Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Mechanics
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish
Teaching staff
Introduction
Part of Bioengineering is based on the knowledge of Physics of Continuous Media and Mechanics, allowing to delimit and solve clinical problems. Therefore, Mechanics is a fundamental area of knowledge that students must know in depth so that they can apply it for the resolution of problems within the field of Bioengineering.
Pre-course requirements
None.
Objectives
- To define and properly use the terminology of Mechanics in Engineering.
- To expose the basics of physics on which Mechanics is based.
- To apply kinematics and dynamics to simple cases.
- To solve problems of static balance.
- To identify the center of mass of a body or device.
- To differentiate and calculate the moments of inertia of flat and volumetric elements.
- To introduce the basic concepts of Biomechanics and Strength of materials (also called Mechanics of Materials).
- To promote teamwork and discussion of exercises in the field of Engineering and its clinical application.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CP01 - Interpret relevant data (normally within their area of study) and issue judgements that include a reflection on relevant issues of a social, scientific and ethical nature.
- HB09 - Solve problems that may arise in the field of Bioengineering by applying mathematical knowledge (geometry, integral calculation, numerical methods and optimisation) and the general laws of mechanics and biomechanics.
- HB14 - Identify engineering concepts that can be applied in the field of biology and health.
- HB15 - Identify how bioengineering issues affect the specific needs or characteristics of men and women, in biological, social and cultural aspects, respecting the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights as well as the values of a culture of peace and democratic values that include the promotion of inclusive, non-discriminatory and stereotyped language.
Learning outcomes of the subject
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Determine force systems in 2D and 3D, and equivalent couples.
• Interpret statically determinate structures, being able to calculate reactions at joints and supports.
• Apply knowledge of centers of gravity to solve problems involving beams with distributed loads.
• Explain the concepts of moments of inertia, polar moment of inertia, products of inertia, principal axes of inertia, and principal moments of inertia.
• Calculate the moments and products of inertia of surfaces and masses with respect to any axis or point.
• Solve equilibrium problems involving friction forces.
• Associate the fundamentals and principles for studying tissues and joints from a biomechanical perspective, including basic and specific terminology.
• Identify human body joints from an engineering point of view.
• Integrate the scientific method, promoting reasoning and discussion of problems.
Syllabus
1. Introduction to Physics
1.1. Units (fundamental units, derived units and conversion factors).
1.2. Vectors (unit vector, vector sum, vector product).
1.3. Kinematics (rectilinear and circular motion).
1.4. Dynamics (Newton's laws, momentum, free solid diagram, friction).
1.5. Energy (potential energy, kinetic energy, mechanical energy and energy conservation).
1.6. Friction.
2. Vector mechanics
2.1. Moment of a three-dimensional system of forces with respect to a point.
2.2. Moment of a three-dimensional system of forces with respect to an axis.
2.3. Torque and equivalent force-torque systems.
2.4. The simplest possible equivalent system of a system of parallel forces in space.
2.5 The simplest possible equivalent system of a system of coplanar forces.
2.6. Torque moment.
3. Mass centers
3.1. Definition.
3.2. Centroids of areas.
3.3. Centers of mass of simple and compound bodies.
3.4. Applications of centroids and mass centers.
4. Moments of inertia
4.1. Definition.
4.2. Types of moments of inertia of simple and compound areas.
4.3. Steiner's theorem.
4.4. Mohr circle.
4.5. Types of moments of inertia of simple and compound masses.
5. Rigid solid balance
5.1. Rigid solid, deformable solid and balance concept.
5.2. Balance in two dimensions.
5.3. Balance in three dimensions.
5.4. Statically undetermined solid.
5.5. Special cases of solids subjected to two and three forces.
6. Analysis of systems in balance
6.1. Introduction to structures.
6.2. Method of joints and sections.
6.3. Machines and instruments
Teaching and learning activities
In person
The course combines theoretical classes with individual work, small group work and autonomous work.
The theoretical classes aim to introduce students to the basic concepts of the discipline and give an instructive and informative character, giving a practical approach, inviting reflection and responding to the posed problem.
The autonomous learning process is also developed using the Moodle platform which includes various resources, such as questionnaires, group work, debates, exercises, videos...
The group work is worked during the theoretical classes, answering questions proposed by the teacher that students should discuss and evaluate among equals, following the guidelines set for each exercise.
Classes will be taught in Spanish, although students' questions will be answered in the language of their choice (Spanish, Catalan or English). In addition, the student can choose to perform the exercises, assignments and exams in Spanish, Catalan or English. The teaching material will be mainly in Spanish, except for articles or graphics that may be in English.
Students may use calculator and form during exams. The form may only contain formulas, not explanations.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
In first call:
practise reports: 10%*
Partial exam: 30%
Final exam: 60%
In other calls: 70% of the exam and 30% of the other grades of the course (non-recoverable grade and it is only maintained for an academic year).
* If the practical sessions cannot be carried out, this 10% will be reassigned to another assessment activity, without changing the weight of the exams.
Important considerations:
1. Plagiarism, copying or any other action that may be considered cheating will be zero in that evaluation section. Cheating in the exams will mean the immediate suspension of the course.
2. In order to pass the course, a 5.0 needs to be achieved in the total calculation.
3. In the second-sitting exams, the maximum grade students will be able to obtain is "Excellent" (grade with honors distinction will not be posible).
4. Attendance to practical sessions is mandatory to pass the subject.
5. Exchange students (Erasmus and others) or repeaters will be subject to the same conditions as the rest of the students. This is especially relevant with regard to the calendar, exam dates and the evaluation system.
Important considerations
- Plagiarism, copying or any other form of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the corresponding component.
- If academic dishonesty is detected during an exam, it will result in the immediate failure of the course, with no chance of resitting.
- The use of artificial intelligence tools for the completion of assessment activities is strictly prohibited, except where their use is expressly authorized by the lecturer as part of the activity.
- The use or possession of electronic devices (mobile phones, smartwatches, earbuds, etc.) during exams is strictly prohibited.
Mere possession, even if the device is turned off, will be considered an attempt to cheat.
- If this occurs during the first call, it will result in the automatic failure of the exam, and the student will be required to attend the second call.
- If it occurs during the second call, it will result in the definitive failure of the course, and the student must re-enrol in the next academic year.
- No changes to the academic calendar, exam dates or evaluation system will be accepted under any circumstances.
- Exchange students (Erasmus or others) and repeaters are subject to the same evaluation and attendance conditions as all other students.
Bibliography and resources
Tipler P, Mosca G. Física para la ciencia y la tecnología. 6a Ed. Barcelona: Reverté, 2010. ISBN 9788429144321. (Physics for Scientists and Engineers)
Beer F, et al. Mecánica vectorial para ingenieros: Estática. 9a Ed. México: McGraw-Hill, 2010. ISBN 9786071502773. (Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics and Dynamics)
Evaluation period
- E1 05/11/2025 P2A03 12:00h
- E1 14/01/2026 A10 10:00h