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UIC
Bioengineering - Biomechanics |
 This
specialization focuses on the biomechanical structure and
function of human musculoskeletal system theoretical and
experimental studies of the human joints for example, can
be invaluable communication, computer access, environmental
control, home modification, seating and wheeled mobility
and worksite modifications.
The Department of Bioengineering at UIC offers graduate
programs at the Master's and Ph.D. level with specialization
in the area of Biomechanics. The term "biomechanics," as
defined by the American Society of Biomechanics, means the
study of structure and function of biological systems via
methods of mechanics. The primary focus of the biomechanics
program at UIC is placed on the human musculo-skeletal system.
Advances in orthopedics, rehabilitation medicine, ergonomics
and athletic performance have placed demands for greater
sophistication in our understanding of the mechanics of
the human musculo-skeletal system. Work in this field involves
clinicians, physiologists and engineers. Specific areas
of investigation that are pursued currently at UIC are mechanics
of human joints, analysis of artificial joints, ergonomics
and spine biomechanics.
Mechanics of human joints involve the study of both their
motion and forces generated during dynamic activity. Human
locomotion studies through gait analyses address the causes
and treatment of walking disabilities due to arthritis,
neuromuscular diseases and design-related problems associated
with artificial joints. Internal forces at the joints are
predicted by in-vivo measurements, in-vitro measurements
in cadavers, or mathematical models. These studies of human
joints are invaluable in addressing a number of clinical
problems associated with loss of muscle function and also
in the area of artifical joint design.
Osteoarthritis is associated with a degradation of the cartilage.
The cause of the degradation of the articular cartilage
is not well understood at this time. However, increase load
and bone changes have been associated with the disease progression.
 Current
research examines the relationship between disease progression
and the applied mechanical loads and biochemical changes
in living cells within the cartilage.
When diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
or septic arthritis destroy the articular surfaces of human
joints, it may become necessary to replace these joints
to restore adequate pain-free function. Ongoing research
addresses the design of articular surfaces that closely
simulate the function of the natural joint involved. The
selection of materials to manufacture such an artificial
joint that must withstand high loads is also being studied.
The spine is one of the most complex and least understood
of all skeletal structures. Many people suffer from various
forms of back pain with little or no hope of long-term relief.
Mathematical and in-vitro models of the spine are being
used to determine the relationship between mechanical loading,
injury and back disorders. Dynamic loads at the lower back
while lifting loads are being studied by determining the
mechanical forces that act on the spine. This information
wil be applied to the analysis of various work environments
as well as the evaluation of patients with low back pain.
In addition to core UIC bioengineering faculty, adjunct
bioengineering faculty with primary appointments at Rush-Presbyterian-St.
Luke's Medical Center, Chicago and the VA Medical Center
at Hines, IL have wide experience in research and teaching
expertise in the field of biomechanics. These faculty span
a wide range of biomechanic specialties including human
locomotion, modeling of human joints including spine, biomechanic
instrumentation, implant biomaterials and ergonomics. |
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Basic Requirements for M.S. (10
Semester Hours)
BioE 595 - Seminar in Bioengineering (2 hrs)
BioE 598 - M.S. Thesis (8 hrs)
Basic Requirements
for Ph.D. (82 Semester Hours)
BioE 595 - Seminar in Bioengineering (2 hrs)
BioE 599 - Ph.D. Thesis (44 hrs)
PhyB 401, 402 - Human Physiology I & II (10 hrs)
Electives (consent from thesis advisor is required) - (26
Hours)
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Recommended
Courses:
BioE 415 - Biomechanics (4 hrs)
BioE 460 - Materials in Bioengineering (4 hrs)
BioE 494a - Biostatistics (4 hrs)
BioE 494b - Bioinstrumentation & Measurements in Biomechanics
(3 hrs)
BioE 494c - Bioinstrumentation & Measurements in Biomechanics
Laboratory (1 hr)
BioE 494d - Mechanics of Human Motion (4 hrs)
BioE 515 - Mechanics of Human Spine (4 hrs)
BioE 590 - Insternship in Bioengineering (1-4 hrs)
BioE 594a - Computational Methods in Biomechanics (4 hrs)
BioE 594b - Implant Design (4 hrs) |
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