Overview

What you'll learn

The program consists of:

• a component of theoretical studies (first semester), such as guided and self-guided learning, lectures, tutorials, presentation skills learning, journal-based learning, and iClass app (E-learning); and
• a research component (first-second semester), comprising a literature study, laboratory research, demonstrations, active attendance in 6 BDS PBL laboratory sessions, seminar presentation and scientific manuscript preparation. 

These two components are the pedagogical methods throughout the MSc (DMS) programme.

The Dental Materials Science at The University of Hong Kong is a program of advanced study designed to develop a broad knowledge of the principles underlying the mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of biomaterials; structure at molecular, microscopic, and macroscopic levels; adhesion promotion; setting reactions; mechanisms of reaction and mechanical failure; testing and validation; adhesion promotion; materials syntheses; and behaviour in all relevant aspects of each class of material used in dentistry, in relation to their function, application handling, and service. Students will practice scientific presentation skills in specific small group tutorials, give a seminar presentation in the Annual MSc(DMS) Postgraduate Student Seminar (June) and prepare a scientific paper based on their laboratory research project, in addition to the MSc(DMS) thesis (August).

Successful graduates may develop their career, not only in clinical dentistry (if with a BDS certificate), but also in teaching and learning, research and development, quality control and validation, marketing, logistics, production, engineering, administration, management and consulting. Owing to the rise in average life expectancy, biomaterials science has been estimated to have expanding relevance and importance.