Biomechanics
Biomechanics is a subunit of kinesiology and is the study of motion and mechanical forces of biological systems, such as humans and animals [1]. The biomechanics specialization here at UC Davis combines elements from mechanics, thermodynamics, and dynamics to the biomedical curriculum [2]. At the end of this major, students will have a strong understanding of orthopedic and rehabilitation engineering (i.e. prosthetic design) as well as the dynamics behind blood flow through out the body.
Engineering Electives for the Biomechanics specialization at UC Davis include [3]:
Research - Simon Lab
Dr. Scott Simon's lab studies the process of inflammation and its correlation to disease and infection. His research includes developing technology, namely through cell adhesion, fluorescence flow cytometry, and viscometry, to examine different human and animal biological systems and their models [4]. More information about his lab can be found here.
Engineering Electives for the Biomechanics specialization at UC Davis include [3]:
- ENG 45 - Properties of Materials: This is an introductory course that discusses the properties of materials (specifically engineering materials) and their relation to the internal structures of the materials.
- BIM 126 - Tissue Mechanics: This course provides students with information regarding the mechanical and structural aspects of biological tissues, such as cartilage, tendons, bones, ligaments, and skeletal muscle.
- BIM 167 - Biomedical Fluid Mechanics: This course teaches students about the mechanics of fluid flow in the human body. The topics regarding the Navier Stokes equations of motion, circulation, and respiration are heavily applied throughout the class.
- ENG 102 - Dynamics: This course illustrates the effects of forces and torque on motion; the topics regarding kinetics, kinematics, and systems of particles are applied to real world engineering problems.
- ENG 104 - Mechanics of Materials: General information concerning the mechanics behind various engineering materials such as unaxial loading and deformation, torsion, bending of beams, stress-strain temperature relations.
- BIM 163 - Bioelectricity, Biomechanics, and Signaling Systems: Students will combine the fundamentals of cellular bioelectricity, calcium signaling, muscular mechanical force generation and apply this knowledge to hands-on projects.
- EBS 128 - Biomechanics/Ergonomics: This course provides teaches concepts regarding the anatomical, physiological, and biomechanical bases of physical ergonomics as well as static and dynamic biomechanical modeling. It also emphasizes on the mechanics of specific parts of the body, such as the back, shoulders, hands, and wrists.
Research - Simon Lab
Dr. Scott Simon's lab studies the process of inflammation and its correlation to disease and infection. His research includes developing technology, namely through cell adhesion, fluorescence flow cytometry, and viscometry, to examine different human and animal biological systems and their models [4]. More information about his lab can be found here.
[JC, 382]
1. Microfluidics Flow Chamber - http://bme.ucdavis.edu/simonlab/research-techniques/microfluidics/