New Module Form
Essential Information Required for
Module Manager
ACADEMIC YEAR ___________
Module Detail
Title Introduction to Biomechanics
(maximum 50 characters)
Description
The mechanical behaviour of biological tissues and systems will be explained in
terms of the principles of solid and fluid mechanics. In particular, the way in which the
properties of elasticity and visco-elasticity are incorporated into the mechanical
characterisation of tissue, will be explained.
(brief description of the content of the module between 75 – 150 words)
*Note Field to indicate taught through Irish/English/Erasmus
Course Instances (s)
2MV2
3SPE, 4SPE
1SPE, 2SPE,
Module version number and date approved
xx/xx/2012
*
xx/xx/2012
xx/xx/2012
Date Retired
Module Owner / Lecturer
Module Administrator Details
Prof. Peter McHugh
Ms. Jane Bowman
Please specify main contact person(s) for exam related queries and contact number /email
Module Code
(
Office use only)
Module Type
ECTS
Core= Student must take the module
Optional = Choice for Student
Multiple of 5 ects
Optional for
Core for 2MV2
5 ects
Course Requirement 40%
(i.e. where a module has to be passed at 40%)
Semester Taught
Semester Examined
Semester 2
Requisite(s)
Semester 2
Co-Req.
Modules 
If they take module X they must
take module Y
Pre-Req
Modules 
The student must have taken and
passed a module in previous year
Excl.Req.
Modules 
If they take module X they
CANNOT take module Y
Module Assessment
Assessment Type
Exam Session
Duration
1st Sitting
Written Paper
Semester 2
2 Hours
Written Paper
Autumn
2 Hours
2nd Sitting
Bonded Modules
(modules which are to be
examined at the same date and
time)
Draft Created by Syllabus Team as part of Academic Simplification 2012/2013
Page 1
PART B
Workload:
ECTS credits represent the student workload for the programme of study, i.e. the total time
the student spends engaged in learning activities. This includes formal teaching, homework,
self-directed study and assessment.
Modules are assigned credits that are whole number multiples of 5.
One credit is equivalent to 20-25 hours of work. An undergraduate year’s work of 60 credits is
equivalent to 1200 to 1500 hours or 40 to 50 hours of work per week for two 15 week
semesters (12 weeks of teaching, 3 weeks study and formal examinations).
Module Schedule
No. of Lectures Hours 6
No. of Tutorials Hours 3
No. of Labs Hours
Recommended No. of self study
hours 60
Other educational activities(Describe)
and hours allocated
Lecture Duration
Tutorial Duration
Lab Duration
Placement(s) hours
10 hours tutorials via Blackboard (tutorial
support 2 hrs per week over 5 weeks); 12
hours problem solving; 10 hours
revsiion/examination
*Total range of hours to be automatically totalled (min amount to be hit)
Module Learning Outcomes
(CAN BE EXPANDED)
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
1Demonstrate an understanding of how the laws of solid and fluid mechanics can be
applied to describe the mechanical behaviour of biological tissues and systems.
2Demonstrate an appreciation of how the properties of elasticity and viscoelasticity
are incorporated into the mechanical characterisation of tissues
3Demonstrate a comprehension of the application of force and stress analyses on
anatomical structures including limbs and joints
4Demonstrate an ability to biomechancially differentiate between various tissues of
the body, including blood vessels, muscles, ligaments, cartilage and bone
5
6
7
8
Module Learning, Coursework and Assessment
Learning Outcomes at module level should be capable of being assessed. Please indicate assessment methods and the outcomes they will assess
Assessment type,
Written Paper
eg. End of year exam, group project
Outcomes
assessed
1-5
% weighting
100
Indicative Content (Marketing Description and content)
Unit 1: To review the basic concepts of applied mechanics (statics) that are used
throughout this course. In addition, this unit introduces you to the basic anatomical
concepts.
Unit 2: To introduce the composition and structure of bone tissue. In addition, this
unit deals with the mechanical properties of bone and its biomechanical behaviour
Draft Created by Syllabus Team as part of Academic Simplification 2012/2013
Page 2
under various loading conditions. The unit also covers bone remodelling and
degenerative changes in bone associated with aging and osteoporosis.
Unit 3: To introduce the basic role and function of the skeletal muscles and joints in
the human body. In addition, the main types of levers are described briefly.
Unit 4: This unit introduces the structure, function and biomechanics of the human
spine. The unit discusses spinal kinematics and loads of the spine. It also covers
biomechanical aspects of spinal pathologies such as back pain, and degeneration of
the intervertebral disc. In addition, this unit discusses various artificial internal
devices used in spinal pathology treatment.
Unit 5: To introduce the basic biomechanics of the normal human cardiovascular. In
order to understand how the circulation system works, this unit begins with a basic
introduction to the fundamental concepts of fluid mechanics. Following the short
introduction, the unit describes briefly the function and the structure of the
cardiovascular system. In addition, it explains the blood flow through the heart and
the cardiac cycle. Finally, the unit uses the fundamental laws of fluid mechanics to
explain the relationship between blood flow, pressure and hydraulic resistance.
Module Resources
Suggested Reading Lists
Library
Journal
Physical (e.g. AV’s)
IT (e.g. software + version)
Admin
FOR COLLEGE USE ONLY
Student Quota
Quota
(where applicable only)
(identify number per module where applicable only)
Module:
Number:
Discipline involved in Teaching
Share of FTE
*(drop down for disciplines within school)
Biomedical Engineering
*(% out of 1)
100
RGAM
NB:
Notes on some fields are for the technical side when considering which
software company to use.
Draft Created by Syllabus Team as part of Academic Simplification 2012/2013
Page 3