BI3BM17-Biomechanics

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: BI1PH17 Physics for Biomedical Engineering
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Prof William Harwin
Email: w.s.harwin@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

To introduce the human from a cybernetics viewpoint, in particular to look at the design of human sensory-motor systems. Course will also consider augmenting humans with prosthetics, exoskeletons and orthotics.

Aims:
To introduce the human from a cybernetics viewpoint, in particular to look at the design of human sensory-motor systems.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module the students should be able to:

• Understand basic human biomechanics and the neural controller


• Understand simple models of the muscles, tendons, neurons, proprioceptors and other elements associated with movements.


• Understand the role of force and energy in designing supportive technologies.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

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, cerebellum predictors and the equilibrium point hypothesis. Prosthetics will include transmission of forces in implanted, transcutaneous and external devices.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module comprises lectures and guided independent study.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Project Supervision	10
Guided independent study:	64		6
Total hours by term	94	0	6
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Written assignment including essay	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

There will be one exam lasting 2 hours.

The examination for this module will require a narrowly defined time window and is likely to be held in a dedicated exam venue.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There will be 2 assignments. Submission dates in week 7 of Autumn term, week 1 of Spring term.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:
Examination

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 29 March 2022