Objectives
This MSc course aims to provide you with an appreciation of biological, materials and engineering considerations encountered, and the exciting potential for their exploitation in the design and manufacture of novel medical devices. Such an approach has a wide application range, incorporating transitory invasive devices to permanent implants for replacement, repair and regenerative treatments. This multidisciplinary MSc will cover practical and theoretical aspects of bioengineering, from cell surface interactions, materials characterisation, functionalisation of surfaces to biomechanics and mathematical modelling. The principles of the course are highly relevant to both the established medical device sector and the emerging regenerative medicine industry. This course aims to provide graduates, physical scientists and engineers with expertise in and experience of bioengineering; it will also enable you to gain appropriate management training for your future career development.
Course description
Key facts
-This exciting course was developed in association with the Medical Devices Faraday Partnership and is designed to contribute to the development of essential knowledge and skills requisite to the development of the Medical Device Industry.
-The Medical Device Industry represents a significant and diverse field of enterprise in the UK. The UK Industry comprises a few major players and a plethora of small, but highly research active companies. The UK market is currently estimated at £2.5 billion with 50,000 employees.
-There is a growing perception from both academia and industry of the need for higher level training to equip the medical device industry with the skills to address such problems – this course has been devised to meet this need.
-Short courses taken from the MSc are available individually for continuing professional development. Completion of such courses can be converted retrospectively to contribute to the award of MSc should attendees subsequently decide to take up the MSc course.
Course Content
Core modules currently offered as part of this course include:
-Surface Engineering and Characterisation
-Human Structure and Function
-Biomechanics
-Cell Structure and Function for Engineers
-Biomedical Applications of Biomaterials
You will also have the option of taking modules in management skills:
Information Technology for Engineering
In addition, there are a number of modules in Advanced Applications, covering topics such as:
-Cell-Material Interactions
-Spinal Biomechanics and Instrumentation
-Biomaterials Modelling
-Advanced Biomaterial Structures
-Advanced Materials Characterisation
Please note that all module details are subject to change.
Once you have completed the taught components of the course, you will undertake a major individual research-based project related to an aspect of bioengineering.
Specific projects vary considerably, reflecting the range of bioengineering activities in Nottingham and the interests of students. Projects with industrial links are encouraged.
Course Structure
The MSc in Bioengineering can be taken on a full-time basis over one year (September to September) or part-time over two to three years.
Although the course is run by the University of Nottingham, the part-time course offers access to modules at Strathclyde and Leeds Universities, developed as an initiative within the Medical Devices Faraday Partnership. This takes advantage of centres of excellence for each topic. The University of Nottingham awards the degree and administers the course in both cases.
You will complete twelve taught modules (worth 120 credits) and a research project (worth 60 credits). The individual research project is undertaken either at the University or in an industrial setting.
Teaching includes lectures, seminars and laboratory sessions. Module assessment is by a variety of methods, including assignments and both open and closed book examinations.
Short courses taken from the MSc are available individually for continuing professional development. Completion of such courses can be converted retrospectively to contribute to the award of MSc should attendees subsequently decide to take up the MSc course
