The aims of this course are to develop an understanding of the role of engineering in medicine and biology, with a focus on biomechanics of the cardiovascular system, the eye and hard tissues (bone and teeth).

In particular, this course will introduce the students to: - the application of the principles of solid and fluid mechanics to the cardiovascular system - how the material properties and design influence the performance of replacement heart valves and other mechanical devices in the cardiovascular system - how the mechanics of the eye affect its function and the role of ocular biomechanics in dealing with vision loss - how the hierarchical structure of bone governs its fracture properties - biomimetics and its importance in tissue engineering

(LO1) On successful completion of this course the student should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the relationship between structure, function and material properties in human tissues.

(LO2) Demonstrate how a number of cardiovascular diseases can be better treated with biomechanical methods.

(LO3) Be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding  of the potential problems of engineered heart valves and other devices in the cardiovascular system

(LO4) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the eye as a biomechanical structure and how diseases of the eye can be tackled with engineering approaches, and composition and mechanical properties of contact lenses

(LO5) Understand the origins of fracture toughness properties in bone.

(LO6) Understand the hierarchical composite structure of soft and hard tissues and the limitations of applying composite mechanics to natural materials.

(LO7) Solve problems related to cardiovascular biomechanics with knowledge of fluid mechanics

(LO8) Select appropriate materials for repair of natural tissues.

(S1) On successful completion of the module, students should be able to show experience and enhancement of the following key skills:
- Independent learning
- Group discussions
- Problem solving
- Analysing scientific literature
- Report writing.

(S2) Problem solving skills

(S3) Numeracy

1 . Introduction to Biomedical Engineering : overview of biomedical engineering and sub-disciplines including biomechanics.

2. Cardiovascular Mechanics : introduction to the cardiovascular system, mechanics of the arterial wall, mechanical implications of vascular disorders, heart valves, engineering replacement heart valves and other biomedical devices in the cardiovascular system.

3 . Ocular biomechanics : biomechanics of the eye and biomechanical implications of ocular diseases and dealing with these through engineering approaches, contact lenses and mechanically-related complications from contact lens wear.

4 . Hard Tissues : hierarchical composite structure bones and teeth, composite models of hard tissues, mechanical properties of hard tissues, origins of fracture toughness in biological tissues

5 . Biomimetics : biology as an inspiration for engineering design, biomimetics in medicine and tissue engineering.

6 Revision lecture : opportunity to re vise key concepts and topics covered during the course.

7 . Group discussions and classroom tutorials.

Teaching Method 1 – Synchronous teaching sessions weekly using Teams or Zoom to replace lectures, supplemented by provision of asynchronous self-study materials in Vital

Teaching Method 2 – Tutorials which will be held within the synchronous teaching sessions.

The synchronous teaching sessions, and asynchronous provision of self-study materials, are to replace conventional lectures.

These learning and teaching methods will be used for hybrid delivery, with social distancing on campus, as planned for semester 1. The following changes may be required in response to circumstances:
(b) fully online delivery and assessment, (i.e. if full lockdown is necessary).
(c) standard on-campus delivery with minimal social distancing: The synchronous Teams/Zoom remote teaching sessions may return to being on-campus lectures.