Materials and Biomaterials Science and Engineering, M.S.

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 Masters of Science (M.S.) degree. We offer two options: a thesis option (Plan I) and a non-thesis option (Plan II). Research projects 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.

Master’s Program Learning Outcomes

Master’s Plan I 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. 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.
4. 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.

The coursework only M.S. degree (Plan II non-thesis) usually takes less time to complete and may be completed in a single year. This selection can be attractive to someone outside of academia who seeks to acquire up-to-date specialist knowledge that facilitates a new project or a career advancement. We will accept both full-time and part-time students with this course-based degree option.

Master’s Plan II 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. 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.
3. 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.