MSc Biomaterials

The unit provides an overview of the design and realization of a research project, either lab-based or computational, the application of technical data analysis and visualisation methods, and how these can be applied to solve engineering problems.

The unit aims to:

1. Introduce the theory of planning, managing, and executing a research project in science and engineering.
    
2. Provide methods to assess, analyse and visualise technical data, with introduction to the design of experiments and industrial statistics, including the application of Taguchi methods.
    
3. Provide training and practical examples to propose solutions for engineering challenges.
    
4. Improve confidence in the use of transferable and interpersonal skills, team working, and the written & oral communication of scientific ideas.
    
5. Reinforce the application of engineering knowledge and theory with concepts in the form of case studies and a subsequent individual research project.

A greater depth of the learning outcomes will be covered in the following sections:

• Knowledge and understanding
• Intellectual skills
• Practical skills
• Transferable skills and personal qualities

• Understand the principles of engineering design and the role of materials selection in design projects
• Select an appropriate experimental design and suitable research methods to address a materials science problem
• Evaluate the importance of economic, legal, social, ethical and environmental context relevant to engineering practice

a. Evaluate whether differences between measurements and analyses are statistically significant
      

a. Apply tools to design experiments and critically evaluate the resulting data

b. Process and analyse experimental image data

c. Create high-quality figures suitable for scientific publication

d. Assess and mitigate risks of working in a research laboratory

a. Plan, prioritise, deliver and assess a programme of work within a team

b. Communicate a research project, its motivation, aims, management plan and outcomes to different audiences through an oral and a poster presentation

c. Compose a high-level critical literature review

Feedback given written and verbally.

• W.D. Callister, D.G. Rethwisch, Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction, 9ed, Wiley, 2013.
• M. Ashby, Materials and Design: The Art & Science of Material Selection in Product Design, 3ed, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2014.
• R.K. Roy, Design of Experiments Using the Taguchi Approach: 16 Steps to Product and Process Improvement, John Wiley & Sons, 2001.
• G.S. Peace, Taguchi methods A Hands-On Approach, ¿Addison-Wesley, 1992.
• D.A. Porter, K.E. Easterling, M.Y. Sherif, Phase Transformations in Metals and Alloys, 3rd, Chapman and Hall, 2009.

Initial reading about the topic of the individual research project will be provided by the supervisor. The student will perform an in-depth literature review using relevant books and articles from scientific journals, under the guidance of the supervisor.