MEC3031 : Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
MEC3031 : Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Göksu Kandemir
- Lecturer: Dr Oana Bretcanu
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
• To introduce basic anatomy and biomechanics concepts relevant to bioengineering
• To provide knowledge and understanding of key bioengineering principles.
• To raise critical awareness of the use of biomechanics and biotribology and provide practical examples of their application.
Outline Of Syllabus
• Introduction to relevant anatomy and biomechanics for mechanical engineers
• Introduction to human gait cycle
• Overview of biotribology and its applications
• Case studies of orthopaedics engineering (such as spinal implants, cervical discs and wrist implants)
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
By the end of this module the students will be able to:
• Understand the mechanical behaviour of natural and replaced joints under various physiological conditions (C1, C2, C3, C6).
• Employ biomechanics and biotribology to understand the functioning of natural and artificial joints (C1, C2, C3, C6)
• Critically evaluate the biomaterials used in orthopaedic engineering (C1, C2, C13)
• Critically analyse the design, performance and safety of orthopaedic implants (C1, C2, C5, C13)
Intended Skill Outcomes
At the end of this module students should be able to proficiently employ a range of engineering skills to applications associated with biomedical engineering.
Key skills will include:
• Apply biomechanical principles to understand the effect of physiological conditions on the functioning of natural and artificial human joints (C1, C2, C3, C6)
• Apply biomechanics and biotribology to evaluate the functioning of natural and artificial joints (C1, C2, C5, C6, C13)
• Critically evaluate the design, performance and safety of orthopaedic implants (C1, C2, C5, C6, C13)
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Lecture material |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | Independent study for quizzes. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Introduction. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:30 | 2:30 | Independent study for exam preparation. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 10 | 5:00 | 50:00 | Review lecture materials. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:30 | 1:30 | Exam completion. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 5:00 | 5:00 | Tutorials |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Drop-in tutorials. |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The students will investigate the functioning of natural and replaced human joints through employing the principles of biomechanics and biotribology. Lectures cover fundamental knowledge and help students to apply what they learnt to specific case studies. Independent study supports the students’ self-study in reading around the lecture material and the associated scientific literature, and learning to solve the practical engineering problems identified during lectures. Assessment preparation and completion will allow students to fully prepare for both their formative and summative assessments. (C1, C2, C3, C5, C6, C13, C18)
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 100 | Multiple-choice question Inspera examination (C1, C2, C3, C5, C6, C13). |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | Weekly quizzes covering material delivered each week (C1, C2, C3, C5, C6, C13, C18) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Assessment will be by a multiple-choice question computer-based examination via Inspera. This will test the students’ knowledge of the contemporary issues in biomedical engineering as well as their ability to undertake appropriate engineering calculations (C1, C2, C3, C5, C6, C13).
Weekly online quizzes are offered to help reinforce material, practice calculation and guide student learning (C1, C2, C3, C5, C6, C13, C18).
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MEC3031's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- MEC3031's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.
Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.