Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To provide a degree programme in the interdisciplinary field of biomaterials which satisfies the needs of industry.
• To produce graduates of outstanding ability who have a strong academic background with especially outstanding business and transferable skills.
• To produce graduates who manage their own learning, communicate effectively and make use of primary source materials.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

•  QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications

•  QAA Benchmark Statements for Materials

•  Institute of Materials Guidelines for Accreditation

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of the programmes, graduates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Relevant principles of materials science, biology and physiology as applied to biomaterials engineering;
• A number of specialist materials topics connected with metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites;
• The role of information technology and library resources in providing support for biomaterials engineers;
• Engineering and biological/chemical principles relevant to materials selection;
• The materials aspects of design;
• The professional and engineering responsibilities of biomaterials engineers;
• Processing of materials;
• Procedures for the characterisation and testing of materials.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to:

• Select and identify an appropriate material and manufacturing route for the design of a biomedical component;
• Utilise materials engineering and biological principles to develop new materials/processing routes for improved performance of biomedical systems;
• Solve materials engineering problems;
• Select and apply appropriate IT tools to a variety of materials problems;
• Analyse materials aspects of components;
• Select materials from an environmentally appreciative viewpoint;
• Interpret numerical data and apply mathematical methods to the analysis of materials engineering problems.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of the programmes, students should be able to:

• Use appropriate mechanical testing, biological testing, degradation/corrosion testing, optical, X-ray, electron metallographic, and surface and chemical analysis methods for the study of materials;
• Manipulate systems for the processing of polymers, ceramics and metals
• Use appropriate computer software for design and modelling exercises;
• Evaluate and present practical data in a suitable format;
• Explain experimental results in terms of theoretical mechanisms and concepts;
• Compile clear and well-structured technical reports;
• Acquire and use sources of information appropriately;
• Demonstrate project management skills.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of the programmes, students should be able to:

• Work effectively, both as part of a team and/or independently;
• Organise and manage time and resources effectively; for short-term and longer-term commitments;
• Communicate effectively through written, graphical, inter-personal, and presentation media;
• Apply constructive and structured approaches to problem solving;
• Demonstrate a reasonable level of numeracy; appropriate to the cognitive skills required;
• Acquire and use sources of information appropriately;
• Demonstrate project management skills.
• Compile clear and well-structured technical reports.

4. Programme structure

4.1         Part A – Introductory Modules

4.1.1     Compulsory modules (total module weight 120)

4.2          Part B – Degree Modules

4.2.1    Compulsory modules (total module weight 120)

4.3     Part I –   Diploma in Industrial Studies and Diploma in International Studies Modules

4.3.1    Eight Semester Programme

In accordance with Regulation XI, students will undertake an approved placement or study abroad leading to the Diploma of Industrial Studies, if following Module MPI001, or leading to the Diploma in International Studies, if following Module MPI002.  Participation in a placement or study abroad is subject to Departmental approval and satisfactory academic performance during Parts A and B.

4.4     Part C – Degree Modules

4.4.1    Compulsory core modules (total module weight 110)

4.4.2      Additional optional modules. Chosen options to be approved by the Programme Director. Choose 10 credits from:

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B and from Part B to C and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also:

- Students commencing their studies from 2015 onwards must gain credit (≥40%) in the core materials module MPA201 to progress from Part A to Part B. They also must gain (≥40%) in the modules MAA101 Mathematics for Materials 1 and MAA201 Mathematics for Materials 2 to progress from Part A to B.

5.2 Re-assessment

Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XX for candidates, who have the right of reassessment in all parts of the programme, to undergo reassessment in the University’s Special Assessment Period (except where SAP- exempt modules are involved).

Where a candidate has achieved fewer than 60 credits in a part of the programme, reassessment in the relevant part is not available to that candidate in the Special Assessment Period.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidate’s final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C, in accordance with the scheme set out in Regulation XX.  The average percentages for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 30: Part C 70 to determine the final percentage for the award of BEng.