ECE4084 - Biomechanics of human musculoskeletal systems

Leader(s): D Morgan

Offered

Not offered in 2009

Synopsis

This unit will apply the basic mechanics included in the engineering course to the physiological background of the biomedical engineers. This will include characterisation of the principle body tissues as engineering materials, such as bone, cartilage and ligaments as structural materials, joints as mechanisms, muscles as motors and brakes, the heart as a pump, and the nervous system as sensor network and controller. Gait, the prime example of the interaction of all these elements, will be studied in its own right, and as a diagnostic tool in palsied, diseased and prosthetic patients. The technologies of the gait lab and of ambulatory monitoring will also be covered.

Objectives

To understand the building blocks of human musculo-skeletal biomechanics.
To study human motor control with a particular focus on lower limb control and locomotion.
To compare gait of normal and disabled humans
To understand the principles and operation of gait measurement in the laboratory and in the field.
To become familiar with the biomechanics of prosthetics.

Assessment

Continuous assessment: 30%
Examination: (3 hours) 70%. Students must achieve a mark of 45% in each of these two components to achieve an overall pass grade.

Contact hours

3 hours lectures, 3 hours laboratory and practice classes and 6 hours of private study per week

Prerequisites

ENG1040

Prohibitions

ECE4804, ECE5084, ECE5804