ENGI46615: Physiological Fluid Mechanics

• None

• As specified in programme regulations.

• As specified in programme regulations.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

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