Find information about the Inamori School of Engineering here.
Overview
Biomaterials Engineering (BME) at Alfred University is a highly interdisciplinary program that focuses on both the intrinsic properties of materials that are applied to the field of medicine, and the associated interaction between these biomaterials and the human physiological systems with which they must interact. Materials such as ceramics, glass, metals, polymers and composite materials are specifically tailored for implantation and integration into the human body, and are assuming greater importance in many areas of the medical field. These fields include but are not limited to design of novel implants, drug delivery devices, in vivo cancer therapy, substrates for cell culture and tissue engineering, catalysts for biological reaction, and improving the biocompatibility of implantable materials. Biomaterials are the most fundamental and important parameter when developing materials to serve a therapeutic function within the human body.
The BME program at Alfred University seeks to educate a unique group of biomaterials engineers whose focus is material interactions with living cells and tissues. The program is designed to attract students from diverse backgrounds such as materials engineering, biology, biotechnology, biomedical, and physical sciences who wish to study materials for medical applications.
The curriculum and thesis-based research focuses on: (a) an understanding of the interaction/interface between nonliving materials and biological systems via fabrication, characterization, and simulation; (b) the development of novel biomaterials, including biomimetic, bioactive, and combination systems that utilize both living and non-living components, (c) identification of new ways in which standard and novel biomaterials may be used in the analysis, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and injuries; and (d) the development of standardized testing procedures for assessing and predicting materials behavior in the biological environment.
Students completing the program are well prepared to enter the rapidly growing “biotech” industries where knowledge of both materials and molecular cell biology is rare. They are also prepared to enter industries that develop and manufacture medical devices, equipment and supplies including the design and production of classic biomedical implants such as cardiovascular stents, orthopedic implants, and dental prosthetics. They will be qualified for a wide range of careers in the healthcare industries.
A significant fraction of students may continue their education in professional schools of medicine or law, or pursue Ph.D. studies in related fields such as Materials Science or Biomedical Engineering.
Prerequisites and Undergraduate Preparation
The program is open to students holding Bachelor of Science degrees in material science and engineering, biological, and physical sciences. Acceptance into the program is based on the applicant’s prior academic record, work experience, potential for growth, and the availability of space in the program. Admission may be contingent on taking foundational undergraduate courses to ensure success in the curriculum.
Ideally, applicants should present evidence of undergraduate-level competence in the following subject areas: 1) introductory cell biology, 2) organic chemistry, 3) thermal and mechanical properties of materials, and 4) single-variable calculus. Applicants without the required background will also be considered for admission, but may have to take pre-requisite courses before enrolling specific graduate classes.
Curriculum
The Master of Science in BME requires a minimum of thirty semester-hours of graduate credit, of which at least twenty-four must be in advanced coursework. Candidates for the degree are required (1) to present and defend a written thesis of their research and (2) to submit a manuscript suitable for publication to a peer-reviewed journal. The curriculum is designed to be completed in two years of full-time study.