Biomechanics

A.Y. 2018/2019
6
Max ECTS
48
Overall hours
SSD
BIO/05
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
In terms of specific descriptors, objectives of this course are to provide: a) Knowledge related to constructional morphology and biomechanical principles of the integrated organism; properties of biological material and their structural and functional roles; problems of animal biomechanics, with particular reference to support and movement; b) Cultural competences related to comparative anatomy and physiology; c) Methodological competences related to the interdisciplinary biomechanical approach.
Expected learning outcomes
Undefined
Single course

This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Course syllabus
The Course is focussed on problems of biomechanics in organisms, with particular reference to the aspects of support and movement. The following topics will be treated in detail:
- Animal biomechanics: Problems of constructional morphology in animals; complexity and integration of systems; Sizes and proportions in organisms; Bauplan: form, function and evolution of mechanical adaptations.
- Biomechanics of the musculo-skeletal system: support and skeletal systems;functions and problems of the skeleton; mechanical properties of structures and biological materials (rigid and pliant); types of skeletons (exoskeleton, endoskeleton, hydroskeleton); diversity and adaptations; importance, role and properties of the connective tissues; integrated analysis of representative models. Mechanical basis of movement; the movement of cilia and flagella; muscular movement; mechanical levers; different types of specialized muscles and correlation with the types of skeletons and movements.
- Versatility of animal locomotion: locomotion mechanisms in the different environments; locomotion dependent on substratum and independent of substratum; creeping, crawling, burrowing, walking, swimming, flying.
The lectures will be integrated by specialized seminars proposed by the students and critical reading and/or discussion of related scientific articles.


Textbooks
Textbooks and articles to be consulted for the exam preparation will be indicated during the lectures.
All the slides of the lectures are available on the site ARIEL.


Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of zoology, cytology and histology.


Exam modalities: Oral exam. The colloquium deals with the topics addressed during the course. The final evaluation takes also into account the evaluation of the seminar (optional) presented by the student.


Propaedeutics
Animal biology and systematics; Cytology and histology.


Teaching methods
Traditional methods. Frontal lectures supported by Power Point presentations.
Frequency: highly recommended.


Language
Italian


Informations
All information and materials (slides) are available on the site ARIEL


WEB page
http://dcandiabsa.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v3/home/Default.aspx
BIO/05 - ZOOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor: Candia Maria Daniela