Introduction to Biomedical Engineering - Biomechanics

Course Information

• Course Title: Introduction to Biomedical Engineering - Biomechanics
• Course Code: 2014170-02
• Credits: 3
• Schedule: Saturday 12:00–14:00 & Monday 16:00-18:00
• Location: Class 32
• Instructor: Seyed Sadjad Abedi-Shahri
  • Email: AbediSadjad@gmail.com

Course Overview

This course introduces the biomechanics of the cardiovascular system and the fundamentals of biomaterials. The first part covers blood flow mechanics, cardiac and vascular function, and simplified modeling of circulation. The second part introduces biomaterials, biocompatibility, and their applications in medical implants. The course provides biomedical engineering students with essential theoretical foundations and applied knowledge at the interface of physiology, mechanics, and materials.

Learning Objectives

Students completing this course will be able to:

1. Explain the mechanics of blood flow and the cardiovascular system.
2. Describe cardiac output, vascular resistance, compliance, and related pathologies.
3. Apply simplified hemodynamic models (resistance, compliance, inertance).
4. Identify major classes of biomaterials and evaluate their biocompatibility.
5. Recognize common biomedical implant applications and design considerations.

Syllabus

• Cardiovascular Biomechanics:
  Fundamentals of hemodynamics, cardiac cycle, vascular mechanics, blood rheology, vascular pathologies, and simplified cardiovascular models.

• Biomaterials:
  Introduction to biomaterials, biocompatibility and hemocompatibility, types of biomaterials, and their applications in implants.

References

1. [WAI] Applied Biofluid Mechanics by Lee Waite and Jerry Fine
2. [END] Introduction to Biomedical Engineering [3rd ed.] by John Enderle and Joseph Bronzino
3. [BRO] Biomedical Engineering Fundamentals [3rd ed.] by Joseph Bronzino

Evaluation Scheme

• Final Exam: 80 points
• Continuous Assessment: 20 points
• Extracurricular Activities (optional): Up to 20 bonus points

Session Outline

• Part 1: Introduction and Fundamentals of Flow
  • Fluid Characteristics
  • Introduction to Pipe Flow
  • Reynolds Number and Flow Types
  • Poiseuille’s Law
• Part 2: Cardiovascular Structure and Function
  • Introduction to Cardiovascular System
  • Functional Anatomy of Circulation
  • Cardiac Muscle Structure and Function
  • Heart Valves and Their Function
  • Cardiac Cycle and Pressure-Volume Relationships
  • Heart Sounds
  • Factors Controlling Blood Pressure and Flow
• Part 3: Hematology and Blood Rheology
  • Introduction to Blood Rheology
  • Elements and Characteristics of Blood
  • Types of Fluids and Blood Viscosity
  • Erythrocytes (Red Blood Cells)
  • Leukocytes (White Blood Cells)

Additional Information

Prerequisites

• Principles of Medical Physics

Policies

1. Regular attendance is strongly recommended to stay on track with course material and acquire continuous evaluation score
2. Students are expected to arrive on time. Late arrivals may disrupt the class and could impact participation evaluation.
3. Collaboration on assignments, exercises, and projects is encouraged. However, all submissions must reflect individual understanding and adhere to academic integrity policies. Plagiarism or copying will not be tolerated.