CY4I7-Biomechanics

Module Provider: Cybernetics
Number of credits: 10 [5ECTS credits]
Level: 7
Terms in which taught: Autumn
Module Convenor: Dr WS Harwin
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2010/1

Email: w.s.harwin@reading.ac.uk

Aims:
To introduce the human from a cybernetics viewpoint, in particular to look at the design of human sensory-motor systems, anatomical modelling and the technologies that can be used to measure, repair or replace human systems, and use this in a way so as to assist people.

Assessable learning outcomes:
A better understanding of the human system and advanced interfaces to it.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:
The course will look at three aspects of biomedical engineering, that is, biomechanics, rehabilitation engineering, and biological structure modelling and simulation.
Biomechanics: This part of 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, minimum jerk methods, cerebellum predictors and the equilibrium point hypothesis.
Biological structure modelling, simulation and their applications in medicine: This part focuses on computational modelling and simulating different human anatomical systems by incorporating cybernetics theory, systems theory and computational methods. Topics covered are fundamentals of biological modelling, different levels of biological systems, system integration, simulation methods, medical applications, case study: heart and lung models.
Rehabilitation engineering is an area of biomedical engineering that focuses on enhancing the capabilities and improving the quality of life for people with impairments. Topics covered will include an introduction to impairments and disability; accessibility in human-computer interaction; prosthesis control; augmentative and alternative communication (AAC); and inclusive design.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module comprises 2 lectures per week and some revision tutorials.

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework
None.
Relative percentage of coursework : 0%
Penalties for late submission
N/A
Examinations
One 2 hour paper, comprising four questions.
Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% overall
Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination.

Last updated: 12 April 2010