Module ENGI46515: Biomechanics

Department: Engineering

ENGI46515: Biomechanics

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• As specified in programme regulations.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• As specified in programme regulations.

Aims

• To provide a basic overview of anatomy and physiology relevant to the study of Biomechanics, along with an insight into the methods of characterisation of physiological function and body dynamics.
• To provide an overview of the mechanical properties of soft and hard tissues (in healthy and pathological conditions).
• To explore the analytical, numerical, and experimental techniques used for studying physiological solid mechanics (from cell to tissue, to organ level) and human body dynamics.

Content

• Multiscale overview of biological tissue structure and functions.
• Mechanics of biological tissues (soft tissues, hard tissue, cell mechanics).
• Techniques for characterisation of physiological tissues.
• Constitutive Equations of isotropic, orthotropic bio-solid materials and non-hookean behaviour.
• Rigid body dynamics applied to the human body.
• Gait Analysis and Inverse Dynamics.

Learning Outcomes

• A basic understanding of functional anatomy and physiology suitable for the study of Biomechanics.
• An understanding of the constitutive equations used for studying bio-solid mechanics.
• An appreciation of complexity, benefits and limitations of the models currently used/being developed for studying Biomechanics and Biomaterials.
• An awareness of the different biological material characterisation methods, from cell to tissue, to organ level.
• An understanding of the clinical applications of biomechanics (gait analysis, inverse dynamics).

• Analytical methods in Biomechanics.
• Computational methods in Biomechanics.
• Ability of comparing different methods to solve the biomechanical problem.
• The capability to independently analyse the Biomechanical problem.
• The capability of performing literature search on a specific biomechanics problem.
• The ability of interacting and communicating with experts coming from different fields (biological sciences, biomedical sciences, clinical medicine) thanks to a common language.

• Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
• Specialised numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
• Mathematics relevant to the application of advanced engineering concepts.
• Appreciation of the assumptions and limitation of constitutive modelling, capability of assessing and quantifying model accuracy.
• Develop an ability to communicate technical concepts (technical writing) effectively.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The module content is delivered in lectures and is reinforced by self-learning sessions and formative problem sheets, equipping students with the required problem-solving capability.
• Students can make use of staff "office hours" to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis. These are sign-up sessions available for one hour per week per lecture course.
• Students will be required to submit formative problem sheets throughout the academic year into the virtual learning environment to check their understanding as the course progresses.
• Students will be formed into study groups and will attend timetabled self-learning sessions (up to a maximum of two) during the Michalemas and Epiphany terms.
• A benchmark test will take place at the start of the academic year. This will be used to guage students understanding and direct them to further study as appropriate.
• A mock exam will take place in the Epiphany term. This will be used to provide students with an exam type experience in a formative setting and allow them to discuss their performance with a member of academic staff.
• Written timed expaminations are appropriate because of the range of topics covered in this module and allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and analysis of bioengineering scenerios independently.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessment is provided by means of formative problem sheets, benchmark test and mock examinations.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University