Module: Advanced Biomechanics and Biotransport Phenomena

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Advanced Biomechanics and Biotransport Phenomena
Module Code	MEC1083
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

Module Aims: ● To provide students with an understanding of the continuum mechanics and mass transfer principles as applied to biological systems ● To provide the students with an understanding of advanced topics in the field of biomechanics ● To provide students with the necessary skills and tools to solve applied biomechanics problems ● To familiarise students with computational biomechanics ● To introduce students to the concept of multiscale biomechanics from tissues to cells ● To develop the necessary skills to effectively communicate advanced biomechanics and concepts.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically evaluate and apply the principal equations governing mass transport in biological systems.
2. Derive the governing equations for fluid flow and heat and mass transfer.
3. Describe fluid mechanics and mass transfer principles in biological systems.
4. Assess and critique the experimental protocols and apparatus used to measure the non-linear mechanical properties of biological tissues.
5. Formulate and solve analytical equations to describe transport processes in biological tissues and artificial tissues.
6. Describe the relationship between structure, function, and advanced mechanical properties of normal and diseased/injured biological tissues.
7. Apply and critically assess continuum mechanics models to biological tissues, demonstrating proficiency in solving complex biomechanical problems.
8. Develop, implement, and critically analyze computational models in biomechanics to simulate tissue behavior and predict mechanical responses in biological systems.
9. Critically examine the hierarchical relationship between tissue and cell mechanics.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	2 lectures per week – delivery of the module content as described.
Tutorial	12	1 tutorial per week.
Independent Study	151.5	Revision of module content and completion of CA assignment.
Total Workload: 187.5

Section Breakdown
CRN	21437	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	30%	Examination Weight	70%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Majid Akbarzadeh Khorshidi	Module Teacher	Garrett Mcguinness

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Research Paper	The research paper will present the findings of the comprehensive analysis of a biological tissue or artificial tissue, including critical analysis and selection of an appropriate constitutive model, data analysis, and finite element analysis.	30%	Week 12
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	70%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Properties of Body Fluids and the Cell Membrane

Solute Transport in Biological Systems
(i) the Starling Equation, (ii) Fick’s Law, (iii) Stokes Einstein Equation, (iv) Henry’s Law, and (v) Hills Equation

The Haemoglobin-Oxygen Dissociation Curve

The Hill Equation

Oxygen Transport in the Krogh Tissue Cylinder

Continuum Mechanics & Constitutive Modelling

Finite Elasticity

Experimental Methods and Design

Computational Biomechanics

Examples in Biomechanics of Soft Biological Tissue

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Yuan-cheng Fung: 1993, Biomechanics: Mechanical Properties of Living Tissues, Springer, 978-1-4757-22
Steve Maas and Jeff Weiss: 2019, FEBio Theory Manual, University of Utah,
Ronald L. Fournier: 2006, Basic Transport Phenomena in Biomedical Engineering, 2nd Edition, CRC Press, 1591690269
Buddy D. Ratner: 2004, Biomaterials Science, Academic Press, 0-12-582463-7
Yuan-cheng Fung: 0, Biomechanics: Motion, Flow, Stress and Growth, Chapters 8 & 9, Springer, 0-387-97124-6
George A. Truskey, Fan Yuan, David F. Katz: 2004, Transport Phenomena in Biological Systems, Prentice Hall, 0, 0-13-042204-5

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None