University of Liege | Version française
Study programmes 2011-2012Last update : 14/06/2012
GBIO0012-2  Biomechanics

Duration :  30h Th, 30h Pr, 1d FW
Number of credits :  
Master in Biomedical Engineering, in-depth approach, 1st yearFirst semester5
Master in Engineering Physics, in-depth approach, 2nd yearFirst semester5
Lecturer :  Liesbet Geris
Language(s) of instruction :  
English language
Course contents :  
General: application of the basic laws of mechanics on the human movement apparatus and its different components, bone modeling and remodeling, influence of mechanical loading on physiological processes within the body, applications in orthopedic and dental implants and in diagnostic, therapeutic and chirurgical techniques.
Detailed content:
  • The musculoskeletal system
  • Loads and motion in the musculoskeletal system
  • Tissue mechanics: bone
  • Tissue mechanics: soft tissue
  • Structural analysis of musculoskeletal systems: beam theory
  • Structural analysis of musculoskeletal systems: advanced topics
  • Bone-implant systems
  • Fracture fixation devices
  • Total hip replacements
  • Total knee replacements
  • Computational biomechanics
Learning outcomes of the course :  
At the end of the course students should be able to
  • apply basic mechanical engineering principles to the human (musculoskeletal) system.
  • relate theoretical concepts and tools to practical engineering and scientific problems
  • communicate with biomedical experts and clinicians.
Prerequisites and co-requisites/ Recommended optional programme components :  
General knowledge of mechanical principles as covered by bachelor courses PHYS2020-1 and MECA0001-1.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :  
  • Weekly exercise sessions (assignments in English, teaching in French)
  • Visit to the ULg gait lab
  • Demo modeling software
  • Visit to the European Knee Research Center of Smith & Nephew in Haasrode
  • Visit to the veterinary school
  • Guest lectures by clinicians
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :  
Face-to-face
Recommended or required readings :  
  • Reference textbook: Orthopaedic Biomechanics by D.L. Bartel, D.T. Davy and T.M. Keaveny, Pearson Prentice Hall Bioengineering. Several copies are available at the library.
  • Detailed slides (in English) will be made available to the students via eCampus.
Assessment methods and criteria :  
During the course assignments will be given that need to be solved individually by the students. The reports on the assignments will be discussed during the oral exam in which the depth and width of the student's knowledge on the discussed topics will be evaluated. The language of the report and the oral examination can be either French or English (chosen by student).
Organizational remarks :  
Theory course and problems sessions on Monday AM, fall quarter.
Contacts :  
Liesbet Geris tel: 04 366 95 87 liesbet.geris@ulg.ac.be


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