Overall objectives:

1 - Master basic principles of mechanics applied to the structure of the cell.
2 - Know the "state of the art" of cellular mechanics.
3 - Master the basic principles and "state of the art" of mechanics applied to biological tissues.
4 - Master the basic principles and "state of the art" of muscle mechanics.
5 - Master the basic principles and "state of the art" of Mechanics applied to the human blood circulatory system.
6 - Master basic principles and "state of the art" mechanics applied to the human respiratory system.
7 - Master the basic principles and "state of the art" of mechanics in human hearing.
8 - Master the basic principles and "state of the art" of mechanics in the human kidney.
9 - Master basic principles and "state of the art" mechanics of the human lymphatic system.
10 - Encourage the creation and exploration of physical models.
11 - To develop skills that will enable them to design new experiments in the field of mechanics in biomedical systems.

Syllabus:

1 - Cell Mechanics.
1.1 - Cell Rheology.
1.2 - Cell movement.
2 - Mechanics of biological tissues.
2.1 - Elasticity.
2.2 - Viscoelasticity.
3 - Muscle Mechanics.
3.1 - Muscle contraction.
3.2 - Dynamics of the human body.
3.3 - Artificial muscles.
3.4 - Exoskeleton.
4 - Mechanics of the human circulatory system.
4.1 - Contraction of the human heart muscle.
4.2 - Blood hydrodynamics.
4.3 - Blood perfusion.
5 - Mechanics of human breathing.
5.1 - Pressure, flux, synchronization and air volume in the lungs.
5.2 - Breathing aerodynamics.
5.3 - Assisted breathing.
6 - Mechanics of human hearing.
6.1 - Sound capture, amplification and transduction.
6.2 - Balance and the inner ear.
7 - Renal Mechanics.
7.1 - Pressure, filtration and self-regulation in the kidneys.
7.2 - Dialysis.
8 - Mechanics of the lymphatic system.
8.1 - Pressure and circulation of lymph in the spleen and the lymphatic ganglia.

Literature/Sources:

Donald R Peterson, Joseph D Bronzino , 2014 , Biomechanics: Principles and Practices , CRC Press
Pavel Kraikivski , 2013 , Trends in Biophysics, From Cell Dynamics Toward Multicellular Growth Phenomena , CRC Press
C T Mierke , 2020 , Cellular Mechanics and Biophysics: Structure and Function of Basic Cellular Components Regulating Cell Mechanics , Springer International Publishing
Socrates Dokos , 2017 , Modelling organs, tissues, cells and devices: using Matlab and Comsol multiphysics , Springer
J P Arroyo, A J Schweickert , 2013 , Back to Basics in Physiology: Fluids in the Renal and Cardiovascular Systems , Academic Press
V Kulish , 2006 , Human Respiration : Anatomy and Physiology, Mathematical Modeling, Numerical Simulation and Applications , WIT Press
Aage R Moller , 2006 , Hearing: Anatomy, Physiology, and Disorders of the Auditory System , Academic Press
Peter Damaske , 2008 , Acoustics and Hearing , Springer
Joseph Feher , 2017 , Quantitative Human Physiology , Elsevier

Assesssment methods and criteria:

Classification Type: Quantitativa (0-20)

Evaluation Methodology:
The methodology employed in theoretical classes is expositive. The topics are presented on the board or resorting to image and/or video projection. Sometimes, relevant experiments are displayed in the classroom to illustrate the concepts. A strong emphasis is placed in the connection between mathematical models and the real world. The theoretical-practical classes consist mainly of problem solving in order to solidify the theoretical concepts covered. Evaluation Model: B. Evaluation Methodology: T component: 2 written quizzes solved in a computer without aid materials, and with calculator or excel. In the appeal period the 2 quizzes can be improved. TP component: 1 numerical modeling assignment.