MEng Materials Science and Engineering with Corrosion

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 .

The unit covers a number of ‘soft’ polymer systems, providing an understanding of the underlying principles. 

The unit aims to:

1.  Primarily, to provide an understanding of the principles underlying the behaviour of soft matter: polymer biomaterials, colloids and elastomers.

2. Provide an overview of the properties and applications of polymer biomaterials, colloids and elastomers.

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 underlying physics and chemistry in a range of polymer soft matter systems. 
• Demonstrate a broad knowledge of polymer soft matter systems.
• Describe the types and the classifications of liquid and Polymer crystals.
• Understand the thermodynamics of elastic chains and be familiar with the methods for the characterisation of networks.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of colloids and surfaces in biomaterials science.
• Describe DLVO theory and use this to predict conditions where adsorption of proteins and bacteria by biomaterial surfaces will occur.
• Demonstrate a broad knowledge of how polymeric materials are used
• Knowledge of the applications and commercial limitations of soft polymer systems.
• Describe the structure of liquid and polymer foams.
• Describe the structure of biological cell membranes

• Show improved logical reasoning, problem solving and ability in applied mathematics. 
• Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of polymeric network.
• Explain the three mechanisms for the transport of substances through cell membranes.
• Explain the difference between Wet and Dry liquid foams.
• Explain the factors that influence the order parameters in polymer liquid crystals.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of self-assembly
• Explain the relationships between the structure and properties of hydrogels.
• Knowledge of the applications and commercial limitations of hydrogel systems.

• Solve problems utilising appropriate methods.
• Assess results critically.
• Communicate results reliably and effectively.
• Compose simple technical reports on laboratory tests. 

Feedback given (Written and verbal).

• Principles of Tissue Engineering 3rd Edition, R Lanza, R Langer and J Vacanti.
• Biomaterials: an introduction, 3rd Edition, J Park and RS Lakes; Springer 2007.
• Biomaterials Science: An Introduction to Materials in Medicine, 3 editions, BD Ratner et al.

Additional items will be provided through Blackboard