Biofluid Mechanics, 7.5 Credits

Contents

This course is about fluid mechanics principles and how they can be applied to study the different biofluid systems of the human body.
The course covers various analytical and numerical methods commonly applied in both clinical practice and medical research for understanding and evaluating different physiological functions related to these biofluid systems. The course includes the biofluid mechanics of systems such as the brain, heart,
as well as the micro- and macro-circulation.

The course includes two modules:

• Module 1, theoretical work, 5 ECTS
• Module 2, laboration, 2,5 ECTS

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding: 

The student must be able to:

* Demonstrate knowledge of the role of biofluid mechanics in health care and medicine
* Define and describe relevant fluid mechanics principles such as the conservation laws, Bernoulli's equation and the Hagen-Poiseuille equation, including the    main assumptions that need to be fulfilled
* Discuss and describe in detail how to apply these fluid mechanics principles to different biofluid systems and when and where different fluid mechanics principles are used in clinical practice
* Account for the fluid systems of the human body and their relevant fluid mechanics quantities (e.g. intracranial pressure, blood flow and arterial wall shear stress) and typical measurements related to these systems

Skills and abilities: 

The student must be able to:

* Independently and with methodological accuracy apply classical mechanics principles to solve fluid flow problems in the field of medicine.
* Independently perform laboratory measurements of flows and pressures related to physiological systems, and to critically compare the results to theoretical predictions 
* Independently apply and interpret numerical fluid dynamic simulations based on imaging, flow and pressure data acquired in vivo (all the way from data processing and analysis)

Judgement and approach: 

The student must be able to:

* Critically reflect on and discuss the role of biofluid mechanics in health care and medical research
* Critically evaluate and reason about the possibilities and limitations of analytical and numerical methods in relation to the flow mechanics of the human body.
 

Required Knowledge

At least 90 ECTS credits including Classical Mechanics (9 credits) and Mathematics of Physical Models (10.5 credits) or equivalent. Proficiency in English to meet the general entry requirements for higher studies in Sweden.

Form of instruction

The education is campusbased and is in the form lectures, supervised laboratory work, seminars and demonstrations. Attendance is mandatory for the laboratory work. Teaching can take place in English.
 

Examination modes

Module 1: Theoretical work, 5 credits.
The module is examined individually with a written exam. Optional prelims are conducted on six occasions and can provide bonus points for the written exam (up to 10% of the exam's maximum score). The grading scale consists of Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with Distinction (VG). 50% of the exam's maximum score is required for a passing grade (G), and 80% is required to Pass with Distinction (VG).

Module 2: Laboration, 2.5 credits.
The module is individuelly examined through written laboratory reports. The grading scale consists of Fail (U) or Pass (G).

On the course as a whole, the potential grades are Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with distinction (VG). The grade is based on the grade received for module 1 and will not be given until all obligatory modules have been approved.

A student who has received a passing result on an exam may not take a new exam.

The examiner can decide on deviations from the examination form of the syllabus. Individual adaptation of the form of examination must be considered based on the student's needs. The form of the examination is adapted within the framework of the curriculum's expected study results. A student who needs an adapted examination, and who has received a decision on the right to support from the coordinator for students with disabilities at the Student Centre, must request adaptation from the institution responsible for the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on an adapted examination, which is then notified to the student.
 

Other regulations

In the event that the course is cancelled or major changes are introduced, the students are assured at least three occasions of examination (including regular examination), as prescribed in the syllabus to the course that the student originally registered in, over a period of a maximum of two years from the previous syllabus expiration date.