Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Basic Biomechanics
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Introduction
Biomechanics studies the function of the human body, body segments, organs and cells an from a mechanical point of view, combining engineering, anatomy, fisiology and other disciplines in one.
Pre-course requirements
none
Objectives
- To understand and apply basic concepts of biomechanics.
- To know the structure and function of human tissues and articular motion.
- To study the tissues and joints movements.
- To know the structure and movements of the human spine.
- To know the function and movements of the human gait
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CB2 - Students must know how to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional way and have the competences that are demonstrated through the creation and defence of arguments and the resolution of problems within their field of study.
- CB3 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) and to issue judgements that include a reflection on important issues that are social, scientific or ethical in nature.
- CE2 - To know how to apply the basic concepts of mechanics and biomechanics to resolve problems that are specific to the field of Bioengineering.
- CE7 - To know how to recognise anatomy and physiology when applied to the structures Bioengineering involves.
- CG4 - To resolve problems based on initiative, be good at decision-making, creativity, critical reasoning and communication, as well as the transmission of knowledge, skills and prowess in the field of Bioengineering
- CG5 - To undertake calculations, valuations, appraisals, expert reports, studies, reports, work plans and other similar tasks.
- CT3 - To know how to communicate learning results to other people both verbally and in writing, and well as thought processes and decision-making; to participate in debates in each particular specialist areas.
- CT4 - To be able to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team, whether as a member or by management tasks, with the aim of contributing to undertaking projects based on pragmatism and a feeling of responsibility, taking on commitment while bearing the resources available in mind.
- CT6 - To detect gaps in your own knowledge and overcome this through critical reflection and choosing better actions to broaden your knowledge.
Learning outcomes of the subject
The course should enable the student to:
- understand the the biomechanical aspects of human tissues and articulations related to motion.
- understand basic vocabulary of the field.
- be able to apply engineering aspects to the biological system.
- be familar with scientific approaches being able to discuss and argue in a scientific manner.
- knowing basic means of information gathering.
- be able to relate aspects of physics to the human body and the environment.
Syllabus
Content
1 Introduction to Biomechanics
1.1 Motivation and description of the course
1.2 Application overview
1.3 Introduction to biomechanics
1.4 Brief review of Biomaterials
2 Biomechanics of human tissues
2.1 Biomechanics of bones
2.2 Biomechanics of articular cartilage
2.3 Biomechanics of the musculo-skeletal
2.4 Biomechanics of tendons and ligaments
2.5 Biomechanics of blood vessels
3 Biomechanics of the joints
3.1 Biomechanics of the hip
3.2 Biomechanics of the knee
3.3 Biomechanics of the ankle and foot
3.4 Biomechanics of the shoulder
3.5 Biomechanics of the elbow
3.6 Biomechanics of the wrist and hand
4 Biomechanics of the spine
5 The human gait
5.1 Physiological gait
5.2 Pathological gait
6 Applications in biomechanics
6.2 Introduction to implant design
Teaching and learning activities
In person
The subject combines theoretical classes with individual work, autonomous study, and occasionally work in pairs or small groups.
Plagiarism, copying, or any other action that may be considered cheating will result in a zero in that evaluation section.
The theoretical classes aim to introduce students to the basic concepts of the discipline and provide instructive and informative content, with a practical approach, encouraging reflection and providing solutions to the problems posed.
The process of autonomous learning also takes place using the Moodle platform, which includes various resources such as quizzes, group assignments, debates, proposed exercises, videos, and more.
Classes will be conducted in Spanish, although students may ask questions in their preferred language (Spanish, Catalan, or English). Additionally, exercises, assignments, and exams will be conducted in Spanish. The educational material will primarily be in Spanish, except for articles or graphics that may be in English.
During exams, students are allowed to use calculators and a formula sheet. The formula sheet can only contain formulas, not explanations.
Attendance to classes and other activities related to the subject is mandatory.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
The final grade of the course will be calculated as follows:
First call:
Continuous evaluation (class participation, problem solving, short questionnaires, applied exercises...:):20%
Midterm exam: 30%
Final exam: 50%
In other calls:
Exam: 75%
Rest of course grades: 25% (non-recoverable grade).
Attention: the minimum grade of the exams to pass must be greater than 4.0.
Bibliography and resources
Main:
Nordin M, Frandel VH. Basic biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system. 3 ed. U.S.A.:Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001. *Traducido como: Biomecànica bàsica del sistema musculoesquelético, por: McGraw-Hill / Interamericana d'Espanya, SA (2004).
Müller B, Wolf S. Handbook of human motion. Springer 2018. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-14418-4
Additional:
Hall, SJ. Basic Biomechanics. 7 ed. New York: McGraw-Hill (2012).
Dufour M, Pillu M. Biomecànica functional. Barcelona: Masson; 2006.
Knudson D. Fundamentals of Biomechanics. 2nd ed. New York: Springer; 2012.
Evaluation period
- E1 27/05/2024 A08 10:00h
- E2 25/06/2024 P2A02 10:00h