585.631.82 - Introduction to Biomechanics

Course Structure

The course materials are divided into modules which can be accessed by clicking Course Modules on the left menu. A module will have several sections including the overview, content, readings, discussions, and assignments. You are encouraged to preview all sections of the module before starting. Modules run for a period of seven (7) days. You should regularly check the Calendar and Announcements for assignment due dates.

Course Goals

To introduce the fundamentals of biomechanics, rooted in classical mechanics, and demonstrate real world applications to solve problems related to movement, structure, and function of the human body with a focus in experimental injury biomechanics applications.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• Apply fundamental mechanical engineering principles (Deformable solid mechanics, Statics, Dynamics) and physiology and anatomy to solve simple biomechanical problems.
• Identify the tools, methods and models introduced in the class in the applied biomechanics field at large.
• Analyze data from simple experimental, analytical, and computational biomechanics models.
• Determine next steps in real-world biomechanics examples in applied research.

Textbooks

Required

Özkaya, N., Leger, D., Goldsheyder, D., & Nordin, M. (2016). Fundamentals of biomechanics: equilibrium, motion, and deformation.Springer.

ISBN-10: 3319447378
ISBN-13: 978-3319447377

Textbook information for this course is available online through the appropriate bookstore website: For online courses, search the MBS website.

Required Software

MATLAB

You will need access to a recent version of MATLAB (anything including 2020a or newer). A license is provided at no cost to you, through JHU.

Visit the JHU IT Services Portal. Log in with your JHED ID and type “Matlab” in the search bar. Click on “Matlab for Students” in the search results and follow the instructions provided.

Student Coursework Requirements

It is expected that each module will take approximately 5–9 hours per week to complete. Here is an approximate breakdown: reading the assigned sections of the texts (approximately 1–3 hours per week), listening to the audio annotated slide presentations and self-guided multiple-choice questions (approximately 2–3 hours per week), and various homework assignments (approximately 2–3 hours per week; problem sets, guided MATLAB exercises, and literature critiques).

This course will consist of the following basic student requirements:

Forum Discussions (22% of Final Grade Calculation)

Forum discussions are assigned in modules 1, 2, 4, 5, 7-12,14 and will be posted in the Discussions section. You are responsible for carefully reading all assigned material and being prepared for discussion. The majority of readings are from the course text. Additional reading may be assigned to supplement text readings.

Post your initial response to the discussion questions by the evening of day 4 for that module week. Posting a response to the discussion question is part one of your grade for module discussions (i.e., Timeliness).

Part two of your grade for module discussion is your interaction (i.e., responding to classmate postings with thoughtful responses) with at least two classmates (i.e., Critical Thinking). Just posting your response to a discussion question is not sufficient; we want you to interact with your classmates. Be detailed in your postings and in your responses to your classmates' postings. Feel free to agree or disagree with your classmates. Please ensure that your postings are civil and constructive.

We will monitor module discussions and will respond to some of the discussions as discussions are posted.

Evaluation of preparation and participation is based on contribution to discussions.

Preparation and participation is evaluated by the following grading elements:

1. Timeliness (50%)
2. Critical Thinking (50%)

The percent of possible credit for each of the 10 assignments will be multiplied by 2% of your total grade, as graded forum discussions make up 20% of the total grade for this course.

Graded assignment (32.5% of Final Grade Calculation)

Graded assignments will be assigned for modules 1-13. Include a cover sheet with your name and assignment identifier (e.g., Module 2, Problem Set). Also include your name and a page number indicator (i.e., page x of y) on each page of your submissions. You may submit am edited word doc, or a scanned/photographed copy of your homework assignment (provided the work is legible). For each problem, please state any assumptions/context/approach upfront before solving the problem. Make sure to show your work using figures and full sentences!

All assignments are due according to the date given in the assignment

Late submissions will be reduced by one letter grade for each week late (no exceptions without prior coordination with the instructors).

Quantitative assignments are evaluated by the following grading elements:

For each problem in the assignment, full credit will need

1. Each part of question is answered (25%)
2. Problem assumptions/context/approach are clearly stated (25%)
3. Intermediate derivations and calculations are provided (30%)
4. Answer is technically correct and is clearly indicated (20%)

Qualitative assignments are evaluated by the following grading elements:

For each problem in the assignment, full credit will need

1. Each part of question is answered (25%)
2. Writing quality and technical accuracy (50%) (Writing is expected to meet or exceed accepted graduate-level English and scholarship standards. That is, all assignments will be graded on grammar and style as well as content.)
3. Rationale for answer is provided (25%)

The percent of possible credit for each of the 13 assignments will be multiplied by 2.5% of your total grade, as graded problem sets make up 32.5% of the total grade for this course.

Literature Critiques (12% of Final Grade Calculation)

Literature critiques are assigned in modules 1, 3, and 6. Students are to be graded on a literature critique of a peer reviewed article of your choice, related to the assigned topic, where a one-page summary document is to be submitted to the Blackboard forum. Students must demonstrate that they read and synthesized the paper themselves.  Pictures can be used and are encouraged to enrich the summary. Include your name and assignment identifier. You must submit a word doc or pdf.

All assignments are due according to the date given in the assignment

Late submissions will be reduced by one letter grade for each week late (no exceptions without prior coordination with the instructors).

Graded written assignments are evaluated by the following grading elements:

For each problem in the assignment, full credit will need

1. Submit a 500 word summary of their selected peer-reviewed article (50%)
2. Include an executive summary of the paper, discuss relevancy to the course module, and describe 1-big limitation and 1-big bold next step (50%)

The percent of possible credit for each of the 3 assignments will be multiplied by 4% of your total grade, as graded written assignments make up 12% of the total grade for this course.

Midterm Exam (16% of Final Grade Calculation)

The midterm exam will be available during Module 7 (time agreed upon by class) and will cover theoretical concepts, leveraging in-class examples and problem sets. You will have approximately 36 hours to complete the exam. You may use the course text to complete the exams. The exam will not include problems from the lectures/problem sets in module 7.

The exams are evaluated similarly to the graded problem sets and graded written assignments:

1. Each part of question is answered (25%)
2. Problem assumptions/context/approach are clearly stated (25%)
3. Intermediate derivations and calculations are provided (30%)
4. Answer is technically correct and is clearly indicated (20%)

Or

1. Each part of question is answered (25%)
2. Writing quality and technical accuracy (50%) (Writing is expected to meet or exceed accepted graduate-level English and scholarship standards. That is, all assignments will be graded on grammar and style as well as content.)
3. Rationale for answer is provided (25%)

The percent of possible credit for each problem will be added up then multiplied by 16% of your total grade.

Final literature survey and report (17.5% of Final Grade Calculation)

A course project will be assigned two modules into the course. Students will be required to select a topic (to be submitted and approved by instructor) by module 7 on which they would like to write a literature review and survey paper. The second to last module of class will have 3 associated presentation times where students will be required to present this literature review for 5% of their final grade (to be recorded). The remaining 12.5% of the grade will be based on grading the survey paper, and delivering periodic updates/submissions.  A more detailed rubric will be sent out during the course

Students must develop and submit a 3-5 page paper (12pt Times New Roman, single spaced) that reviews current relevant papers in a field of biomechanics research. Citations must be used and follow MLA.

The paper should include:

1. Executive summary/abstract (300 words) (15%)
2. Introduction/motivation (15%)
3. Sections describing key research and findings in the area of research. This section is to be organized as students best see fit, but should represent the majority of the review paper (25%)
4. Sections describing key challenges and gaps in the field (25%)
5. Conclusion (20%)

In addition this final research survey paper, there will be a presentation based on the literature review. The presentation should be 10 minutes long and should contain similar content to the survey paper – an introduction to the topic, an overview of the researchers in that field, a summary of research activities and key findings in the fields, an assessment of key challenges and gaps for future development. 5% of grade will be given based on completing the presentation, as described above.

The percent of possible credit for each portion of the assignment will be added up and multiplied by 17.5% of your total grade

Grading Policy

Assignments are due according to the dates posted in your Blackboard course site. You may check these due dates in the Course Calendar or the Assignments in the corresponding modules. We will post grades no later than 2 modules after assignment due dates.

We generally do not directly grade spelling and grammar. However, egregious violations of the rules of the English language will be noted without comment. Consistently poor performance in either spelling or grammar is taken as an indication of poor written communication ability that may detract from your grade.

A grade of A indicates achievement of consistent excellence and distinction throughout the course—that is, conspicuous excellence in all aspects of assignments and discussion in every module.

A grade of B indicates work that meets all course requirements on a level appropriate for graduate academic work. These criteria apply to both undergraduates and graduate students taking the course.

EP uses a +/- grading system (see “Grading System”, Graduate Programs catalog, p. 10). 

Final grades will be determined by the following weighting:

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/academic-calendar/). Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students.

This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Students with disabilities (including those with psychological conditions, medical conditions and temporary disabilities) can request accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability Services (SDS). Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.

For further information or to start the process of requesting accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at Engineering for Professionals, ep-disability-svcs@jhu.edu.

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically. 

For a full description of the code please visit the following website: https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies-guidelines/student-code/

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity. 
 
If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team [EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu] in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.