Birmingham - Biomedical Materials Science

Birmingham - Biomedical Materials Science

Biomedical Materials Science
BMedSc BJ95
Teachers conference
London
2016
Dr Michael Hofmann
Admissions Tutor
What are biomaterials?
Any material intended to interface with
biological systems to evaluate, treat, augment or
replace any tissue, organ or function of the
body.
So, not only spare parts, but any material of a
medical device in contact with the human body.
Biomaterials in Society
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Tooth filling
Artificial knees/hips
Sutures
Catheters
Intubation devices
Contact lenses
Drug release devices
Pacemakers
Artificial hearts
Examination gloves
Why do we need Biomaterials?
Biomaterials as a science is still relatively young, however as
the population of the world grows older, people will become
increasingly reliant on biomaterials to replace natural tissues
that cannot survive as long as their owners.
The development of life expectancy
and healthy life expectancy:
Syllabus & Teaching
• Wide range of contributing schools (Dentistry,
Medicine, Metallurgy and Materials)
• Variety of teaching styles
–
–
–
–
–
Lectures
Tutorials
Case studies (group work)
Presentations
Practicals
• Support
• Student/staff ratios (low)
Student`s Final Year Project
• The opportunity for
independent research
• Approx 20 weeks available
over two semesters
• Real experience in planning,
managing, executing and
reporting a scientific study.
Y2
Y3
Project
Why Birmingham?
The first course in the UK to truly and
comprehensively unite biomedical sciences
with materials science and engineering.
• Integrated syllabus (no bolt-ons)
• Diversity of teaching (expertise & methods)
Track Record
• Birmingham course running since
1993
• Graduates in 20 years to date – 304
in total
EMPLOYMENT / FURTHER CAREER
• ~ 36% regular job (over 90% in gainful employment
within 6 months)
• ~ 40% studying further course in Higher Education
(half of those study Dentistry)
• ~ 24% postgraduate degree (Masters or PhD)
Graduate Directions
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Healthcare
– Research (academia & industry)
– Dentist
– Doctor
– Nurse
– Perfusionist
– Opthalmologist
– Audiologist
– Dental Hygienist/Therapist
Teachers and Lecturers (primary, secondary, FE and HE level)
Regulatory bodies (e.g. MHRA) and insurances
Legal profession (medical negligence, patent law)
Medical Publishing
Materials R&D (e.g. TWI, Cambridge)
Sales Reps – medical devices, research equipment, pharmaceutics
Entrepreneurship
– Web & graphic design
– Biomaterials company
Why study this course?
• Equal emphasis on biological and materials science
• State of the art research facilities at our new Dental Hospital
• Major focus on dental biomaterials, orthopaedic biomaterials and
tissue engineering
• Small year group
• Comprehensive final year research project
• Wide range of career opportunities in a rapidly growing field of applied
medical science
• Guaranteed interview scheme for Dentistry at Birmingham
Entry requirements
A-levels: AAB to include two sciences (of Biology,
Chemistry, Physics and Maths), one must be Biology
or Chemistry (ABB for applicants with relevant
Extended Project).
IB: 32 points
-
No interview (science course)
Personal statement less relevant (life science course)
No course specific AS- or GCSE- requirements
No work experience required (science course)
The new Birmingham Dental Hospital