Course content

With a continuum mechanical approach (solid and fluid mechanics, rheology) the following topics are addressed: mechanical properties of biofluids and biosolids, blood rheology, blood flow in arteries and veins, mechanical behaviour of skeletal muscles/heart muscle, mechanical properties of tissues such as bone and cartilage. Some parts will be based on current research in biomechanics carried out at NTNU. Some exercises are mandatory.

Learning outcome

The course provides knowledge to the mechanical behaviour of the main tissues and materials in the human body, e.g. blood, bone, cartilage and muscles. Furthermore, one gets the link from the methods to some clinical applications such as stenosed blood vessels, congestive heart failure, osteporosis, arthritis.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and mandatory exercises. 2/3 of the exercises approved is minimum for exam admittance. Postponed/repeated exams may be oral. The lectures and exercises are in English when students who do not speak Norwegian take the course. If the teaching is given in English the Examination papers will be given in English only. Students are free to choose Norwegian or English for written assessments.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

The course is based on basic courses in solid and fluid mechanics. Some background in continuum mechanics is recommended.

Course materials

The syllabus will be put together from several sources. The basic continuum mechanics will we founded on "Continuum Mechanics" by F. Irgens. Some fundamental biomechanical aspects will be taken from the books of Y.C Fung(Biomechanics: Mechanical Properties of Living Tissues, 2.ed. Springer Verlag, 1993. Biodynamics: Circulation, Springer Verlag, 1984. Biomechanics: Motion, Flow, Stress and Growth, Springer Verlag, 1990). Further, selected parts of the following books will also be a part to the syllabus: "Snapshots of Hemodynamics", N. Westerhof, N. Stergiopulos, M.I.M. Noble, "Cardiovascular Fluid Mechanics", F. vd Vosse, og "Muscles, Reflexes, and Locomotion", T.A. McMahon. Finally, some lecture notes will also be provided for parts of the syllabus.

Credit reductions