Human Impact & Forensic Biomechanics

Subject BMEN90024 (2014)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2014.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 12 hours of lectures; 22 hours of workshops; 6 hours of laboratory work; one field trip of 4 hours.
Total Time Commitment:

200 hours

Prerequisites:

The prerequisite for this subject is:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

OR

enrolment in Master of Biomedical Engineering

Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

None

Non Allowed Subjects:

Anti-requisite for this subject is:

Subject
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering applications for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005) and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, this subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this with the Subject Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit. http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

Assoc Prof Peter Lee

Email: pvlee@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject examines the mechanics of human tissue injury which is important in situations like a car crash or a workplace injury. After a review of the gross anatomy of the head and neck, the modes by which the function of the brain and spine can be interrupted by injury are explained and the frontiers for research are defined.

Students will become familiar with methods and experiments to determine criteria for life threatening injury to the head and neck, including historical notes on hanging technique and brain function maps from war time gunshot wounds. The course will focus on examining statistical approaches that can cope with large uncertainties in seemingly random data.

Learning Outcomes:

Having completed this subject the student is expected to be able to -

  • discuss the provided literature on injury mechanics
  • design an experiment to determine the yield points and statistical outcomes of bone loading
  • demonstrate advanced Matlab skills
  • compare the merits and drawbacks of various experimental and calculative methods in application to bone mechanics
  • describe the mechanical properties of various soft tissues and bone
Assessment:
  • One end-of-semester exam of 2-hours duration (50%)
  • Three individual on-line tests completed (10%).
  • A group report of conference paper style which is 4 to 6 pages double spaced (25%). One third of the grade is for professional standard presentation, one third for content and one third for clear logical and well supported argument.
  • Peer review of reports from other groups (5%).
  • Fielding questions and delivery of an amended report that addresses the peer review feedback (5%).
  • An observational study, which is a field trip where a series of observations and tests are conducted (5%).

HURDLE - students need to pass the written exam to pass the subject

Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • Ability to apply knowledge of science and engineering fundamentals
  • Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation, and solution
  • Ability to utilise a systems approach to complex problems and to design and operational performance
  • Proficiency in engineering design
  • Ability to conduct an engineering project
  • Ability to communicate effectively, with the engineering team and with the community at large
  • Ability to manage information and documentation
  • Capacity for creativity and innovation
  • Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, as a team leader or manager as well as an effective team member
Related Course(s): Master of Biomedical Engineering
Master of Philosophy - Engineering
Ph.D.- Engineering
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Master of Engineering (Biomedical)

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