ENGI4627: Biomechanics 4

• ENGI3411 Solid Mechanics 3

• None

• None

• This module is designed for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes
• 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.

• 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.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• 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).
• AHEP4 Learning Outcomes: In order to satisfy Professional Engineering Institution (PEI) accreditation requirements the following Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes are assessed within this module:
• M1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems (exam assessed).
• M2. Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions (exam assessed).

Subject-specific Skills:

• 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.

Key Skills:

• 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.

• The module content is delivered in lectures and is reinforced by problem sheets, equipping students with the required problem-solving capacity.
• Students are encouraged to make use of staff 'Surgeries' (otherwise "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 up to one hour per week.
• Written timed examinations are appropriate because of the wide range of analytical, in-depth material covered in this module and allow students to demonstrate the ability to solve advanced problems independently.

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