Designing for the Human Body
The course provides project-based learning experience in understanding product design, with a focus on the human body as a mechanical machine. Students will learn the design of external devices used to aid or protect the body. Topics will include forces acting on internal materials (e.g., muscles and total replacement devices), forces acting on external materials (e.g., prothetics and crash pads), design/analysis of devices aimed to improve or fix the human body, muscle adaptation, and soft tissue injury. Weekly laboratory projects will incorporate EMG sensing, force plate analysis, and interpretation of data collection (e.g., MATLAB analysis) to integrate course material to better understand contemporary design/analysis/problems.
Topics
- The purpose of this course is twofold: • to learn the fundamental concepts of designing devices to interact with the human body; • to enhance skills in mechanical engineering and bioengineering by analyzing the behavior of various complex biomedical problems; • To explore the transition of a device or discovery as it goes from “benchtop to bedside”.
- Working knowledge of design considerations for creating a device to protect or aid the human body, force transfer and distribution, data analysis, and FDA approval process for new devices. Understanding of basic concepts in orthopaedic biomechanics and the ability to apply the appropriate engineering concepts to solve realistic biomechanical problems, knowing clearly the assumptions involved. Critical analysis of current literature and technology. RELATIONSHIP OF THE COURSE TO ABET PROGRAM OUTCOMES (a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering (b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data (d) an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams (e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems (f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility (g) an ability to communicate effectively (h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context (i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning (j) a knowledge of contemporary issues (k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Official catalogue course objectives and student learning outcomes
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027