UCL DIVISION OF SURGERY AND INTERVENTIONAL SCIENCE

About the MSc

Based within the Division of Surgery and Interventional Science ensures that this MSc retains a clinical focus and addresses real medical needs. Indeed, in addition to world-leading research scientists, lecturers include eminent surgeons (e.g. Prof. Birchall and Prof. P. Butler) and experts in technology transfer. Students will-:

•    Learn about new technologies that are transforming modern medicine: nanomedicine; tissue engineering; stem cell technologies.

•    Develop research skills by joining interdisciplinary world leading teams. An in-depth laboratory-based research project is an integral component of the programme (50%). Project topics include: nanoparticle targeted drug delivery, imaging and therapy; trachea, nose, ear, cardiovascular, skin and bone tissue engineering; functionalised scaffolds for directing stem cell differentiation.

•    Learn about and undertake translational research. The Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine MSc is based within the Division of Surgery & Interventional Science which ensures that it retains a clinical focus and addresses real medical needs. You will be taught by leading academics and eminent surgeons who are performing world firsts, such as the design  and development of the world’s first synthetic trachea in 2011.

•    Build a network of contacts within academia and industry. Students are encouraged to interact with the wider regenerative medicine and nanotechnology community by becoming members of the London Network of Regenerative Medicine (LRMN), the UCL Stem Cell network and attending specially arranged seminars.

Find out more about the MSc at UCL News and on Nature.

Students are encouraged to attend the fantastic range of lectures & conferences in tissue engineering, stem cells and nanotechnology available at UCL. All MSc students will automatically become members of :

How to Apply

Duration of Programme Full-time: one calendar year Part-time or flexible learning: maximum four years. Entry Requirements The course is designed to be accessible to students from a large number of disciplines, ranging from medicine, biology, physics, chemistry and engineering. Indeed the diversity of backgrounds is encouraged for peer-to-peer learning. Knowledge of English - IELTS – 6.5 or above or equivalent (with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the subtests) For further information please visit the Admissions Web pages. Quantum dots developed for nanomedicine applications by Dr. B. Ramesh (UCL, Dept. Surgery) International Students: 50% of our students are from outside the UK. Full information on UCL International Students

Application process: Download the application form Email the completed application form to Julie Cheek: j.cheek@ucl.ac.uk or Apply online Application closing date: The closing date for applications is 30th July each year.

Fees/Funding Fees : 2013/2014 Course Fees (including research project consumables) Further information on Tuition Fees Funding : Details of UCL Funding and Scholarships Global Excellence Award

Course Structure

Students undertake six core taught modules (each worth 15 credits, see below), which will be assessed by examination and coursework (e.g. writing a review paper, research grant, conference abstract etc). MSc students will also undertake a research project worth 90 credits which will be assessed by the completion of a thesis and viva. The MSc will be awarded for satisfactory completion of 180 credits and a PG certificate awarded for the completion of 60 taught credits.

Taught modules include:

Select module below for a brief description:

Module 1: Nanotechnology in Medicine (SURGGN01)

Targeted drug delivery and controlled release systems

This module discusses why size matters in biological environments and current/future use of nanotechnology in disease diagnosis (biosensors, enhanced imaging); targeted drug delivery and release systems; why nanoscale engineering is important  tissue engineering and nanotoxicology.

Module 2: Tissue culture and Bionanotechnology (SURGN02)

A theoretical and practical introduction to experimental techniques required in tissue regeneration will help students to: familiarise students with the laboratory setting develop good laboratory research  practices, experimental planning techniques experimental results. perform cell culture using aseptic techniques and cellular essay examining cell-material interactions learn how to plan experiments learn how to analyse & communicate results learn how to characterise material physicochemical properties

Module 3: 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.

Module 4: 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)

Module 5: Research methodologies (ORTHG007)

A module teaching basic transferable research skills required for a modern research scientist (vital for your project).
Topics include:

• Critical reviewing literature "What makes a good paper?"
• Bibliography management (citation management software)
• Scientific writing "critical thinking"
• Presentation skills
• Research planning & statistics

Module 6: Translation of Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine (SURGGN04)

Hypoxia bioactive glass. Patented technology licenced to Bioceramic Theraputics Ltd.

Introduces students to various sources funding, how to obtain funding and routes to commercialisation. Seminars and workshops, students will prepare an actual grant based on their research project. An Introduction to the route of translation of nanotechnology and regenerative medicine from "bench to bedside" Students will be provided with a background on regulatory issues, spin-off company creation and the route market Students teams/individuals will produce Wellcome Trust translation proposal & present to VCs (100%courswork)

Module 7: Research Project (SURGGN99)

This module accounts for 50% of the final MSc mark(6-9 month projects) Students will complete a regenerative or nanotechnology themed research project and will be encouraged to publish their results in peer reviewed journals (if appropriate). Projects are offered from within DSIS, other UCL Departments (e.g. Medical Physics, Ear Institute, London Centre of Nanotechnology) or in collaboration with other London Universities (e.g. Imperia College London). MSc thesis handing in date 30th July 2013 See  project tab for examples

• Further details can be found on the MSc handbook (pdf)

Workshops

Optional workshops in scientific writing, basic cell biology, toxicity and immunology are also available in the 1st term for students requiring a refresher in these topics. Throughout the year there will also be tutor group meetings with your personal tutor, who will discuss particular topics and advise on career options

Projects

Join a world leading research groups investigating translational regenerative and nanotechnology medicine provides hands-on research experience within a skilled and supportive environment.

Current MSc research projects include:

Figure of Carbon nanotube enhanced polyurethane scaffolds fabricated by thermally induced phase segregation. Jell et. al. 2008. Journal of Materials Chemistry. 16: 1865

• Development of a new multi channel biodegradable conduit for nerve regeneration using nanocomposite polymer with biofunctionalised surfaces and stem cells
• Assessment of self-endothelialisation potential of a novel heart valve made with a new nanocomposite, using endothelial progenitor stem cells isolated from human peripheral blood
• Development of coronary artery stent with new generation of nanocomposite polymer with in-situ endothelisation.
• Optimization of the design and assessment of hydrodynamic performance of a synthetic leaflet heart valve made with a novel nanocomposite material and an advanced complex design.
• Differentiation of stem cells to chondrocytes for development of cartilage
• Development filler for breast with nanomaterials and fat stem cells
• Application of carbon nanotubes in cancer therapy
• Lymphatic tissue engineering
• Conjugation of quantum dots for localisation and treatment of cancer
• Developmnet of Superparamagnetic and fluorescence nanoparticle to tracking and monitoring stem cells
• Development of a backing layer for a Smart Matrix Synthetic Dermal Scaffold for full-thickness skin loss: Protein covalent coupling derivatisation of a polyurethane-silioxane nanostructured polymer
• PEGylated Nanocarriers for Delivery of Fluorescent Drugs for Photodynamic Therapy and Photodiagnosis of Cancer
• Small bowel tissue engineering
• Nitric oxide releasing POSS-nanocomposite polymer for cardiovascular implants.
• Generating ears from nanocomposite polymer, bioactive peptides and Autologous Auricular Chondrocytes
• Development of new generation of dental filler using nanocrustal
• Development of hypoxia pathway regulating scaffolds for wound healing
• Development of pro-angiogenic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Development of a synthetic artery. Prof Seifalian

www.ucl.ac.uk/news/news-articles/0908/heartbypass

Student Views

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

Students background:

Our course means that we attract and promote students participation from a number of disciplines. According to the 2010/2011 figures, here is the repartition of the students according to their specialities at their entry : 

• The age range was between 21 and 50
• 80% of students were full time

Students testimonies:

Here are 3 alumni students who shared their experiences at the university and give an insight on how they progress in their career:

Current and past students comments:

Staff

	Professor Seifalian and Claire Crowley (PhD Student)
To view personal profile, click on the name

News

UCL top choice for Indian Jubilee Scholarship students

Eight Indian students have been awarded Jubilee Scholarships to pursue their Masters studies at UCL from September 2012, which is more than any other UK institution.

One of them, Anjul Khadria, will be completing an MSc in Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine. He said:

"What attracted me towards UCL is the world class facilities and an environment that will help me to achieve my goals. I always wanted to do research in nanotechnology and its application in the medical field and so I chose MSc in Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine at UCL. It is an interdisciplinary and a unique type of course offered in Europe."

Jubilee Scholarships enable Indian students to study a one-year Masters programme in Management, Manufacturing or Science & Technology, and include a month-long internship.

More on UCL News

..

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: