MSc in Biomechanics
Introduction
The University of Edinburgh is one of the largest and most distinguished teaching and research institutions in the world. The University is located in Scotland's historic and beautiful capital city which offers a wide range of cultural events and recreational facilities, together with easy access to Scotland's unspoilt wilderness.
Biomechanics is the study of the relationship between forces and function within cells, tissues and organs within living organisms. Practical examples include new understandings of how diseases develop, such as cardiovascular disease and bone disease, and the development of new diagnostic and treatment methods for disease.
Practical implementation relies on the integration of real-world data such as medical imaging data from MRI with computational modelling, and there is a strong emphasis on both these aspects in the programme.
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The scope of Biomechanics in the main scientific journal, the Journal of Biomechanics, is work in which the principles of mechanics are used to explore biological problems. The definition of Biomechanics adopted by the European Society of Biomechanics is ‘the study of forces acting on and generated within a body and of the effects of these forces on the tissues, fluids or materials used for diagnosis, treatment or research purposes’. A briefer definition might be ‘forces to function’. The field of Biomechanics can be considered at several levels; molecular, cellular, organ and organism.
This MSc will provide students with underpinning knowledge in the broad range of fields necessary for the study of Biomechanics, practical skills in the form of computational modelling, training in research methods, and knowledge on Biomechanics of several areas including the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, and tissue engineering. The measurement of forces and function in-vivo in these organ system using image-guided modelling will be covered. The summer projects will be application based using a range of supervisors, both life-science and physics/engineering, allowing each student to apply their knowledge and tools to a specific Biomechanics area. |
Degree Objectives
The MSc/Diploma in Biomechanics is designed to provide both graduates and working professionals with a broad training sufficient to enable them to undertake future research work in Biomechanics. It is also an excellent basis for a career in the biomedical sciences, or to pursue advanced degrees in engineering, medicine or the life sciences.
Students will learn underpinning knowledge such as the theory of fluid and solid mechanics, physiology, diseases, in-vitro and in-vivo measurement methods and medical imaging. They will learn practical skills such as computational modelling of physiological flows and soft/hard tissue dynamics. Training will be provided of Biomechanics in two of the organ systems within the body, the cardiovascular system and the musculoskeletal system. The final semester will provide training in the planning and execution of a research project.
Degree Structure and Assessment
The total duration of the MSc in Biomechanics is 12 months, with a two-semester programme of taught material that will be followed by a research project leading to a Masters thesis. The taught courses in Semester 1 start with underpinning courses in physiology and statistics, along with a practical course in computational fluid dynamics. In Semester 2 there are courses on acquisition of real-world data in-vitro and in-vivo, on solid mechanics and project preparation, and a final course on the Biomechanics of cells, tissues and organs. Teaching will be based at Teviot Place, Kings Buildings, and Little France. Semesters run from September to December and January to March, with exams held in December and April/May. The main work on the project is carried out between May and August (exact semester dates can be found on the main University website), although preparatory work is undertaken in Semester 2.
The programme will have a modular structure with the award of credits for successful completion of each course and the project. A total of 180 credits (120 from taught courses plus 60 for the project) are required at a satisfactory level of achievement for the award of the Master's degree. The courses offered* will comprise:
Degree Structure
Semester 1 (Total 60 credits)
Semester 2 (Total 60 credits)
MSc Research Project (60 credits)
While studying these courses students will also undertake preparatory work for their project. However, the majority of the project work is carried out over the summer, after completion of the taught courses.
*Note that while the above courses are expected to be offered, staff changes or other unpredictable events may result in amendments to this list.
Degree Outcomes - Prospects
Biomechanics is a growing area and there are opportunities in many of the major Universities in the UK and internationally. The MSc/diploma also provides a springboard for careers or further training in related subjects in physics, engineering and the life sciences.
Prerequisites
To enrol for the MSc/Diploma in Biomechanics, you will need a degree in Engineering, Physics, or similar, at a level at least equivalent to a 2:1 Honours classification in the UK. Any appropriate professional experience will also be considered.
Delivery
This degree takes 12 months, full-time, starting in mid-September. The course is delivered by expert staff from the University of Edinburgh and, where appropriate, from other industrial or educational bodies. Staff-student liaison meetings will take place twice a semester, but students will be supported on a regular basis by their Programme Director and their course lecturers.
Application Deadlines
We accept applications throughout the year and will also consider applications from final year Undergratuate students with pending degree exam results. English Language Requirements
MSc students must meet the standards shown below:
IELTS - with an overall score of 6.5 or above, with at least 6.0 in all four sections.
TOEFL - with an overall score of 580 (237 on the Computer Based TOEFL) with a score of at least 55 in each section (21 on CBT), and a score of at least 4.0 in the Test of Written English (or writing section of the CBT).
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