Biomechanics
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
Aim of this course is to introduce the study of the animals seen as "machines" and to provide knowledge on both general principles of animal biomechanics and specific topics, with particular reference to: constructional morphology and biomechanical principles of the integrated organism; properties of biological materials and their structural and functional employment; problems of support and movement; aspect of animal biodiversity related to locomotion modalities in different environments.
Expected learning outcomes
The main expected learning outcomes will be the development of a) cultural competences related to comparative anatomy and physiology, not provided by other courses but specifically refered to biomechanical aspects; b) interdisciplinary methodological competences related to the integrated biomechanical approach; c) capabilities in exploiting biomechanical competences in different applied fields.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
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 teaching 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.
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.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of zoology, cytology and histology are warmly recommended.
Teaching methods
Teaching modalities are based on frontal lectures supported by Power Point presentations originally produced by the teacher and integrated by frequent appropriate projection of video directly from the web. Students are invited to actively participate with informal questions and/or comments related to the treated topics in order to acquire critical capacities. Frequency is highly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Specific chapters from the following books are recommended as main reference materials:
Barnes RSK, Calow P, Olive PJW, Invertebrati: una nuova sintesi, Zanichelli, 1994
Vogel S, Comparative biomechanics, Princeton Univ. Press, 2003
MCNeil Alexander R, Principles of animal locomotion, Princeton Univ. Press, 2003
Other textbooks and articles to be consulted for the exam preparation will be indicated directly during the lectures.
Slides and Presentations employed by the teacher and suitably updated every year are totally provided to the students on ARIEL site (https://ariel.unimi.it/).
Barnes RSK, Calow P, Olive PJW, Invertebrati: una nuova sintesi, Zanichelli, 1994
Vogel S, Comparative biomechanics, Princeton Univ. Press, 2003
MCNeil Alexander R, Principles of animal locomotion, Princeton Univ. Press, 2003
Other textbooks and articles to be consulted for the exam preparation will be indicated directly during the lectures.
Slides and Presentations employed by the teacher and suitably updated every year are totally provided to the students on ARIEL site (https://ariel.unimi.it/).
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral examination is the only modality. During the colloquium the student is required to briefly present and discuss a topic selected by himself followed by some questions proposed by the teacher on other topics. Both examination parts weigh 50% on the final evaluation. The student skills are evaluated in terms of critical and analytical capacities, overall good knowledge, cross-connections between the different topics, discussion capabilities and presentation clarity also related to the quality of the seminar (optional) proposed to the students at the end of the teaching.
BIO/05 - ZOOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Candia Maria Daniela
Shifts:
-
Professor:
Candia Maria Daniela