Detailed module information

Module information on this degree can be found below, separated by year of study.

The module information below applies for the current academic year. The academic year runs from August to July; the 'current year' switches over at the end of July.

Students select optional courses subject to rules specified in the Mechanical Engineering Student Handbook,  for example at most three Design and Business courses. Please note that numbers are limited on some optional courses and selection criteria will apply.

Biomechanics

Module aims

This is an introductory module, whose goal is to introduce students to a range of topics in biomechanics. Topics include kinematics and kinetics of human locomotion, bone and soft tissue failure, macro- and micro-circulatory mechanics in various organs, and practical approaches to quantifying biomechanics.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module you will be able to:

1) Describe how mechanics plays a role in basic physiological processes in the human body

2) Employ kinematic and kinetic principles to describe human locomotion

3) Explain the differences between macro and microcirculatory flows

4) Demonstrate understanding of mass and fluid transport mechanisms in physiology

5) Apply the principles of mechanics to the analysis of biological systems

6) Assess and identify the key engineering features of complex problems involving living systems

7) Judge the most appropriate problem-solving approach for biomechanical investigations

8) Analyse and interpret raw data, e.g. motion analysis outputs and experimental flow fields

Module syllabus

Biosolid mechanics

  • Kinematics of human motion
  • Kinetics of human motion
  • Gait
  • Musculoskeletal modelling
  • Applications of motion analysis

Biofluid mechanics

  • Flow in large vessels
  • Blood rheology
  • Microcirculation
  • Mass and fluid transport through tissues
  • Flow in specific organs
  • Measurements and modelling of biofluids
  • Applications of biofluids

Pre-requisites

Lecture material will presume fundamental knowledge covered in the following modules: Mechanics I, Solid Mechanics 2 and Fluid Mechanics 2, or equivalent. Students should have competence in fundamental mathematics and solid and fluid mechanics. Students without these prerequisites should speak to the lecturers to determine if their background is suitable. Students should also have basic experience with MATLAB or equivalent coding experience (e.g. indexing, loops, conditional statements).

Teaching methods

Lectures: 19 hours
Tutorials: 8 hours

Assessments

Coursework 1 - 15%

Coursework 2 - 15%

Main exam - 70%