Biomechanics

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.

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.