MSc in Dental Materials Science

All 20 credits, unless otherwise stated:

Foundation in Materials Science

This module is designed to provide each student with adequate grounding for the remainder of the curriculum. The module will provide fundamental knowledge (either as a refresher or developed and applied learning) in mechanical, physical, and chemical properties and apply them to the function of dental materials in clinical service.

Applied Polymer Science

Many aspects of processing dental materials at the chairside and in the dental laboratory involve polymerization reactions: from the manufacture of denture bases, and photopolymerization of resin restorative materials, to taking impressions of hard and soft tissue. The purpose of this module is to extend the students’ understanding of basic polymer science principles (learned or recapped in Foundation in Materials Science) to advance knowledge in a variety of polymer-based systems and related processing technologies used in dentistry.

Ceramic and Cement Systems

Ceramics represent an important material class used in dentistry with unique mechanical, chemical, and optical properties. This module will consider the various classes of ceramic systems from traditional feldspathic porcelain to pressable, milled, and 3D-printable materials. The module will also provide a detailed understanding of the structure-property relationships of cement and liners, either as restorative material or for retention of laboratory-processed dental prostheses, ranging from traditional zinc phosphate cement to hydraulic silicates (for endodontics), ion-leachable glasses, and resin-based adhesives.

Metals and Metal Alloys

Metals and metal alloys play an important role in dentistry, as in many technologies, because of their unique combination of properties. Students need to develop a systematic understanding of the effects of structure on the key properties of metals and metal alloys. The purpose of this module is to describe and apply the fundamentals of metal structure and alloy constitution to the mechanical, chemical (corrosion), and biological properties of metallic dental materials.

Biological Interactions of Dental Materials

The success or failure of dental materials depends on many factors, not least the interactions with tissues, cells, and microbes. This module will link aspects of materials to human cells and also address bacterial infections, and antimicrobial techniques, and cover the important aspect of antimicrobial resistance, including an introduction/revision to eukaryotic cells and bacteria relevant in the oral cavity, an overview of cell and tissue interactions with both conventional and novel materials, tissue regeneration, cytotoxicity, and wound healing.

Emerging Materials and Related Technologies

This module aims to generate an understanding of how new technologies impact the development of biomaterials and to inform students of the current possibilities and future potential of such materials and technologies. Tissue engineering, novel restorative materials, and imaging technologies will be covered, and their advantages and limitations will be discussed. In addition, students will be introduced to relevant translational factors such as regulatory matters and intellectual property rights that affect the development of new therapeutic solutions.

Final Research Project – 60 credits

The MSc program has a strong focus on research training with 4 of the 6 modules that precede the Final Research Project providing a platform for proper application, design, execution, analysis, and reporting of experimental work. The 16-week, 60-credit research project will provide students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills developed in Semesters 1 and 2 related to the key properties, limitations, and failures of dental materials.

For each core module, a practical component will provide students with full training on a wide range of state-of-the-art research equipment fostering robust critical analysis and techniques for scientific research. Each of the six, 20-credit and one, 60-credit modules will run separately and consecutively to allow for part-time study and also to provide logical progression and development of interrelated concepts and research skills.

Examples of previous research project titles include:

• The effect of filler particle morphology on spatial and temporal cure in light curable resin-based materials
• Determination of the attenuation coefficient of dentine for photo disinfection and photobiomodulation
• Bacterial decontamination of dental tissues using novel non-antibiotic light-based technologies
• Antimicrobial properties of materials used in vital pulp therapy

Overall the skills you will gain include:

• Research Methodology
• Analysis and data interpretation
• Presentation skills
• Critical appraisal

The program:

• Will provide mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of materials as structured systems, including bulk and surface properties at the molecular, micro-, and macroscopic levels and interaction of materials with the biological environment
• Will help you develop a critical understanding of factors that determine the successful clinical application of dental materials and contribute to state-of-the-art and emerging dental material technologies, including digital dentistry and manufacturing and the future of dental materials and related tools
• Is focused on a research-led educational program where theoretical concepts of materials science delivered by a range of teaching methods are reinforced by gaining insight and deeper understanding within a laboratory setting
• Is based on the practical exploration of concepts, generating ideas, and assembling and testing explanations, ultimately providing a strong foundation for the final 12-week research project and developing career research skills beyond
• Is based on the format and delivery of existing and successful MSc programs in Dental Materials Science established by Professor Brian Darvell (the University of Hong Kong, University of Kuwait, and now the University of Birmingham) and is led by Professor William Palin (University of Birmingham).

Careers Network - We can help you get ahead in the job market and develop your career

We recognize that as a postgraduate student, you are likely to have specific requirements when it comes to planning for your next career step. Employers expect postgraduates to have a range of skills that exceed their subject knowledge. Careers Network offers a range of events and support services that are designed for all students, including postgraduates looking to find their niche in the job market. The Careers Network also has subject-specific careers consultants and advisers for each College so you can be assured the information you receive will be relevant to your subject area.

We have two teaching terms per year, the autumn term and the spring term.

As a full-time student, you will typically take three modules in each term, followed by a research project and dissertation. You can typically expect six to nine hours of classroom time per week, which is accompanied by laboratory practicals in most modules. If you are a part-time student, you will typically take three modules across each year, followed by a dissertation for MSc students.

Each module represents a total of approximately 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework, and assignment preparation.