Overview

This one year M. Sc. programme is designed to produce highly qualified graduates who have an in-depth knowledge of the instrumentation involved in the analysis and characterisation of materials together with a detailed knowledge of Materials Science and Materials Processing. Specialist modules and a specialised research project will allow students to become fully briefed in Biomedical Device Materials and how such materials interact with the human body. With this knowledge base, graduates could expect to work in the quickly evolving high-tech Biomedical Device industry or to continue their education to PhD level.

Objectives

• To provide science, engineering and technology graduates with a competitive edge for a career in biomedical device companies
• To provide graduates with key analytical skills and knowledge in the latest biopolymer and metallurgical technologies preparing them for a career in biomedical device R & D and / or product design
• To develop graduates with excellence in Materials Science and Engineering capability to underpin National and International Industrial development

Programme of study at University of Limerick

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.