Materials and Biomaterials Science and Engineering, Ph.D.

Program Description

mbse.ucmerced.edu | Sarah Kurtz, Graduate Program Chair, skurtz@ucmerced.edu

The graduate program in Materials and Biomaterials Science and Engineering (MBSE) offers a multidisciplinary research and training program for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. Research projects for the Ph.D. are available on a range of research topics as described below. The companion coursework provides rigorous fundamental training in materials kinetics, thermodynamics, processing, structure and properties, and characterization, as well as exciting electives on specialty topics including tissue engineering, bioinspired materials, nanofabrication, electron microscopy and simulation. Our research is organized into three emphases:

• Materials for Sustainability includes materials for energy harvesting, conversion, and storage, as well as sensing, monitoring and treatment of air and water.
• Materials for Biomedicine includes bioinspired materials, biomaterials and tissue engineering, drug delivery, microfabrication, and bioelectronics for sensing and monitoring.
• Materials and Interfaces for Tailored Functionalities includes creating new organic and inorganic building blocks and corresponding material platforms for novel thermal, mechanical, optical, electronic, plasmonic and quantum behaviors in bulk or at interfaces to enable fundamental studies and technological advancements.

Our faculty and staff take pride in combining exceptional teaching with state-of-the-art research to advance education and discovery in this rapidly evolving discipline. Our researchers are actively participating both within and beyond the university community to apply materials technology principles to the solution of essential medical, technological and societal challenges.

Ph.D. Program Learning Outcomes

1. Core Knowledge – Possess a broad foundation in the fundamentals and current topics in either materials or biomaterials science and engineering, as well as an in-depth understanding of their chosen research topic area.
2. Technical Skills- Exhibit the quantitative experimental and analytical skills necessary to conduct and lead independent research and contribute to knowledge in their chosen area.
3. Research Competency – Be able to identify new, important, and interesting research opportunities, and be able to develop effective strategies, including the experimental plan, for pursuing these opportunities.
4. Communication Skills – Communicate both fundamental concepts and details of their own research effectively, both in written and oral form, including in a classroom setting to expert and non-expert audiences.
5. Critical Thinking – Be able to critically evaluate the experimental design, data analysis and data interpretation of our peers.
6. Professional Ethics – Understand and promulgate the importance of research and professional ethics, and maintaining the trust of governmental and non-governmental scientific organizations, professional colleagues, and the public.