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355 Squire Hall
Buffalo, New York 14214-3008
(716) 829-3560
Fax: (716) 835-4872
E-mail: baier@acsu.buffalo.edu
Robert E. Baier, Ph.D., P.E., Program Director
Additional Information:
Graduate Program Quick Guide: Biomaterials
Industry/University Center for Biosurfaces
BMA 520 - Evaluation of Biomedical Materials
The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomaterials is an outgrowth of a masters degree program in Dental Materials, sponsored by the School of Dental Medicine since 1971. Through policies established by the Graduate School of the University, courses and research topics have been developed to provide comprehensive knowledge of prosthetic materials, from bio/surface and molecular interactions to device design and surgical requirements. Supporting themes include safe processing of biological materials and devices [e.g. sterilization], global regulatory perspectives, environmental engineering, facilities sanitation, and international marketing. The program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours and a masters thesis to be completed in two to three years. The program has a strong emphasis on ethics and professional/client interactions, supported by licensed faculty professionals in medicine, dentistry, law, and engineering.
During the first year, students are required to complete 12 credit hours of core courses. Course offerings include Biomaterials Science and Engineering, Introduction to Polymers, Evaluation of Biomedical Materials, Research Seminar in Biomaterials, Introduction to Biomaterials, Research Design, and Statistics for Biological and Medical Sciences. The remaining 18 credit hours are fulfilled though elective courses, transfer credits and thesis research. Students must take a minimum of 6 credits of elective coursework, at least 3 credits of which must be related to their area of research. Students admitted to the program usually have backgrounds in biological science or engineering. The Program Director encourages graduate mechanical engineering and biophysics courses as electives.
The summer preceding the second year of study is usually spent doing research with a faculty advisor. This work often forms the basis of the M.S. thesis. During the second year, and a third year if necessary, students complete any remaining coursework and finish their thesis research. Students may also take or transfer approved courses at other institutions and count these courses toward formal requirements for the M.S. degree, after review by the program faculty and Graduate School.
The Interdisciplinary Program in Biomaterials can assist with financial support for admitted students, often by arranging for joint industry/university research projects that fund student thesis studies. Financial aid also may be available in the form of stipends, fellowships, assistantships, or tuition scholarships. Some faculty have research grants that permit them to appoint postdoctoral fellows or to hire research assistants.
Send e-mail to Robert E. Baier, Ph.D., P.E.
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