MEC3601 · Mechanics for biomedical engineering

Overview

Mechanics is the study of motion and the forces that cause motion. Biology is the study of living organisms. Biomechanics is, therefore, about using mechanics for understanding the motion of living things and the forces that cause them. Such an understanding is vital for a wide range of biomedical applications including designing medical implants, medical imaging, orthopaedics, sports training and therapy, forensics, computer-aided surgery, computational biomechanics, etc. This unit provides you with a foundational understanding of the concepts required for quantifying motion and forces and understanding their relationship in the context of biological materials and processes.

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Continuous assessment: 40% Final assessment: 60% This unit contains threshold hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Apply the knowledge of stress-strain relations to calculate the mechanical properties of biomaterials for biomedical applications.
2. Evaluate biomechanical problems and formulate solutions by applying modelling tools and analytical methodologies such as finite element analysis.
3. Appreciate the role of mechanical behaviour of cells, tissues and organs in the biological processes of the human body.
4. Justify through presentations, the mechanical basis of designs of biomedical devices to a wide audience.
5. Function as an effective team member by participating in all group activities and conducting regular self- and peer-assessment of individual and team performance.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.