Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025

Module ENGI46615: Physiological Fluid Mechanics

Department: Engineering

ENGI46615: Physiological Fluid Mechanics

Type	Tied	Level	4	Credits	15	Availability	Available in 2024/2025	Module Cap

Tied to	H1KH09

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

As specified in programme regulations.

Excluded Combination of Modules

As specified in programme regulations.

Aims

To present the properties of physiological fluids.
To provide an overview of the characteristics of fluid flows in the arterial system and various orgas.
Enable students to identify differences of arterial waves' patterns in health and disease.
To introduce with analytical method and mathematical modelling tools for understanding arterial waves and reflections in the circulatory system.

Content

Introduction to rheology and structure of the flexible walled branching system of the circulation.
Determination of arterial wave speed and its clinical application.
Theory of the 1-D wave propagation and reflection in flexible tubes (Method of Characteristics).
Pressure and flow waves variation in the systemic and pulmonary circulations.
Physiological measurements including basics of imaging.
Analysis of arterial wave intensity.
Flow in the microcirculation.
Air flow in lungs.
Introduction to fluid flow in various organs.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

A historical account of the development of the haemodynamics field
A knowledge of mathematical models currently used/being developed for studying physiological flows.
An appreciation of the difficulties of modelling physiological problems and limitations of such models.
An understanding of the potential use of relevant calculated parameters as diagnostic tools.
A knowledge of trends of using imaging techniques with haemodynamics.
An understanding of the equations describing travelling of waves and their application.

Subject-specific Skills:

The ability of applying fundamental fluid mechanics knowledge in bioengineering field
An awareness of current physical models used in assessing performance of the physiological flow system.
Develop an ability to apply analytical and modelling methods used in studying physiological flows.
Develop an ability to communicate the results of work effectively.

Key Skills:

Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
Specialised modelling skills for complex biological system appropriate to a bioengineer.
Mathematics relevant to the application of advanced engineering concepts.

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

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total/Hours
Benchmark Test	1	Completed during Induction Week	30 mins	0.5	■
Lectures	20	Typically 1 per week	1 hour	20
Revision Lecture	1		1 hour	1
Tutorial Hours	As required	Weekly sign-up sessions	Up to 1 hour	12
Self-learning session	2	Throughout first two terms	3 hours (includes 1 hour preparation to be completed before attending the session)	6	■
Practice Exam	1	Epiphany term	30 mins	0.5
Preparation and reading				110
Total				150

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination		Component Weighting: 100%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
On campus, invigilated examination	2 hours	100%	Yes

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