SE2121 Introduction to Biomechanics 9.0 credits

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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
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
Literature
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
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
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
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