Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Basic Biomechanics
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish
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
- 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
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.
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
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 26/05/2026 A12 10:00h