UCL DIVISION OF SURGERY AND INTERVENTIONAL SCIENCE

About the MSc

Reconstructive Transplantation / CTA		Tissue Engineering / Nanotechnology
This group has set up the first reconstructive transplantation programme in the UK and are pioneers in the filed. The areas of study are facial transplantation, hand transplantation, combined hand and face transplantation as well emerging transplants of other tissues. It has an established clinical research programme with long standing international collaborations.		This group is at the forefront of translational tissue engineering / nanotechnology research. This group produced the first in human tracheal tissue engineered transplant in collaboration with the Karolinska Institute. First in human tissue engineered arterial bypass graft. A first in human nasal construct will be carried out later this year. Further tissues such as ear and dermis/skin are in production.

How to Apply

Duration of Programme :

Fees & Funding Fees: Course Fees Further information on Tuition Fees Funding: Details of UCL Funding and Scholarships

Application process: You can apply now for a start in October 2013:  Apply online Owing to the competition for places, applicants are advised to apply as early as they are able; the number of places on each programme is limited.

Course Structure

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of: 5 core modules (75 credits) 3 optional modules (15 credits) a research project (90 credits) A Postgraduate Certificate (90 credits) is offered.

Core Modules

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (SURGGB01)

This module aims to introduce trainee surgeon, clinician and health care professional to basic and the most up to date techniques used in plastic & reconstructive surgery. This module covers wide range of topic related to hand, breast, face, eye, nose, ear, lower limbs, and abdominal plastic and reconstructive surgery. Lectures are delivered by renowned consultant and plastic surgeon specialist in their areas, to get our students face to face with the most modern clinical practice and challenges.

Burns, Military Injury and Wound Healing (SURGGB02)

This module aims to introduce trainee surgeon, clinician and health care professional to challenges of burns and military injuries. Wide range of topics are covered as a part of this module such as burns and military injuries, wound healing and repair, current clinical practice, solutions and challenges. These lectures are specially designed and delivered by specialist plastic surgeons with the military background to educate our students to the most up to date clinical practices used in military trauma and injuries.

Joint Research Methodology (ORTHG007)

A shared module teaching the basic transferable research skills required for a successful research scientist. Topics include: Scientific writing "critical thinking" Research planning Statistics and presentation skills Students should develop a basic understanding of frequentist statistics and improve their presentation/communication of research ideas and data.

Applied Tissue Engineering (SURGGN06)

The course introduces students to the use of tissue engineering as a strategy to replace or restore a level of function to diseased or damaged tissue. World leading scientists and surgeons will provide lectures on engineering specific tissues and discuss future strategies in: Scaffold design Bio-responsive scaffolds Bio-mimetic scaffolds The use of stem cells

Jell G et al. (2009). Surface structuring biomaterials. U. Meyer, Ed. Springer publishing Ltd.

Biomaterials in Regenerative Medicine (SURGGN05)

Jell G et. al (2009). Surface structuring biomaterials U. Meyer, Ed. Springer publishing Ltd.

An introduction to biomaterial design, manufacture and characterisation for regenerative medicine. This module will provide students with an understanding of material-cell interfaces and various approaches to modify materials to promote desirable cellular responses (including nanoscale biofunctionalisation and surface structuring)

Options

Choose one of the following options:

Experimental Models of Disease

This modules aims to provide an insight into the appropriate use of the experimental models in surgical research to advance and support new treatment for human disease, as part of a portfolio of research strategies, while understanding the ethical and scientific need for refinement, reduction and replacement.

Translation of Nanotechnology

An introduction into the translation of nanotechonology and regenerative medicine from "bench to bedside". Students will learn about: Routes of translation The importance of IP GMP & conformity of assessment Avenues of investment Demonstrate awareness of investment  avenues of commercialisation Ethical issues approval for clinical trials The economics  in the translation of an idea into a commercially available product.

Nanotechnology

An introduction to the use of nanotechnology in medicine. This module discusses why size matters in biological environments and current/future use of nanotechnology in diagnostics, medical imaging, drug delivery and tissue engineering.

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 words and viva.

Teaching and Learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, workshops, practical sessions, group discussions and distance learning. Assessment is through written examination, coursework, presentation, dissertation and viva.

Projects

Msc Research projects in Burns, plastic and reconstruction surgery

1. Development of auricular reconstruction using nanocomposite and stem cells.

2. Development of nasal reconstruction using nanocomposite and stem cells.

3. Development of synthetic face using nanocomposite and stem cells.

4. Development of conduit to regulate nerve using peptide modified nanocomposite materials and stem cells.

5. Extraction of stem cells from fat tissue.

6. Development of lymphatic drainage system using nanocomposite.

7. Fillers for plastic surgery applications using nanocomposite and stem cells.

8. Nanoparticles for diagnostic and treatment of cancer.

9. Fluorescent quantum dots for assessment of flap perfusion.

10. Development of POSS-PCU based nanocomposite in craniofacial orbital reconstruction.

11. Reconstruction of vermillion and lip using nanocomposite materials.

12. Creation of neo-hair follicle.

13. Breast reconstruction.

14. Skin tissue engineering.

Staff

This Master of Science (MSc) programme is led by two reknowned leaders in their fields: Professor Peter E. M.Butler, Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, UCL and Professor Alexander M. Seifalian, Professor of Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, UCL.

Programme Directors
Professor Alexander Seifalian	a.seifalian@ucl.ac.uk	Tel: 020 7380 2901
Professor Peter Butler

Programme Leader and Course Tutor:
Dr Deepak Kalaskar	d.kalaskar@ucl.ac.uk	Tel: 020 7794 0500 x37665

Prof Seifalian and Claire Crowley

Student Spot

As a student, you could benefit from the past students experiences, advices and support to succeed in your studies and career.

Career

This MSc will provide an excellent foundation for further research either at MD or PhD level or for a career as a clinician or healthcare professional within this surgical speciality. Find out more about London graduates' careers by visiting the Careers Group (University of London) website: What London Graduates Do

Student Views

News

Coming Conferences and News from the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS)

As the voice of plastic surgery in the UK, BAPRAS aim to promote innovation in teaching, learning and research and to increase overall understanding in plastic surgery.

You will find specialist information for consultants and surgeons in training; details on educational courses, international meetings and events; the latest plastic surgery news and research; and general patient information for anyone wanting to find out more about plastic surgery.

News	Events

'Botched up bodies' - Channel 5

Two of our MSc tutors Mr Niall Kirkpatrick (Craniofacial and Reconstructive Facial Surgeon) and Mr Patrick Mallucci (Plastic Surgeon) are featuring in a brand new surgical documentary on Channel 5.

This surgical programme follow patients suffering from botched up surgical procedures and some of Britain's top plastic surgeons helping to correct cosmetic surgery disasters.

• Watch the trailer

July 2011, UCL technology used in windpipe transplant:

Professor Alexander Seifalian (UCL Surgery & Interventional Science) and his  team designed and built the synthetic windpipe ‘scaffold’ used in an operation  announced today. Read UCL press release

Synthetic windpipe

Read the BBC News Online:

• First synthetic organ transplant, By Fergus Walsh, Medical correspondent, BBC News Health
• Surgeons carry out first synthetic windpipe transplant, By Michelle Roberts, Health reporter, BBC News, in Stockholm

Prof Seifalian said: “What makes this procedure different is it’s the first time that a wholly tissue engineered synthetic windpipe has been made and successfully transplanted, making it an important milestone for regenerative medicine. We expect there to be many more exciting applications for the novel polymers we have developed.”

Socialized medicine develops first artificial bodypart: