585.718.81 - Biological Solid & Fluid Mechanics

Course Structure

The course materials are divided into 12 modules which can be accessed by clicking Modules on the menu. A module includes the reading of ppt lecture files, listening to the recordings, reading the recommended sources, and doing an assignment. Three modules include the reading of the distributed journal papers, writing a group report (several pages) and discussion (written comments/questions) of the reports. The last module focuses on the MATLAB project distributed 4 weeks ahead. You are encouraged to preview all sections of the module before starting. Modules run for a period of seven (7) days, exceptions are noted in the Course Outline. You should regularly check the Calendar and Announcements for assignment due dates.

Course Topics

TBD

Course Goals

To apply mathematical models to the analysis of the arterial wall properties under normal and pathological (atherosclerosis, hypertension, etc.,) conditions. To use the models of the blood flow and blood cells in the studies of circulation. To learn the main experimental techniques used in biological solid and fluid mechanics. 

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• Explain the mechanical properties of arteries, including inhomogeneity, nonlinearity, anisotropy, and incompressibility.
• Utilize the constitutive models and experimental data to estimate the mechanical characteristics of arteries.
• Analyze the mechanical properties of arteries in vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and hypertension.
• Apply the model of arterial mechanics to stent design.
• Describe the blood velocities, rheology, and shear stresses in circulation.
• Explain the effects of blood cells on the overall mechanical properties of blood.
• Apply a mathematical model to the interpretation of the micropipette aspiration experiment and estimate the red blood cell mechanical properties under normal and pathological conditions.

Textbooks

Required 

Humphrey J. D. (2002) Cardiovascular Solid Mechanics, Cells, Tissues, and Organs, Springer, New York, ISBN 0-387-95168-7.

Additional (limited pages) 

Humphrey J.D. and Delange S.L. (2004) An Introduction to Biomechanics: Solids and Fluids, Analysis and Design. Springer. New York. ISBN 0-387-40249-7.

Fung Y.C. (1993) Biomechanics. Mechanical Properties of Living Tissues. (2nd Ed.). Springer. New York ISBN 0-387-97947-6.

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. 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

This course will consist of the following basic student requirements: 

Assignments (40% of Final Grade Calculation) 

Assignments will include a mix of qualitative assignments (e.g. literature reviews, model summaries) and quantitative problem sets. Include a cover sheet with your name and assignment identifier. Also include your name and a page number indicator (i.e., page x of y) on each page of your submissions. Each problem should have the problem statement, assumptions, computations, and conclusions/discussion delineated. All Figures and Tables should be captioned and labeled appropriately. 

Late submissions will be reduced by one letter grade for each week late (no exceptions without prior coordination with the instructors). If, after submitting a written assignment you are not satisfied with the grade received, you are encouraged to redo the assignment and resubmit it. If the resubmission results in a better grade, that grade will be substituted for the previous grade. 

Journal Preparation and Discussions Participation (25% of Final Grade Calculation) 

The main subject of the discussion will be original journal papers. Other subjects are the PowerPoint lectures and the recommended books. 

Part one 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; I 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. 

Course Project (35% of Final Grade Calculation) 

A course project will be assigned 4 weeks before the end of the course into the course, and it be due day 3 of the last module. A progress submission is required two weeks before the due date. 

Grading Policy

Assignments are due according to the dates posted in your Canvas course site. You may check these due dates in the Course Calendar or the Assignments in the corresponding modules. I will post grades one week after assignment due dates. 

I 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 week. 

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).

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.