Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - MSE 420 D100

Introduction to Biomechanical Engineering (3)

Class Number: 4378

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Surrey

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

    MSE 220 (or ENSC 231), MSE 222 (or ENSC 282) and a minimum of 80 credits.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Students apply mechanical theory to the study of biological systems and the human body, focusing on advanced mechanical theory, impact analysis and optimization methods with specific application to the study of human movement and injury. Medical device design, assessment, patenting and government regulation (FDA/Health Canada) are discussed.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is an introduction to biomechanical engineering for upper-level engineering students. The course material will provide opportunities to apply mechanical theory to the study of biological systems and the human body. Course material will focus on developing advanced topics in mechanical theory such as: Beam on Elastic Foundation, Composite Beam Theory, Impact Analysis and Optimization methods with specific application to the study of human movement and injury. Medical device design, assessment, patenting and government regulation (FDA/Health Canada) will be discussed. The course is ideal for those interested in biological applications in engineering, including those wishing to further develop technical skills in mechanical engineering, and those interested in addressing contemporary engineering design and analysis problems of societal relevance.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of the course students should be able to identify and solve many engineering problems related to biological and medical applications.

The objectives of this course are:
1) to provide students with fundamental technical skills with advanced mechanical theories, and familiarity with anatomical terminology
2) to provide advanced understanding of problem-solving concepts and approaches for biomechanics problems.

Technical Skills:

  • Use proper terminology to discuss biological problems.
  • Identify joints, major muscle groups and their mechanical functioning.
  • Analyze static and dynamic motion problems.
  • Optimize indeterminate muscle systems to predict muscle activation and joint loading.
  • Be familiar with and apply advanced mechanical theories such as composite beam theory, beam on elastic foundation and hertz contact theory.
  • Identify and use nonlinear, and viscoelastic materials and understand the role of material characteristics in joint behaviour and impact response.
  • Know injury criteria and understand the challenges of relating mechanical loading to tissue damage.

Advanced Skills:

  • Identify and apply the correct solution methods for biological problems.
  • Understand the strengths and weaknesses of different analysis tools and be able to select the appropriate tools for a given problem.
  • Define an engineering problem based on a biomechanics need.
  • Understand the scope and requirements of the medical device design process.

Grading

  • Assignments 20%
  • Midterm 1 20%
  • Midterm 2 20%
  • Group Project 40%

NOTES:

Assignments: 
Assignments will include interactive class activities and problem sets.

Midterms:
Midterms are in-person during sceduled class time - dates are subject to approval of the MSE semester courseload review.


Project:
The project for this course will focus on a current topic in biomechanics and injury. Undergrad projects are expected to do a design project in response to an identified injury risk related to the selected topic. Your project team should include 4-5 students.

Exam & Invigilation

Examinations will be run in-person. In order for you to be eligible to write the exams, you will be required to sign the Honour Code Agreement that affirms your willingness to abide with the Student Academic Integrity PolicyLinks to an external site. (S10.01) of the University.

Grading Scale: This course follows the standard MSE grading scale.

90-100

A+

85-90

A

80-85

A-

76-80

B+

73-76

B

70-73

B-

65-70

C+

60-65

C

55-60

C-

50-55

D

0-50

F

Course Schedule:

Weeks

Topic

1

Introduction to Human Anatomy

2 - 4

Analysis of Motion

5 - 7

Impact Analysis and Injury

8 - 10

Joint implants

11 - 12

Patents, Regulatory Issues and Legal Responsibilities

13

Project presentations

 

REQUIREMENTS:

This course is a fourth year engineering elective course and graduate course. It is expected that you will keep up with the recommended readings, pace your laboratory work and actively participate in class. We will move quickly through a range of different concepts. If something is unclear it is your responsibility to follow up with the instructor or TA and ask questions.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

There is a recommended reference textbook but it is not required and is available in the library.

Course materials will be provided through the course canvas page. 

 

RECOMMENDED READING:

Title:                     Orthopaedic Biomechanics – Mechanics & Design in Musculoskeletal Systems               

Authors:              Donald L. Bartel, Dwight T. Davy, and Tony M. Keaveny                             

Publisher:           Pearson                                                              

Year:                     2006
ISBN: 9780130089090

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.