosciences, it is administered by the Biomaterials Unit within Birmingham Dental Hospital. The Unit combines clinical work with both clinical and scientific research. Many of the laboratories used have been recently refurbished.

First year

You study the structure and properties of materials – including polymers, ceramics and metals – cell biology and anatomy, alongside a general introduction to the clinical use of biomaterials. You also have a course in the use of IT and statistics to prepare scientific writing, and go on a number of clinical placements where you may, for example, see a hip or knee replacement operation being performed.

Second year

In this year you focus on the reactions of the body to biomaterials, how these materials are designed and made into components to be used in medical treatments, and the factors that affect performance of materials in service. Practical sessions will give you experience of handling biomaterials in a mock clinical situation.

Third year

Your final year gives you the chance to undertake an original piece of laboratory research as part of your two-semester project, learn more about tissue engineering and biomaterial design, develop your clinical background and deepen your scientific knowledge. Throughout your programme you have a lot of practice in oral presentation and you will ultimately present your research project as a dissertation accompanied by a poster, both of which draw on your IT and presentation skills.

Teaching and assessment

This programme enjoys access to excellent facilities, including a dedicated computer cluster within the main teaching laboratory and a range of state-of-the-art research equipment and instrumentation. Teaching strategies include a combination of lectures, small group teaching and laboratory sessions. Study support material is available online.

Career opportunities

Our graduates have little problem in securing employment or further training. Many go on to do medical and biological research, while others have followed a variety of career options in health care and related areas, such as blood perfusion, optometry, and work in medical device regulatory authorities. Some graduates continue their studies in pursuit of degrees in Medicine or Dentistry. A significant proportion have also entered traditional graduate career areas such as finance, accounting and IT.

Entry requirements

  • Number of A levels required: 3
  • Typical offer: BBC
  • Required subjects: two sciences at A level (Biology and Chemistry preferred); Mathematics at least grade C GCSE or equivalent essential
  • General Studies: not accepted, but a good performance may be taken into account if you fail to meet the conditions of the offer
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma: 30 points to include Chemistry and Biology at HL

Other qualifications are considered – see the entry requirements section for full details

Additional information

  • Confirmation of a place on the course will be subject to a satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau disclosure (standard level).
  • A brochure containing more details of the course is available on request from the Admissions Tutor.

Contact details

For general information about open days

Main University Switchboard

  • Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3344
  • Fax: +44(0)121 414 3971

Admissions

Student Recruitment

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