Biomedical Materials Science with Industrial Experience: The University of Manchester

Course description

This programme focuses on the use of materials in biomedical applications, principally for the treatment of a wide range of diseases and/or disabilities. It covers many areas of biology, biochemistry, anatomy, cytology and materials science. In this way you can gain an understanding of the interactions that occur between differing classes of material and the many tissues of the human body.

Course Content

In the first year you address factors controlling materials properties to provide a clear foundation for the study of biomaterials whilst introducing the biological aspects of the programme.

As you progress the biological implications of using synthetic materials for therapeutic applications are considered in more detail.

In the second year and beyond, comparisons are made between conventional and custom designed synthetic materials for biomedical applications.

Approximately half of the course is shared in common with the Materials Science programme in order to provide a firm understanding of the science that underlies the materials used in biomedical applications. The remaining 50% of the course is directly related to the biological aspects of the subject.

Year 3 is spent on industrial placement at a company selected by you. You undertake a substantial industrial project under the joint supervision of a member of staff and an industrialist. In this way, you also gain an understanding of management and organisational behaviour.

In Year 4, advanced topics are offered through choice of options.

An extensive final year project enables you to develop further practical and analytical skills.

Formal teaching in communication and transferable skills, including accounting, computing and presentation techniques, is given to complement the academic training.

The MEng programme enhances the research and managerial aspects of the BSc programme, and allows you to develop your independence, and critical and analytical powers.

Career opportunities

Biomedical Material Scientists are in demand both in the research environment and technical areas as companies expand their opportunities in a developing healthcare sector. In addition pharmaceutical and medical device industries seek graduates with key skills in this area. Companies our recent graduates have gone to work for include GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, and Biocompatibles UK.

Careers include research and development roles, management positions and technical sales within large materials manufacturing or end-users. The range of careers include things as diverse as teaching, engineering, consultancy and technical development roles.

Entry requirements

• English language: GCSE grade C, IELTS 6.0 with no subtest below 5.5, TOEFL paper-based test score of 550 with TWE of 5.0, TOEFL computer-based test score of 213 with TWE of 5.0, TOEFL internet based test score of 80. Cambridge Proficiency in English Grade C, English for Academic Purposes Grade B.
• A level: Grades AAB. This should include Biology and Chemistry plus a third science subject (preferably Mathematics or Physics).
• AS level: They do not narmally make an offer based on AS level, but each application is considered individually.
• Subjects welcomed but not normally included as part of the standard offer: General Studies
• Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications.  Unit grades will not normally form part of offer conditions, except for Mathematics programmes.
• GCSE: Minimum grade C in English Language, Science and Mathematics.
• Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification. However, as the opportunities to take these modules are not open to all applicants, currently this is not an essential requirement of the University.
• International Baccalaureate: 35 points overall, including Chemistry and Biology at higher level, plus a third science subject (preferably Maths or Physics).