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ME
483
Biomechanics
including bone, muscle, and connective tissues.
Prerequisites:
0630331,0630351
0630483
(3-0-3)

TextBook:

  • Physics of Human Body. Irving P. Herman, 2nd Ed., Springer.
  • Basic Orthopaedic Biomechanics and Mechano-Biology. Van C. Mow and Rik Huiskes, 3rd Ed., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

References:

  1. Basic Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System by M. Nordin and V. H. Frankel, Lea and Febinger, 4th Edition, 2012.
  2. Biomedical Engineering by A. E. Profio, Wiley, 1993.
  3. Basic Biomechanics by Sausan J. Hall, 8th Edition, 2019.

Coordinator:

Solid Mechanics and Design TAG

Prerequisites by Topics:

  1. Calculus and Linear Algebra
  2. Statics and Dynamics
  3. Stress Analysis
  4. Materials Science
  5. Computer Programming

Course Objectives[^1]:

  1. To bridge the gap between engineering concepts and clinical practice by providing working knowledge of biomechanical principles useful in the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunctions. (1,3,4,5,7)
  2. To develop means of identifying the forces, motions and tissue responses in the skeletal system. (1,3,4,5,7)
  3. To develop an understanding of the important issues regarding the application of engineering tools in the study of biological structures and their function, such as, structure and function of biological tissues, mechanical properties of biological tissues cells, organs, and the study of compound systems as they affect human posture and locomotion. (1,3,4,5,7)

Topics:

  1. Introduction to Biomechanics.
  2. Review of kinematics and kinetics.
  3. Terminology, Standard Human and Scaling.
  4. Human Joints: Statics.
  5. Human Joints: Dynamics. (including Motion and Gait Analysis).
  6. Soft Tissue Mechanics and Modelling (Viscoelasticity).
  7. Mechanical Properties of the Body.
  8. Cover one of the following extra topics:

    a. Cardiovascular Biomechanics.

    b. Dental Biomechanics.

    c. Forensic Biomechanics.

    d. Biofluids.

Suggested Evaluation Methods:

  1. Homework
  2. Projects/Assignments
  3. Quizzes (Optional)
  4. Exams

Course Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course, students will be able to

Objective 1

1.1. name basic parts of the human skeletal system.

1.2. identify the function of each covered part of the human skeletal system.

1.3. identify the injury mechanisms.

Objective 2

2.1. recognize and analyze the kinetics and kinematics of various parts of the skeletal system.

2.2 determine the response of the joints to applied loads and recognize the associated constraints.

2.3 be familiar with some treatment methods/techniques of musculoskeletal dysfunction.

Objective 3

3.1 analyze skeletal parts statically (e.g.: at equilibrium) and dynamically (e.g.: Gait).

3.2 analyze mechanical properties of biological tissues (i.e., bones, muscles, and soft connective tissues)

3.3 be familiar with mechanical models used to represent biological tissues.

3.4 be familiar with the study of compound systems as they affect human posture and locomotion.

Course Classification

Student Outcomes Level Relevant Activities
H, M, L
1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics. H Application of engineering science (statics, dynamics & fluids) in studying human organs. Investigation of the biomechanics of human body parts. Case studies, Homework, Project.
2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. M Case studies reports. Project report.
4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts. M Importance of ergonomics for the well-being of humans. Emerging technologies in medical devices and implants. Homework, Project and Case Studies
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives. M Teamwork in case studies and projects.
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies. M Reading of references, codes, standards and professional periodicals. Case studies, Homework, Project.

[^1]: Numbers in parentheses refer to the student outcomes