Biomechanics
Biomekanik

BMEN05, 7.5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2026/27
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED BME
Date of Decision: 2026-04-13

General Information

Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Elective for: BME4-bdr, E4, F4, F4-mt, F4-bm, M4, MD4, N4, Pi4-biek
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

The aim of the course is to widen the conceptions of mechanics to also include biological systems.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be familiar with the different organ systems of the human body and how they work together
• understand how systems of joints, e.g. the hip and the knee, works in mechanical sense
• understand how human locomotion can be modelled and analysed in using mechanical concepts
• understand how the building stones of the human body ( bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and muscles) can be described in mechanical terms
• be able to describe the prerequisites prosthesis and implants must fulfill in order to work mechanically in the human body

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to formulate and solve problems in biomechanics, both in statics and dynamics
• be able to make use of techniques in optimization to solve a problem in biomechanics
• be able to interpret the results of movement measurements
• be able to model human motions using commercial software

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to estimate properties in strength of materials such as safety factor and mechanical lifetime of biological tissues
• be able to describle the quality of human motions
• be able to interpret and discuss information from literature in medicine

Contents

The architecture of the skeleton and the apparatus of locomotion are described as a mechanical system where the bones are coupled together in joints and the activity in the muscles control the movements.The human body is built up by different elements such as bone, articular cartilage, ligaments, tendons, muscles, blood and body fluids. These elements are described and modelled in the context described in earlier courses in mechanics and solid mechanics. Newton´s equations are applied on the different parts of the skeleton and concepts like constitutive equations are applied to biological material e.g. bone, where effects from mechanical loading on the inner structure are modelled.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment:

Two written assignments are performed in groups of 2–3 students during the course. The assignments are reported in written reports and written feedback is given from the course coordinator. In the end of the course there is a written exam onsite, which can multiple choice questions, open questions, and calculation exercises. .

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0115. Name: Biomechanics.
Credits: 7.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: Two written assignments performed in groups of 2-3 students. Written classroom exam.

Admission

Assumed prior knowledge: Basic courses in mathematics, mechanics and solid mechanics or engineering mechanics.
The number of participants is limited to: No
Kursen överlappar följande kurser: FHL110 FHLF05

Reading list

• Nordin, M. and Frankel, V.H: Basic Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System - 3rd ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001, ISBN: 0-683-30247-7.
• Ross Ethier, C. and Simmons, C.A: Introductory Biomechanics - From Cells to Organisms. Cambridge University Press, 2007, ISBN: 9780521841122.
• Uchida, T. K. and Delp, S.L: Biomechanics of Movement - The Science of Sports, Robotics, and Rehabilitation. The MIT Press, 2021, ISBN: 9780262044202.

Contact

Course coordinator: Lorenzo Grassi, lorenzo.grassi@bme.lth.se
Director of studies: Lars Wallman, lars.wallman@bme.lth.se