Course detail
Biomechanics I - Introduction
FSI-RBA Acad. year: 2025/2026 Winter semester
Biomechanics I is an introductory course into biomechanics. This course introduces terminology and provides basic knowledge necessary for interdisciplinary communication with medical staff, specifically about the structure and function of cells, tissues and organs; therefore, basic knowledge on human anatomy, histology, physiology and pathology is provided. In the part dedicated to biomaterial engineering, the course focuses on constitutive and strength properties of basic biomaterials (collagen, elastin), and on properties of some materials being used in implants (e.g. austenitic steels, alloys, high-pressure-polyethylene, and ceramics). Using the systemic approach, various aspects of computational modelling are presented as well as medical imaging techniques whose outputs are used for creating computational models. An illustration of various biomechanical problems is presented as well.
Language of instruction
Czech
Number of ECTS credits
5
Supervisor
Entry knowledge
Basic knowledge in biology at the level of secondary education and knowledge in thermodynamics, hydromechanics and solid mechanics at the level of the basic courses at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Basic orientation on systemic methodology comprehending systemic approach, especially methodology of computational modelling is advantageous.
Rules for evaluation and completion of the course
Active participation in seminars.
High quality elaboration of individual assignments.
Passing the test of basic knowledge.
Attendance at practical training is obligatory. An apologized absence
can be compensed by individual projects controlled by the tutor.
Aims
The main objective of the course is to provide students with a systematic overview on bioengineering disciplines, on structure of biomechanics (aimed at human biomechanics), biomaterial engineering and medical branches and to get a basic knowledge on anatomy, physiology, histology and pathology. It addresses also properties and behaviour of biomaterials and various types of implants. The course focuses on methodology of solving basic biomechanical problems and aims to acquire a knowledge of history and principles of medical imaging techniques and their significance for solution of biomechanical problems.
Students will acquire orientation in interdisciplinary branches as well as in human biomechanics structured from various viewpoints. They will acquire basic knowledge from medical field necessary for mutual interdisciplinary communication and knowledge about biomaterials that comprehends living materials as well as materials of implants. Students will also acquire knowlege and skills needed to create computational models based on data from medical imaging devices.
The study programmes with the given course
Programme N-IMB-P: Engineering Mechanics and Biomechanics, Master's
specialization BIO: Biomechanics, compulsory
Type of course unit
Lecture
26 hours, optionally
Syllabus
1. Importance of bioengineering and their structure. Definition and structure of biomechanics with a focus on human biomechanics.
2. Eucaryotic cell: structure, function, pathology.
3. Structure of tissues.
4. Osteology and arthrology.
5. Muscular system – general and special myology.
6. Cardiovascular system.
7. Nervous system.
8. Definition and structure of biomaterial engineering. Biomaterials for implants.
9. Biomechanical objects, biomechanical problems, procedure of solutions to biomechanical problems.
10. Medical imaging techniques: History and principles.
11. Medical imaging techniques: Their significance for solution of biomechanical problems.
12. Possibilities for solution of biomechanical problems concerning musculo-skeletal and cardio-vascular systems.
13. Comprehensively on properties of materials in human body.
Computer-assisted exercise
13 hours, compulsory
Syllabus
Methods of medical image processing: Practical use of CT, MRI and micro-CT datasets.
Methods of image segmentation: Manual and automatic segmentation.
Creation of geometry model (surface / polygonal mesh) using CT, MRI and micro-CT data.
Creation of solid model of geometry.
Demonstration of computational model creation in the finite element method environment of ANSYS.
Computational models: Submodelling approach. Demonstration of using data from imaging methods for material model creation.
Credit.