Biomedical Device Materials MSc

This Master of Science course is a two Semester plus Summer full time programme based on a modular credit system (90 ECTS) and the course outline is given below. In Semester 1, students study analytical techniques (microscopy, electron microscopy and X-ray analysis; X-ray diffraction; IR-, UV- and Raman-spectroscopy, particle size analysis, NMR spectroscopy, specimen preparation), structure of materials (structure – mechanical property relationships for metals, polymers and ceramics, phase transformations with associated strengthening effects, failure processes), advanced materials processing (manufacturing with metals, ceramics, polymers and composites and typical coating methods).

Semester 1 also includes the study of typical management systems which are needed to standardize and audit manufacturing processes and systems in Industry. This module also addresses regulatory affairs for the Biomedical Device Industry. Semester 2 involves further study of analytical techniques and modelling software used for materials development / analysis and affords students exposure to Research challenges in Materials Science. Students choose one specialised elective in each Semester which covers the detailed materials science associated with Biomedical devices and how new materials are being developed which have therapeutic value.

During Semester 2 students choose and begin work on a 45 credit Biomedical Device Materials related research project supervised by highly published internationally recognised experts in Materials Science & Engineering. These projects involve the use of state of the art instrumentation at the University to acquire information on materials and processes suitable for publication in high impact journals or IP protection.

Autumn    
 

• Structure of Materials
• Advanced Analysis of Materials 1
• Advanced Materials Processing
• Management Systems Standards

Electives (Choose One)
 

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymers for Biomedical Devices

Spring
 

• Advanced Analysis of Materials 2
• Research Challenges in Materials Science
• Materials Project 1

Electives (Choose One)
 

• Biomaterials 2
• Biomaterials Science: Polymer Therapeutics
• Engineering Alloys
• Plasticity of Conventional and 3D Printed Metals

Summer
 

• Materials Project 2

Applicants for a Master’s programme must normally have a first or second class Level 8 honours degree (NFQ or other internationally recognised equivalent) in a physical science or engineering subject(s) or equivalent prior learning that is recognised by the University as meeting this requirement.  Applicants must also satisfy the English Language Requirements of the University. The University reserves the right to shortlist and interview applicants as deemed necessary.

Tuition Fees

These are based on Residency, Citizenship, Course requirements.

Review the three groups of criteria to determine your fee status as follows
 

1. Residency
    
   • You must have been living in an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland for at least 3 of the 5 years before starting your course
      
2. Citizenship
    
   • You must be a citizen of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland or have official refugee status
      
3. Course Requirements (all must be met)
    
   • You must be a first time full-time undergraduate (Exceptions are provided for students who hold a Level 6 or Level 7 qualification and are progressing to a Level 8 course in the same general area of study).
   • You must be undertaking a full-time undergraduate course of at least 2 year’s duration
   • You cannot be undertaking a repeat year of study at the same level unless evidence of exceptional circumstances eg serious illness is provided (in which case this condition may be waived)

There are in excess of 250 medical technology companies in Ireland, exporting €7.9bn worth of product annually, making Ireland the second largest exporter of med tech devices in Europe and employing 25,000 people. Future forecasts by the IDA for the industry have identified the need for Materials related expertise in regenerative medicine and bioprocessing,  The Irish Medical Devices Association states that “The medical technology industry in Ireland is changing from being predominantly manufacturing to being more complex and driven by R&D” and this new M. Sc. programme is designed to empower individuals to create, and participate in, such change.