Program of Study

Planning an Undergraduate Program of Study in Biomechanics

Students interested in biomechanics should blend the disciplines of physics, mathematics, biology, computer science, and engineering according to their individual interests. The following section is intended to be a guide for planning a BME specialization degree program in biomechanics. It includes general advising guidelines as well as specific course recommendations.

Important Subjects to Master

Because biomedical engineering is fundamentally an engineering discipline, a mathematics and engineering background is required. Engineering competence is best accomplished by pursuing coursework in mechanical engineering, since this discipline has the greatest relevance for biomechanics. Therefore, most of the engineering courses that students will take outside of BME should come from the ME department.

In addition to an engineering background, a strong background in physics (mechanics) is necessary. Furthermore, students interested in the biomechanics of cells, tissues, and biomaterials (e.g., bioprosthetic heart valves, living skin equivalents) need to understand cell physiology and biochemistry. Therefore, their supplemental science and, perhaps, some of their elective coursework should be in biology and biochemistry.

Finally, if a student’s interests in biomechanics are focused on design of implantable components (e.g., hip prostheses) and medical devices (e.g., wheel chairs), then a proficiency in finite element analysis and design will likely be very helpful.

Course Selection Guidelines

The following section provides specific course recommendations for students pursuing a specialization in biomechanics.

Supplemental Science Courses

As mentioned above, it is recommended that students pursue physics, biology, and chemistry courses within the BME supplemental science requirement. The order in which students take physics and chemistry is not critical. Besides the biology courses taken as part of the basic science requirement for BME, probably the most relevant course is Human Physiology: Movement and Communication (BB 3101).

Biomechanics of cells and tissues

For those interested in the biomechanics of cells and tissues, supplemental science courses at the more advanced level are suggested. Biochemistry (CH 4110) is highly recommended as it discusses many of the important bio-molecules that make up the tissues; Organic Chemistry I (CH 2310) and Polymer Chemistry (CH 4550) are also suggested for those interested in biomaterials. For hands on laboratory skills for working with cells and tissues, Experimental Biology I (BB 2940) and Cell Culture Theory and Applications (BB 4008) are recommended.

Biomedical Engineering Courses

Because biomechanics is built upon a core of mechanical engineering, physics, mathematics, and biology, there are only a few specific biomechanics courses, except at the senior- and graduate-levels. Students should definitely plan to take Foundations in Biomechanics (BME 2504) and Foundations in Biological Transport (BME 2604) in their sophomore- year, Biomechanics (BME 4504, cat II) in their junior or senior-year (it is only offered every other year), and Biofluids (BME/ME 4606, cat II). For the Biomechanics specialization, BME 2504 may aid in understanding the material in ES 2501 and ES 2502, but it does NOT replace these courses. In planning their 4-year courses of study, students should note that BME 4504 and BME 4606 are offered in alternating years. For their other BME coursework, students may want to take Bioelectric Foundations (BME 2204) and Biomaterials (BME/ME 4814). In consultation with their academic advisor, they might also consider coursework in biomechanics at the graduatelevel. These courses include Tissue Mechanics (BME/ME 552), Composites with Biomedical and Materials Applications (BME/ME 554, cat II) and Tissue Engineering (BME/ME 550, cat II).

Other Engineering Courses

The majority of a student’s engineering courses outside of the BME department should be taken in the ME department. Introduction to Material Science, Static Systems, Stress Analysis, Dynamic systems and Control Systems are fundamental courses for biomechanical engineers; at least 3 of the following topics should be covered:

Suggested Course Table and Sequence

Supplemental Science (Select two courses)

Select two from the following science courses below:
BB 2901 - Molecular Biology, Microbiology, and Genetics
BB 2902 - Enzymes, Proteins, and Purification
BB 2903 - Anatomy and Physiology
BB 3101 - Human Anatomy & Physiology: Movement and Communication
BB 3102 - Human Anatomy & Physiology: Transport and Maintenance
CH 2310 - Organic Chemistry I
CH 4110 - Biochemistry I
CH 4550 - Polymer Chemistry (Cat. II)

Engineering (Select nine courses)

Select three fundamental engineering courses, preferred choices include:
ES 2001 - Introduction to Materials Science [Note #2]
ES 2501 - Introduction to Static Systems
ES 2502 - Stress Analysis [Note #2]
ES 2503 - Introduction to Dynamic Systems
Select two 3000-level (or higher) engineering courses, preferred choices include:
ES 3001 - Introduction to Thermodynamics
ES 3003 - Heat Transfer
ES 3004 - Fluid Mechanics [Note #3]
ES 3011 - Control Systems
ES 3323 - Advanced Computer Aided Design
ME 3023 - Mechanical Behavior and Modeling properties of Engineering Materials
ME 3310 - Kinematics of Mechanisms
ME 3321 - Dynamic Modeling
ME 3501 - Continuum Mechanics (Cat. II) [Note #4]
ME 3502 - Advanced Mechanics of Materials
ME 3506 - Rehabilitation Engineering
ME 4512 - Introduction to Finite Element Method
Select four 3000- and 4000-level BME courses, preferred choices include: [Note #1]
BME/ME 3504 - Experimental Biomechanics
BME/ME 4504 - Biomechanics (Cat. II)
BME/ME 4606 - Biofluids
BME/ME 4814 - Biomaterials
BME/ME 552 - Tissue Mechanics (Cat. II)
BME/ME 550 - Tissue Engineering (Cat. II)
BME/ME 554 - Composites with Biomedical and Materials Applications

Note #1: At least 2 of the BME courses must be at the 4000-level or above. Graduate level courses can substitute for 4000-level courses.
Note #2: These courses should be completed before taking BME 4814.
Note #3: This course should be completed before taking BME 4606.
Note #4: This course should be completed before taking BME 4504 or BME 552.

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Last modified: August 21, 2008 13:51:45