Fall 2026 - MSE 720 G100

Introduction to Biomechanical Engineering (3)

Class Number: 4402

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

Instructor:
Carolyn Sparrey
csparrey@sfu.ca
1 778 782-8938

Overview of biomechanical engineering. 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). Students are required to complete a project.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is an introduction to biomechanical engineering for graduate-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.
Learn hands-on experimental and computer simulation methods in injury biomechanics and apply the methods to a defined injury problem.

Grading

Midterm 1 15%
Midterm 2 15%
Individual Project 70%

NOTES:

Project:

The project for this course will focus on a current issue in injury biomechanics with a goal to complete a short communication, technical note, or conference paper that is suitable for publication by the end of the term.

The project will include hand-on experiments or computational research. Graduate projects will be in pairs or small groups. Your project should address a question that interests you in the field of biomechanics and must include technical analysis using one or more of the theories or methods learned in class. All projects must include a written manuscript and a final in class presentation. Students will meet with the instructor during the second week of class to discuss projects.

Note:

Projects will have deliverables throughout the term to stage project progress.
Examinations are in-person during class time.

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 graduate course. It is expected that you will keep up with the recommended readings, pace your research project 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 and ask questions.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

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:

SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU

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.

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Course Outlines