Biomechanics (BMEN90038)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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Biomechanics, which relates structure and function in biological systems, is important in the understanding of human movement, and in the treatment of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. This subject introduces students to musculoskeletal biomechanics of the human body, with applications to the behaviour of biological tissues such as bone, cartilage, ligament and muscle during human movement.

The subject will provide theory and practical exposure to human motion measurement and modelling of the joint forces and moments that actuate human movement. This subject will introduce biomechanics in sport and implant systems, including ageing, injury and associated musculoskeletal disorders. It will provide an overview of orthopaedics strategies for the treatment of end-stage bone and joint conditions and relate this to relevant mechanics for designing implant systems. 

Please view this video for further information: Biomechanics

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Model musculoskeletal mechanics in the context of human movement.
  • Describe principles of tissue biomechanics related to bone, cartilage, ligament and muscle.
  • Model biomechanics of bones and joints in the orthopaedics context .
  • Evaluate the effects of ageing and injury on the musculoskeletal system and human movement.
  • Analyse sports biomechanics, including principles of performance, training, injury and injury prevention.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following 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: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Completion of one of the following:

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
BMEN30010 Mechanics for Bioengineering
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

OR

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
No longer available

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
No longer available

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Four group problem solving activities with written reports (in groups of 3-4), due approximately every 2-3 weeks between Week 2 and 10. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 to 5 are addressed in this assessment.

  • 12 hours (of work required)
From Week 2 to Week 108%

Two individual biomechanical engineering drawing submissions, due approximately every 2 weeks between Week 4 and 8, weighted equally . ILOs 3 and 4 are addressed in this assessment.

  • 6 hours (of work required)
From Week 4 to Week 84%

Two written individual assignments; 7.5% and 5.5%. 15 + 10 hours (of work required for Assignment 1 and 2, respectively). ILOs 1, 2 and 5 are addressed in this assessment.

  • 25 hours (of work required)
Week 5 or 6 (A1) and Week 8 or 9 (A2)13%

One group assignment with an oral presentation (groups of 3-4); 5 minutes of presenting per student. ILOs 2 and 3 are addressed in this assessment.

  • 20 hours (of work required)
From Week 10 to Week 1215%

Written Exam - Final examination. ILOs 1-5 are addressed in this assessment.

  • 3 hours
Hurdle requirement: The examination must be passed to pass the subject.		During the examination period60%

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorKathryn Stok
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours58 hours total contact hours, consisting of: 2 x 1.5 hours of lectures per week (24 x 1.5 hours of lectures in one semester); 11 x 2 hours of workshops (weeks 2-12)
    Total time commitment200 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    Dr Kathryn Stok

    Email: kathryn.stok@unimelb.edu.au

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.

  • Subject notes

    LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
    The subject is delivered through lectures and workshops. Assessment is in the form of a workshop reports, assignments, and a final exam.

    INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES 
    Students are provided with lecture slides, workshop activity sheets with solutions (where relevant), self-directed access to exam-style questions and progress quizzes, with solutions.

    CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS
    A guest lecturer from the medical implant industry joins to discuss applications of biomechanics in the sector.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseMaster of Biomedical Engineering
    Specialisation (formal)Biomedical with Business
  • Available through the Community Access Program

    About the Community Access Program (CAP)

    This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.

    Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

  • Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 4 March 2025