This module introduces with you the concepts of musculoskeletal biomechanics, and the application of mechanical engineering to the human body. It will help you develop an appreciation of the mechanical functions of the human body, studying the structure and properties of biological materials and their adaptations to their individual functions and appreciate changes in the musculoskeletal system with degenerative joint disease.

• LO1. Define the form and function of human joints throughout the human musculoskeletal system (AHEP4 C4/M4). 
• LO2. Understand, apply and discuss the biomechanics of the human musculoskeletal system including range of motion during physiological and daily living activities (AHEP4 C1/M1, C2/M2, C7/M7) . 
• LO3. Use, apply and interpret static analysis to estimate muscle and joint forces for simple loading scenarios and critically assess the role of the joint and the associated supporting structures (AHEP4 C1/M1, C2/M2, C3/M3). 
• LO4. Identify the structure of bone and soft tissues in human synovial joints so that you can convey the importance of variation in biomaterials when subject to human movement and loading (AHEP4 C13/M13, C17/M17). 
• LO5. Distinguish between the properties of some biological materials, accounting for differences in and altered loading on the human skeleton (AHEP4 C13/M13). 
• LO6. Critically evaluate and the effect of disease and injury on human some joints in order to recommend and compare clinical interventions (AHEP4 C7/M7, C8/M8). 

The Engineering Council sets the overall requirements for the AHEP (Accreditation for Higher Education Programmes). It is the standard used by the UK engineering profession to assess the competence and commitment of individual engineers and technicians and is in its 4th iteration. Link: ahep-fourth-edition 

The module will be delivered through a blend of face-to-face teaching (such as lectures, guided study, tutorials, and formative feedback sessions), and online learning material (such as recorded lectures, quizzes, numerical examples and sample tutorial problems). These are used to explain and demonstrate the principles of musculoskeletal biomechanics identified within the learning outcomes of the module.   

Subject-Specific Skills: 

1. Form and function of human joints including bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons. 

2. Kinematics and movement of human joints, both passive, e.g., during physical examination and physiological range of motion, and active, e.g., during walking. 

3. Kinetics associated with loading of human joints during activities of daily living. 

4. Musculoskeletal biomechanical measurements 

5. Relationship between form, function and biomechanics of joint structures in the body 

6. Changes in the musculoskeletal system with degenerative joint disease and injury  

Professional & Practical Skills (AHEP4): 

• C1: Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study. 
  • M1 Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering. 
• C2 Analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles 
  • M2 Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed. 
• C3 M3 Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, recognising the limitations of the techniques employed 
• C4 Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address complex problems 
  • M4 Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems 
• C7 Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems and minimise adverse impacts. 
  • M7 Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire lifecycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts. 
• C8 M8 Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct. 
• C13 M13 Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations 
• C17 Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences 
  • M17 Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used. 

Transferable/Employability Skills (Graduate Attributes): 

• Effective Communicators: 

  • EC2: Communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences 
  • EC3: Contribute to discussions, negotiate and present with impact 
  • EC4: Deliver, accept and act on constructive feedback 

• Ethically, socially and environmentally aware: 

  • ESA2: Demonstrate personal and professional integrity, reliability and competence 
  • ESA3: Understand organisations, their stakeholders and their impact on the community 

• Independent and critical thinkers 

  • ICT1: Identify, define and analyse complex issues and ideas, exercising critical judgement in evaluating sources of information 
  • ICT2: Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and engage in the pursuit of new knowledge and understanding 
  • ICT3: Investigate problems and offer effective solutions, reflecting on and learning from successes and failures 

Summative assessment 

The module is assessed through a two-hour written examination scheduled during the Autumn Semester Examination Period (LO1-6). 

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT  

Formative assessment is provided through problems and tutorial activities which are delivered throughout the module.  

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

The re-assessment for this module will consist in a 2-hour written examination, worth 100%. 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period.  

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session.

• Introduction to the mechanical function of the joints of the human body 

• Kinematic and kinetic measurement of the human body – Introduction to human motion analysis 

• Structure and properties of bone, tendon, cartilage, muscle, skin and other biological materials 

• Adaptation and remodelling of these materials 

• Form and function of muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints