University at Buffalo (UB)
Biomaterials, MS
One of the few biomaterials graduate programs in the world, this interdisciplinary masters degree program focuses on the use of synthetic and natural materials in digital dentistry, implant dentistry, and biomedical engineering.
SPRING 2025 ENROLLMENT | Applications accepted May 1 - September 1, 2024
FALL 2025 ENROLLMENT | Applications accepted July 1, 2024 - April 1, 2025
Program Director:
Sabrina Feitosa Sochacki, DDS, MSc, PhD
Department of Restorative Dentistry, 215 Squire Hall
Faculty and Curriculum
Faculty at UB's School of Dental Medicine are committed to providing students an inclusive and diverse learning environment and promoting improvements to oral health, not only at our school, but worldwide. Our highly trained faculty, innovative curriculum, and state-of-the-art facilities are among the top reasons that students choose our school.
A minimum of 30 credit hours is required to complete the program, including thesis research and preparation of the thesis:
- Required "core" courses (12 credits)
- Elective courses (15 credits)
- Culminating Experience: Research and Thesis (3 credits)
Your electives are selected in consultation with the Biomaterials Program Director, and should be closely related to your research interests. Successful completion of the program requires passing the public defense of your thesis, including confirmation of your fundamental knowledge of biomaterials principles, and final acceptance of the written thesis.
Courses
Biomaterials courses include topics such as "Biomaterials cell-surface phenomena," "Polymeric biomaterials," and "Evaluation of biomedical materials." Weekly seminars and thesis guidance are also an important component of the program. Prior experience in research is a plus but not a requirement for enrolment in the program. By the end of the program, our students will have training in how to properly prepare a research protocol, conduct research, and write scientific papers.
Required Core
BMA 501: Biomat Cell-Surface Phen
BMA 507: Biomaterials Seminar
BMA 513: Polymeric Biomaterials
BMA 520: Eval Biomedical Materials
Popular Electives
MIC 502: Medical Microbiology
ORB 510: Saliva and the Oral Microbiome
ORB 545: Dynamics of Bone
OS 506: Oral Sci:Biomaterials
OS 518: Stat Methods Oral Science
More about these courses and a list of all possible electives can be viewed in The Graduate School Degree and Course Catalog.
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 MS thesis. During the second year, students complete any remaining coursework and finish their thesis research, which must be reviewed by an expert outside reader before eligibility for a formal oral defense.
Students may also take or transfer approved graduate-level courses at other institutions and count these courses toward formal requirements for the MS degree, after review by the program faculty and Graduate School. There is a limit of six credits that can be transferred.
In addition to the facilities at the School of Dental Medicine, various departments throughout UB — including mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering and biophysics (through Roswell Park Cancer Institute) — provide research venues for biomaterials MS students.
The Biomaterials program is housed within the Department of Restorative Dentistry.
Faculty at the School of Dental Medicine and those from across UB's academic units participate in the program. Faculty serve as research mentors and thesis committee members, to align with student interests and goals.