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Mechanics for Bioengineering (BMEN30010)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Mechanical forces play a critical role in the healthy function of the human body, from movement during walking to beating of the heart. Mechanical forces also affect the properties and function of engineered tissues and influence the migration and spread of cancer cells through the body.  This subject introduces students to fundamental principles in mechanics including analysis of bioengineering systems under static equilibrium conditions, analysis of forces during dynamic motion, mechanical behaviour and strength of biomaterials. Topics covered in this subject will include: Newtons’ laws of motion; stress and strain analysis in mechanical and biological systems subjected to different types of static loads; fundamentals of mechanical testing and failure analysis for biomaterials characterisation; fundamental physics underpinning motion of rigid bodies. Topics will draw on real-world bioengineering applications.    

Please view this video for further information: Mechanics for Bioengineering

Intended learning outcomes

Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to:

  • Use free body diagrams and Newton's laws to solve basic mechanics problems in biomedical engineering
  • Perform stress and strain analysis of common biomechanical systems
  • Evaluate mechanical properties of materials and perform mechanical testing and failure analysis of materials relevant to biomedical engineering
  • Employ dynamic analysis techniques to solve a range of problems in biomechanical motion
  • Write computer programs to investigate and offer solutions to problems in a variety of biomechanics problems
  • Effectively communicate their understanding of, approach to and analysis of mechanics-related problems in bioengineering.

Generic skills

  • The ability to apply knowledge of science and engineering fundamentals
  • The ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
  • The ability to utilise a systems approach to complex problems and to design and operational performance
  • Proficiency in engineering design
  • A capacity for creativity and innovation
  • The ability to function effectively as an individual and in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, as a team leader or manager as well as an effective team member
  • A capacity for lifelong learning and professional development

Last updated: 30 November 2024