The Master of Science in Dental Materials Science [MSc(DMS)] programme will be of value to dentists who want to gain a deeper understanding of their daily work or specialise in facilitating and teaching biomaterials science (dental materials science) at dental schools. It also will be of interest to science and engineering degree-holders contemplating an attractive interdisciplinary career, will provide a strong foundation for research study, and will be of substantial value to people who want to teach biomaterials science in dentistry or medicine. The programme does not involve patient contact.
The MSc(DMS) is a programme of advanced study designed to develop a broad knowledge of the principles underlying the mechanical, physical and chemical properties of biomaterials and materials in dentistry; structure at molecular, microscopic and macroscopic levels; adhesion promotion; setting reactions; mechanisms of reaction and mechanical failure; testing and validation; adhesion promotion; and behaviour in all relevant aspects of each class of material used in dentistry, in relation to their function, application handling and service. The programme includes small group tutorials, lectures, seminars, common courses, laboratory demonstrations and experiments, optional courses, e-learning applications, self-guided learning and journal-based learning. Students practise scientific-presentation skills, give a scientific seminar presentation, the Annual MSc(DMS) Post-Graduate Student Seminar, and write a scientific paper based on their laboratory research project, in addition to their MSc(DMS) thesis.
The rise of average life expectancy means that biomaterials science is becoming increasingly useful in the job market. In addition to clinical dentistry (if with a BDS certificate), graduates work in teaching, research and development, quality control, marketing, logistics, production, engineering and consulting.
