
- UCAS course code
- F201
- UCAS institution code
- M20
This course is available through clearing
MEng Materials Science and Engineering with Biomaterials
Year of entry: 2022
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Overview
- Degree awarded
- MEng Honours
- Duration
- 4 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
Grades AAA including two from Maths, Physics or Chemistry
- Typical contextual A-level offer
-
Grades AAB including two from Maths, Physics or ChemistryFind out more about contextual admissions.
- Refugee/care-experienced offer
-
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.Find out more about contextual admissions.
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
36 points to include 6,6,6 at Higher level to include 2 from Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021. We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from: Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
For this programme of study we will accept Mathematics: analysis and approaches only at HL as one of the HL subject specific requirements.
- Number of places/applicants
- 1400 applications for 250 places across all first year courses
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS .
- UCAS course code
- F201
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- Be a part of the largest and most diverse university activity devoted to materials in Europe.
- Take a course accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3).
- You'll study topics such as tissue and stem cell engineering, drug delivery and biosensors, and clinical applications of biomaterials.
- A six-month project and optional industrial placement will give you the chance to work at the cutting edge of biomaterials research.
- From September 2022, learn in our brand-new, £400m purpose built engineering and material science building, MECD. See more
Open days
You can view the recent undergraduate virtual open week recorded sessions here .
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2022 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £28,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.
For information about scholarships and bursaries please see our undergraduate fees pages and check the Department's funding pages .
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Materials
- Contact name
- Tracy Bate
- Website
- https://www.materials.manchester.ac.uk
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: About Us
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
Grades AAA. This should include two subjects from Maths, Physics and Chemistry. If you are not taking A Level Maths, Grade A at GCSE Maths is required.
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken.
Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.
AS-level
Unit grade information
The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.
GCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
International Baccalaureate
36 points to include 6,6,6 at Higher level to include 2 from Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021. We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from: Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
For this programme of study we will accept Mathematics: analysis and approaches only at HL as one of the HL subject specific requirements.
Other international entry requirements
Scottish requirements
2 Advanced Highers in two subjects from Maths, Physics and Chemistry at Grade A plus 2 Highers at Grade A (any subjects)
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the School directly.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this.
We require minimum grade A from the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate to be considered for the course.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
European Baccalaureate
The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.
We normally require: 80% average with a minimum of 80% in Maths, Physics and Chemistry
AQA Baccalaureate
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.
Foundation year
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme in Engineering or Science, are required to achieve AAA (to include two subjects from Maths, Physics and Chemistry) with grade C in EAP (with nothing below a D). INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester students are required to attend an interview.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year in Engineering or Science are required to achieve AAA (to include two subjects from Maths, Physics and Chemistry)) with grade C in EAP (with nothing below a D).
Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic School to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
Pearson BTEC qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
We will consider the National Extended Diploma for entry to our programme provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course and the modules taken cover sufficient material in Maths and Science. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades DDD. If you are not taking a stand alone qualification in Maths, Grade A at GCSE is required.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
We will consider the National Diploma for entry to our programme, provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course and the modules taken cover sufficient material in Maths and Science. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades DD/D*D plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at grade A. If you are not taking a stand alone qualification in Maths, Grade A at GCSE is required.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma
We will only consider the National Foundation Diploma, at Grade D, in conjunction with A Level Grades AA in two subjects from Maths, Physics and Chemistry. If you are not taking a stand alone qualification in Maths, Grade A at GCSE is required.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
We will only consider the National Extended Certificate in conjunction with A Levels. The combination of A Levels and the National Extended Certificate must cover sufficient material in Maths and Science. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grades D/D* plus additional level 3 qualification such as A Levels at grades AA. If you are not taking a stand alone qualification in Maths, Grade A at GCSE is required.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the School directly.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma
We will consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry to our programme provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course and the modules taken cover sufficient material in Maths and Science. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDD. If you are not taking a stand alone qualification in Maths, Grade A at GCSE is required.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma
We will consider the Technical Diploma for entry to our programme provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course and the modules taken cover sufficient material in Maths and Science. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DD/D*D plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at grade A. If you are not taking a stand alone qualification in Maths, Grade A at GCSE is required.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma
We will only consider the Technical Foundation Diploma in conjunction with A Levels. The combination of A Levels and the Technical Foundation Diploma must cover sufficient material in Maths and Science. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades D/D* plus additional level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades AA. If you are not taking a stand alone qualification in Maths, Grade A at GCSE is required.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate
We will only consider the Technical Extended Certificate in conjunction with A Levels. The combination of A Levels and the Technical Extended Certificate must cover sufficient material in Maths and Science. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grades D/D* plus additional level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades AA. If you are not taking a stand alone qualification in Maths, Grade A at GCSE is required.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the School directly.
Access to HE Diploma
We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.
The specific course requirements are: Access to HE Diploma in Science or Engineering - Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits awarded at Level 3, 40 credits must be awarded at Distinction and 15 at Merit. This must include modules on Maths, Physics and Chemistry at Level 3. If you are not taking a stand alone qualification in Maths, Grade A at GCSE is required.
Cambridge Pre-U
We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.
Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects in conjunction with A levels are expected to achieve a combination of D3 in the Pre-U certificates and grade A at A level in three distinct subjects. This must include two subjects from Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Core Maths
The University recognises the value of Level 3 Core Mathematics qualifications. Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer we make. However, if a student choses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider a student's application, particularly for courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element that does not require A Level Mathematics. Academic Schools may also choose to take a student's performance in Core Mathematics into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
Where a course requires applicants to have at least grade 6/B or higher in GCSE Mathematics we would be likely to consider a pass in Core Mathematics at a minimum grade C or B as an alternative way to fulfil this requirement. Where an A Level in Mathematics is required then Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A Level.
A Level and GCSE Mathematics requirements for our courses vary according to subject so we advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether a student's portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry onto the chosen course.
Home-schooled applicants
Non-standard educational routes
Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences. Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.
The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to. Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C, or;
- IELTS 6 with no subtest less than 5.5 , or;
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Interview requirements
All students who apply to us through UCAS, and who live on the UK mainland and meet our application criteria, are invited to a Virtual Visit Day which will include an interview as part of the application process. These are held from November through to March and will consist of a presentation by the Admissions Tutor and a Q&A session with current staff and students. The interview will be informal and no specific preparation needs to be done for it. Parents / guardians are encouraged to attend the Virtual Visit Day.
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Re-applications
Course details
Course description
Begin your journey into materials science and engineering at Manchester, home to the most diverse university activity devoted to materials in Europe, and central to exciting new research into this constantly evolving area.
Our four year Biomaterials course gives you a broad and balanced curriculum in Materials Science and Engineering, meeting the requirements for accreditation with the Institute of Materials, in order to equip you with the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding to pursue a successful careers in both industrial and research environments.
You can select from a broad range of options in years 3 and 4 specifically tailored to meet the needs of the biomaterials sector. Units such as tissue and stem cell engineering, drug delivery and biosensors, and clinical applications of biomaterials give you an in depth understanding of biomaterials and their interactions with the body from cellular level upward. You'll also complete a six-month project and you'll have the option to undertake an industrial placement which will give you the chance to work at the cutting edge of biomaterials research.
You'll also receive excellent academic and pastoral support, no matter what your educational backgrounds, with the intention of enabling you to achieve your full potential. We constantly monitor, review and enhance educational provision to ensure that it remains relevant to the needs of student progression and to current developments in research and industry.
You'll be taught by leading academics in their field - we are proud of the Department of Materials' excellent Research ratings, and our high staff-to-student ratio means you will receive close individual attention and frequent tutorial sessions. Known for our congenial atmosphere, we place emphasis on academic and pastoral support, helping students from a range of educational backgrounds to reach their full potential.
What's more, our students typically go on to enjoy an average six-months-after-graduating salary in excess of £24,000 - significantly higher than the sector average.
Aims
- Provide a broad and balanced curriculum in Materials Science and Engineering, meeting the requirements for accreditation with the professional body, in order to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding to pursue successful careers in both industrial and research environments.
- Provide a teaching environment in which undergraduate students can interact with academic staff at the forefront of research in Materials Science and Engineering, through advanced course units and project work.
- Foster subject-specific and transferable skills, including experience of materials processing and characterisation methods, oral and written communication, group work and IT skills.
- Provide students with effective academic and pastoral support, to cater for students from a wide range of educational backgrounds and enable all students to achieve their full potential.
- Monitor, review and enhance educational provision to ensure that it remains relevant to the needs of student progression and to current developments in research and industry.
Special features
Excellent facilities and links
Get hands-on with a fantastic range of on-site facilities and equipment . The Department of Materials is associated with a number of leading centres and institutes, including Graphene@Manchester and the Henry Royce Institute .
We're getting ready to move into a £400million Manchester Engineering Campus Development. Learn more
Project work opportunities
Our final-year research project will provide you with in-depth experience of working in a team conducting cutting-edge research. It can be the ideal grounding for progressing into work in research and development, or going on to study at PhD level.
Accreditation
The course is accredited by the Institute of Materials (IOM3) as fully meeting the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) registration, and partially for Chartered Engineer (CEng)/Chartered Scientist (CSci) status.
Foundation Year available
You can prepare for the full degree course if you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry by undertaking our foundation course first.
Additional course information
Our student community
MÁTSOC is a student-run society open all Department of Materials students; from Materials Science and Engineering to Fashion Business and Technology.
The society aims to create a fun environment to connect all students across the Department's network by putting on regular nights out, day trips, events and having guest speakers.
We also have a women's Netball team and a men's football team, which all MÁTSOC members are able to join.
Teaching and learning
- Lectures
- Small group tutorials
- Laboratory classes
- Group work
- Individual research projects
PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) and Peer Mentoring
We're proud of our innovative PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) and Peer Mentoring scheme. The PASS scheme provides additional support in the area of the current week's tutorial. It's entirely voluntary and second, third and fourth-year students help first years to tackle problems defined by the content of the current tutorial. The emphasis is on showing students how to think about the problems, how to develop problem-solving skills and how to get the most from the educational resources available.
Coursework and assessment
Most unit's assessments are split 70% exam/30% coursework. Although some 100% coursework units are also required.
Examinations take place in January and May each year.
Practical units are usually assessed by experimental report and/or short written assignment.
The proportion of independent study assignments increases during each year of study.
Course content for year 1
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Mathematics 1G1 | MATH19731 | 10 | Mandatory |
Mathematics 1G2 | MATH19732 | 10 | Mandatory |
Physics of Materials | MATS15101 | 10 | Mandatory |
Equilibrium Thermodynamics | MATS15201 | 10 | Mandatory |
Microstructures of Materials | MATS15301 | 10 | Mandatory |
Computing & Communication | MATS15501 | 20 | Mandatory |
Preliminary Chemistry Materials | MATS15551 | 0 | Mandatory |
Mechanical Behaviour | MATS16102 | 10 | Mandatory |
Structure of Solids | MATS16202 | 10 | Mandatory |
Functional Properties | MATS16302 | 10 | Mandatory |
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Course content for year 2
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Mechanics of Materials | MATS23101 | 10 | Mandatory |
Materials Synthesis and Sustainability | MATS23201 | 10 | Mandatory |
Phase Transformations and Microstructure Control | MATS23301 | 10 | Mandatory |
Materials Processing | MATS23401 | 10 | Mandatory |
Deformation Mechanisms | MATS23502 | 10 | Mandatory |
Functional Behaviour | MATS23602 | 10 | Mandatory |
Design, Management and Team Project | MATS23702 | 20 | Mandatory |
Biomaterials & Biological Interactions | MATS23801 | 10 | Optional |
Smart & Nano Materials | MATS23901 | 10 | Optional |
Engineering Alloys in Service | MATS24102 | 10 | Optional |
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Course content for year 3
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Modelling and Data Tools for Materials Scientists | MATS31101 | 10 | Mandatory |
Materials Characterisation and Analytical Techniques | MATS31201 | 10 | Mandatory |
Composite & Advanced Materials | MATS31301 | 10 | Mandatory |
Advanced Manufacturing Processes and Microfabrication | MATS31401 | 10 | Mandatory |
Functional Materials & Devices | MATS31501 | 10 | Mandatory |
Structural Integrity | MATS31601 | 10 | Mandatory |
Themed Research Project | MATS31702 | 20 | Mandatory |
Drug Delivery & Biosensors | MATS31802 | 10 | Mandatory |
Stem Cell & Tissue Engineering | MATS32302 | 10 | Mandatory |
Polymer Synthesis & Characterisation | MATS31902 | 10 | Optional |
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Course content for year 4
Course units for year 4
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Individual Research Project or Industrial Project | MATS42101 | 60 | Mandatory |
Group Management Project | MATS42302 | 15 | Mandatory |
Natural Materials & Biological Matrices | MATS42402 | 15 | Optional |
Lab to Clinic | MATS42502 | 15 | Optional |
Soft Matter | MATS42602 | 15 | Optional |
Control & Design of Polymerisation Reactions | MATS42702 | 15 | Optional |
Polymer Physics & Physical Properties | MATS42802 | 15 | Optional |
Advanced Metals Processing | MATS43102 | 15 | Optional |
Superalloys & High Performance Materials | MATS43202 | 15 | Optional |
Corrosion Management for Sustainability | MATS43402 | 15 | Optional |
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Scholarships and bursaries
The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.
For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our undergraduate student finance pages and our the Department funding pages.
What our students say
Facilities
The Department of Materials is home to an extensive array of facilities and equipment, across both its materials science and engineering, and fashion business and technology arms.
We also benefit from close ties to a long list of leading centres, institutes and research hubs, including but not limited to, the National Graphene Institute, the Photon Science Institute, Henry Royce Institute, Dalton Cumbrian Facility and BP International Centre for Advanced Materials.
Manchester's Engineering Campus Development, MECD
Get ready to collaborate, create and innovate in a brand-new £400m purpose-built building which will allow you, our future engineers and material scientists, to come together and make your mark on the world. The Manchester Engineering Campus Development (MECD) will officially open from September 2022 and will include hundreds of flexible teaching and learning spaces with unrivalled world-class research facilities - whatever your inspiration, with MECD the possibilities are endless. Learn more
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities

My time at Manchester pushed me to develop the skills of working well independently and managing time effectively.
My degree heavily emphasised the importance of creating novel solutions for healthcare problems. While being taught about historical and present day approaches, we were always encouraged to produce something new and play our part in shaping the future.
Aiswarya Kishor / 2018 graduate, now working at Arm
Materials science and engineering graduates are highly sought after and are recognised by employers for their knowledge, advanced research skills and independent thinking, so you will finish your degree with an excellent chance of gaining meaningful employment.
The University of Manchester is one of the most targeted universities in the UK for top graduate employers. Graduate with a degree from us and you'll be in high demand, according to The Graduate Market in 2021 - High Fliers Research .
Typically, our graduates progress to rewarding careers in research and development; management; and technical roles with both large materials manufacturing and end-users. Other graduates choose to apply their technical and analytical skills in fields such as patent law or accountancy, while your degree can also open up opportunities in careers as diverse as teaching, engineering, consultancy and technical development.
Some of the roles our recent graduates have gone on to include:
- Materials scientist
- Materials engineer
- Development scientist
- Materials technologist
- Research associate
- Materials chemist
- Product development scientist.
Our recent graduates have gone on to work for:
- Rolls Royce
- Jaguar Land Rover
- BP
- 3M
- Airbus
- Smith and Nephew
- DePuy
- BAE Systems
- Siemens
- Bentley Motors.
A materials science and engineering degree also provides an ideal springboard for higher level study (towards a PhD, for example), while the course - accredited by the Institute of Materials - can count as academic training towards Chartered Engineer status.
Careers Service
We are committed to helping you get the best start after graduation, that's why The University of Manchester's award-winning Careers Service will continue to support you two years after graduation.
Department of Materials Blog
Explore more about our students' experiences, our alumni and where they are now, and our department in our blog .