Program Overview

Introduction to Biomechanics

The course provides the foundation of cardiovascular biomechanics from the organ to the tissue level. A quantitative approach to human physiology from the biomedical engineering perspective is presented, where structural and hemodynamic aspects are addressed. In-vitro experimental and analytic tools are developed and used to solve problems in cardiovascular biomedical engineering. Techniques include Finite Element (FE) modeling, system analysis, model parameter identification, linear and non-linear continuum mechanics, constitutive descriptions of the passive properties of blood vessels, Newtonian and non-Newtonian descriptions of blood.

Information per Course Offering

• Termin: Spring 2026
• Start: 16 Mar 2026
• Duration: 16 Mar 2026 - 1 Jun 2026
• Periods: Spring 2026: P4 (9 hp)
• Pace of study: 50%
• Application code: 60652
• Form of study: Normal Daytime
• Language of instruction: English
• Course memo: Not published
• Number of places: Minimum 10
• Target group: No information inserted
• Planned modular schedule: P4: B1, A2, C2, D2, G2
• Schedule: Available through a link
• Part of programme:
  • Degree Programme in Mechanical Engineering, year 4, INE
  • Master's Programme, Medical Engineering, year 2, FYSK
  • Degree Programme in Design and Product Realisation, year 4, INE
  • Master's Programme, Engineering Mechanics, year 1

Course Syllabus

The course syllabus is available in an accessible format on this page.

Content and Learning Outcomes

The course provides the foundation of cardiovascular biomechanics from the organ to the tissue level. A quantitative approach to human physiology from the biomedical engineering perspective is presented, where both structural and hemodynamic aspects are addressed. In-vitro experimental and analytic tools are developed and used to solve problems in cardiovascular biomedical engineering.

Intended Learning Outcomes

After the course, participants should be able to:

• Understand the basics of vascular physiology
• Model a particular bioengineering problem by selecting appropriate modeling assumptions
• Understand the purpose, function, implication, and limitation of biomechanical modeling
• Achieve a theoretical understanding of non-linear continuum mechanics
• Solve a particular problem by using either analytical approaches or the FE method
• Combine and integrate different solution strategies to address more challenging problems
• Achieve a practical understanding in applying the FE method as demonstrated by solving typical problems of bioengineering interest
• Present, analyze, and explain derived results in a clear and causal way

Literature and Preparations

Specific Prerequisites

• English B / English 6
• Basic course in solid mechanics (for instance SE1010, SE1020 or SE1055) and a Finite Element (FE) course (for instance SE1025)

Recommended Prerequisites

• SE1010, SE1020, SE1021 or SE1055 Solid mechanics basic course and
• SE1025 FEM for engineering applications or equivalent

Literature

Information about course literature is available in the course memo for the course offering or in the course room.

Examination and Completion

Grading Scale

• A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

• HEMA - Home Assignment, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• TENA - Examination, 4.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• LABA - Laboratory Work, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, F

Other Requirements for Final Grade

• Laboratory work (LAB1, 2.0 credits)
• Home assignments (HEM1, 3.0 credits)
• Examination (TEN1, 4.0 credits)

Examiner

Thomas Christian Gasser

Ethical Approach

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further Information

Course Room

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room.

Offered by

SCI/Solid Mechanics

Main Field of Study

Engineering Physics

Education Cycle

Second cycle