BMedSc BJ95Career Advisors Day

2013

Dr Michael P HofmannAdmissions Tutor

Biomedical Materials Science

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 knee• Suture• Dialysis• Intubation• Contact lens• Drug release device• Pacemaker• Artificial Heart

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.

Syllabus & Teaching

• Wide range of contributing schools (based in Dentistry)

• Variety of teaching styles – Lectures– Tutorials– Case studies (group work)– Practicals

• Support

• Student/staff ratios (low)

Your Final Year Project

• Your 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)• Class sized course• Based in a Hospital

Track Record

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)

• Birmingham course running since 1993

• Graduates produced for 18 years to date – 253 in total

Entry requirements

A-levels: ABB to include two sciences (of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths), one must be Biology or Chemistry.

IB: 34 points

- No interview (science course)- No course specific AS- or GCSE- requirements- No work experience required (science course)