BI3BM17-Biomechanics

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: BI1PH17 Physics for Biomedical Engineering
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof William Harwin
Email: w.s.harwin@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

To introduce the human from a cybernetics viewpoint, in particular to look at the design of human sensory-motor systems. Course will also consider augmenting humans with prosthetics, exoskeletons and orthotics.

Aims:
To introduce the human from a cybernetics viewpoint, in particular to look at the design of human sensory-motor systems.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module the students should be able to:

• Understand basic human biomechanics and the neural controller


• Understand simple models of the muscles, tendons, neurons, proprioceptors and other elements associated with movements.


• Understand the role of force and energy in designing supportive technologies.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

The course will look at how humans and animals move. This will include the sensory mechanisms that monitor movement, the muscles and the spinal reflex, and hypothesised mechanisms as to how the brain direct movements. Movement patterns considered will include animal gaits, cerebellum predictors and the equilibrium point hypothesis. Prosthetics will include transmission of forces in implanted, transcutaneous and external devices.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module comprises lectures and guided independent study.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

There will be one exam lasting 2 hours

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There will be 2 assignments. Submission dates in week 7 of Autumn term, week 1 of Spring term.