Please note: Due to alternative arrangements for teaching and
assessment in place from 18 March 2020 to mitigate against the restrictions in
place due to COVID-19, information shown for 2019/20 may not always be accurate.
Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information
for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
| Unit name |
Biomechanics |
| Unit code |
MENGM6051 |
| Credit points |
10 |
| Level of study |
M/7
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
|
| Unit director |
Dr. J Burn |
| Open unit status |
Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
MENG31101 Heat Transfer
|
| Co-requisites |
none
|
| School/department |
School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Engineering |
Description including Unit Aims
Biomechanics is the analysis of living systems using the principles of mechanics. It is an area of science and not to be confused with biomedical engineering (engineering medical products) or biomimetics (nature inspired engineering). The Unit is designed to give mechanical engineers an introduction to some key skills and principles in the life sciences. Benefits arise both from diversification of knowledge and being able to set engineering in a broader context. It is particularly relevant to students who do not want to pursue a career in the traditional areas of engineering design and manufacture. Work is organised around two themes, terrestrial locomotion in animals and bio-thermofluid mechanics in humans. These are discussed in the context of energetics, scaling, actuation and performance. A high standard of English language is required to obtain full benefit from the exercises in critical analysis and writing.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- develop skills in critical analysis of scientific literature and science writing.
- acquire an insight into the fundamental principles of living systems and some of the parallels and contrasts between naturally evolved and engineered systems.
- gain familiarity with the key principles of animal locomotion and some major areas of biology, their associated experimental techniques and terminology.
- be able to formulate hypotheses and design experiments to understand the control and optimisation of animal movement.
- be able to perform calculations to answer questions about thermoregulation and cardio-respiratory mechanics in humans.
Teaching Information
Eight three-hour sessions which include workshops, discussions, seminars and tutorials.
Assessment Information
2-hour written exam (100 %)
Reading and References
- Nigg, B.M. & Herzog, W., Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System. (2007), 3rd ed., Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN-10: 0470017678. ISBN-13: 9780470017678.
- Winter, D.A., Biomechanics & Motor Control of Human Movement. (2009), 4th ed., Wiley & Sons. ISBN-10: 0470398183. ISBN-13: 9780470398180.
- Alexander, R.M., Principles of Animal Locomotion. (2003), Princeton University Press. ISBN-10: 0691126348. ISBN-13: 9780691126340.
- Schmidt-Nielsen, K., Scaling: Why Animal Size is so Important. (2008), 2st ed., Cambridge University Press. ISBN-10: 0521319870. ISBN-13: 9780521319874.
- McMahon, T.A., Muscles, Reflexes & Locomotion. (1984), Princeton University Press. ISBN-10: 069102376x. ISBN-13: 9780691023762.
- Biewener, A.A., Animal Locomotion. (2003), Oxford University Press. ISBN-10: 019850022x. ISBN-13: 9780198500223. – Core Text
- McGeown, J., Master Medicine: Physiology: A Clinical Core Text of Human Physiology with Self-Assessment. (2007), 3rd ed., Churchill Livingstone. ISBN-10: 0443102929. ISBN-13: 9780443102929.
