| CODE | PHB5403 | |||||||||
| TITLE | Fundamentals in Biomedical Engineering for Scientists | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | |||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | Not Applicable | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 10 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Physiology and Biochemistry | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit provides the foundation in Mechanics, Materials, Mathematics, Mechanics of Materials, Biology, Physiology, and Anatomy to graduates in Science, reading for M.Sc in Biomedical Engineering – Biomechanics. This course provides students with the engineering principles and an appreciation of applied mathematics and mechanics together with the scientific principles leading to awareness of living systems, on which the later study units within the MSc will be built. The basic knowledge of: Mechanics - classical Newtonian mechanics based on: Statics - force, moments, equivalence & equilibrium of a body and system, friction; Kinematics - the movement trajectories, velocity and acceleration of a point and the body; Dynamics - the effect of inertia forces and their application to living systems, analysis of a mechanical system. Materials: different classes of materials, the interatomic bonding theories in different materials, the strengthening mechanisms of materials and their mechanical properties, stress & strain of material, thermal and optical properties of materials. Mechanics of Materials: the effect of a force and moment on the solid body behaviour - tension/compression, bending, torsion, buckling, evaluation of stress & strain developed due to force/moment. Mathematics - revision of: the algebraic techniques, 2D and 3D Cartesian coordinate geometry, vectors in 2D and 3D, matrices and transformations, numerical methods to find values of roots of equations, definite integrals, differentiation and integration to solve problems including maxima and minima, types of first and second order ordinary differential equations. Biology & Physiology - Physical characteristics of the heart, circulatory and lymphatic systems, including innate and acquired immunity. Structure, location and function of the organs of the respiratory system, digestive system, osmo-regulation with reference to buffer systems and control of electrolytes, reproductive systems, nervous system and endocrine system. Anatomy - The heart and vascular system; the shoulder girdle; the arm and elbow; the forearm and wrist; the hand; the back; the pelvis and hip; the thigh and knee; the foot; pulses and reflexes in the limbs; nerve injuries in the limbs; practical session upper limb and lower limb; basic histology of muscle and bone. Study-unit Aims: This study-unit covers the basic components of a necessary knowledge selected for students, to enrich and harmonize the knowledge level of biomedical engineering foundations with respect to the previous qualifications. The science graduates are introduced to basic Mechanics, Materials, Mechanics of Materials, Medical science, and Mathematics that forms the background for further understanding with ability to appreciate and apply the basic engineering principles. The aim is to introduce the engineering approach and appreciate the synergy of medical, science and engineering science that leads to biomedical engineering. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: Learning outcomes for Mechanics: - Appreciate the effect of the force and moment on the solid body, understand the relation between the force/moments and the motion generated by the load, evaluate the inertia forces. Learning Outcomes for Materials: - Describe the different classes of materials, explain the bonding theories in different materials, explain the mechanical properties of different materials, illustrate the thermal and optical properties of materials. Learning Outcomes for Mechanics of Materials: - Evaluate a deformation and the load intensity within the structure, identify locations with the stress intensity approaching the limit values or the deformation would result in malfunctioning of the structure. Learning Outcomes for Mathematics: - Solve a first and second order ordinary differential equations, work with functions of variables, set up integrals to determine volumes, work with matrices, determinants and vectors to solve problems, apply transformations to coordinate systems. Learning Outcomes for Anatomy: - Appreciate the anatomy of the cell and it's subcomponents and functions; able to identify different bones, their function within the human body; make distinction between joints; appreciate the function of muscles. Learning Outcomes for Physiology/Biology: - Describe the physical characteristics of blood and blood cells; explain the importance of bone marrow transplants; describe mechanisms relating to homeostasis; describe the location, structure and functioning of the heart; explain how an action potential arises and describe the electrical events of a normal electrocardiogram; describe factors affecting stroke volume; contrast the structure and function of blood vessels; explain how circulation is controlled; list the components, functions and organization of the lymphatic system, including innate and acquired immunity; describe the structure, location and function of the organs of the respiratory system; describe the organs, and processes associated with the digestive system; describe the structure, function and processes occurring in the kidney and liver; describe the processes controlling osmo-regulation with reference to buffer systems and control of electrolytes; describe the structure, function of reproductive systems; describe the organisation, functions and components of the nervous system; describe the components of the endocrine system as well as the mechanisms of hormone control; explain how cases of homeostatic disorders/imbalances arise for each of the organ systems covered in this study-unit; describe using examples how artificial organs, replacements of body parts are currently used; understand the major chemical elements, and processes; will be able to understand the processes of cell division, death and differentiation. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: a. communicate effectively utilizing the correct choice of engineering terminology; b. identify a specific class of material for a particular situation, which requires a specific material properties (thermal, optical and mechanical); c. evaluate the forces and moments acting on the object; d. analyze a simple structure under the complex load, formulate appropriate mathematical model, and compute the corresponding stresses, strains, and deformation within the elastic limits. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: 1. W. D. Callister, (2003) Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction, (6th ed.) Wiley 2. Larson R., Edwards B.H. and O' Neil P., (2015) Mathematics for Engineers, Custom Edition for the University of Malta, Cengage 3. Bostock L. and Chandler S., (2002) Applied Mathematics, Vol. 1 & 2, Stanley Thornes 4. R.C. Hibbeler, (2011) Mechanics of Materials, (8th ed.) Prentice Hall 5. Tortora G and Derrickson B. (2014) Principles of Anatomy and Physiology Maintenance and Continuity of the Human Body, Volumes 1 and 2, (5th Ed.) Wiley International |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Independent Study, Lecture, Practical & Tutorials | |||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Anthea Agius Anastasi Vincent A. Mercieca Zdenka Sant Daniel Vella Marion Zammit Mangion |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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