UnitLevel 3Undergraduate

MEC3601 Mechanics for biomedical engineering

Faculty of Engineering

MEC3601 Mechanics for biomedical engineering is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering. It isn't offered in 2022. It needs ENG2005 and (ENG1001 or ENG1011).

Credit points
6
Offered in 2022
Not offered
Assessment
No exam
5 tasks
Workload
144 hours
per semester

This is the 2022 handbook entry. See the 2026 entry.

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Requisites

After MEC3601

No unit lists MEC3601 as a prerequisite in the 2022 handbook.

Overview

Mechanics is the study of motion and the forces that cause motion. Biology is the study of living organisms. Biomechanics is, therefore, about using mechanics for understanding the motion of living things and the forces that cause them. Such an understanding is vital for a wide range of biomedical applications including designing medical implants, medical imaging, orthopaedics, sports training and therapy, forensics, computer-aided surgery, computational biomechanics, etc. This unit provides you with a foundational understanding of the concepts required for quantifying motion and forces and understanding their relationship in the context of biological materials and processes.

Offerings in 2022

The 2022 handbook lists no offerings for MEC3601.

Assessment

  • LaboratoryThreshold hurdle
    15%
  • ProjectThreshold hurdle
    15%
  • Practical activitiesThreshold hurdle
    20%
  • Mid-semester testThreshold hurdle
    15%
  • Final assessmentThreshold hurdle
    35%

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Apply the knowledge of stress-strain relations to calculate the mechanical properties of biomaterials for biomedical applications.

  2. 2

    Evaluate biomechanical problems and formulate solutions by applying modelling tools and analytical methodologies such as finite element analysis.

  3. 3

    Appreciate the role of mechanical behaviour of cells, tissues and organs in the biological processes of the human body.

  4. 4

    Justify through presentations, the mechanical basis of designs of biomedical devices to a wide audience.

  5. 5

    Function as an effective team member by participating in all group activities and conducting regular self- and peer-assessment of individual and team performance.

Workload and teaching

  • Laboratories24 hours
  • Practical activities24 hours
  • Lectures12 hours
  • Assessments3 hours
  • Teaching approachActive learning
  • Teaching approachProblem-based learning

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

This unit engages you in actively applying their knowledge, skills and attributes in interactive, collaborative and reflective activities.

This unit includes problem-based learning approaches, where you will engage in research, integrate theory and practice and apply knowledge and skills to develop viable solutions in response to a problem or set of problems.

Learning resources

Recommended resources

Fung, Y. C., 1993, “Biomechanics: Mechanical properties of living tissues”, 2nd Ed., Springer.

Pruitt, L. and Chakravartula, A.M., 2011, “Mechanics of biomaterials: Fundamental principles for implant design”, Cambridge University Press.

Ethier, C.R. and Simmons, C.A., 2007, “Introductory biomechanics: From cells to organisms”, Cambridge University Press.

Humphrey, J. D. and Delange, S. L., 2004, “An introduction to biomechanics: Solids and fluids, analysis and design”, Springer.

Where it fits

MEC3601 is part of 1 area of study in the 2022 handbook.

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for MEC3601?

You need ENG2005 and (ENG1001 or ENG1011) before you enrol.

When is MEC3601 offered?

MEC3601 has no offerings listed in the 2022 handbook.

How much work is MEC3601?

The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

Does MEC3601 have an exam?

No. MEC3601 has 5 assessment tasks and no exam.

Which majors and minors include MEC3601?

MEC3601 is part of Biomedical engineering.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
3
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Engineering
Organisational unit
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available
Handbook years
20222023202420252026