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SE2121 Introduction to Biomechanics 9.0 credits

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Headings with content from the Course syllabus SE2121 (Spring 2022–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

The course provides the foundation of cardiovascular biomechanics from the organ to the tissue level. A quantitative approach to human physiology from the biomedical engineering perspective is presented, where structural and hemodynamic aspects are addressed. In-vitro experimental and analytic tools are developed and used to solve problems in cardiovascular biomedical engineering. Techniques include Finite Element (FE) modeling, model parameter identification, non-linear continuum mechanics, constitutive descriptions of passive and active properties of blood vessels, Newtonian and non-Newtonian descriptions of blood.

Intended learning outcomes

Biomechanics applies engineering/mechanical principles and methods to biological systems and aims at understanding their normal (physiological) and abnormal (pathological) responses.  Biomechanics is a rapidly growing field of engineering and plays a dominant role in the development of medical devices, for example. The course provides the foundation of cardiovascular biomechanics from the organ to the tissue level. Specifically, a quantitative approach to human physiology from the biomedical engineering perspective is presented, where both structural and hemodynamic aspects are addressed. In-vitro experimental and analytic tools are developed and used to solve problems in cardiovascular biomedical engineering.

After the course, the participants should be able to

  • Understand the basics of vascular physiology
  • Model a particular bioengineering problems by selecting appropriate modeling assumptions
  • Understand the purpose, function, implication and limitation of biomechanical modeling
  • Achieve a theoretical understanding of non-linear continuum mechanics
  • Solve a particular problem by using either analytical approaches or the FE method
  • Combine and integrate different solution strategies to address more challenging problems
  • Achieve a practical understanding in applying the FE method as demonstrated by solving typical problems of bioengineering interest
  • Present, analyze and explain derived results in a clear and causal way

Course disposition

No information inserted

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

English B / English 6

Basic course in solid mechanics (for instance SE1010, SE1020 or SE1055) and a Finite Element (FE) course (for instance SE1025).

Recommended prerequisites

SE1010, SE1020 or SE1055 Solid mechanics basic course and
SE1025 FEM for engineering applications or equivalent

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

No information inserted

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • HEMA - Home Assignment, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • LABA - Laboratory Work, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • TENA - Examination, 4.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Other requirements for final grade

Laboratory work (LAB1, 2.0 credits), Home assignments (HEM1, 3.0 credits) and Examination (TEN1, 4.0 credits)

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

No information inserted

Examiner

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course web

Further information about the course can be found on the Course web at the link below. Information on the Course web will later be moved to this site.

Course web SE2121

Offered by

Main field of study

Engineering Physics

Education cycle

Second cycle

Add-on studies

No information inserted

Contact

Christian Gasser (gasser@kth.se)