Biomechanics
Graduate Advisor: Kreg G. Gruben
Synopsis: Biomechanics is the application of mechanics to biological systems. Within
the broad field of biomechanics, specific areas of study at UW-Madison include:
tissue mechanics, human performance, rehabilitation, and limb dynamics. The program
equips students to apply the tools of engineering analysis to biological systems
from the cellular to the whole body level, with career objectives in academia, health
care, and sports science. Elective course work within the program allows students
to pursue individual interests such as physiological adaptations to mechanical stimuli,
or computer modeling. Students generally have the opportunity to teach during their
training.
Purpose of MS: The MS degree is designed to provide the necessary foundation for
participation in biomechanical research. Course work in biomechanics, statistics,
research methods, and motor control form the basis of the formal training, with
students also expected to complete a research project summarized in a thesis. Graduates
of the program generally pursue further graduate training toward a Ph.D. or careers
in industrial or biomedical research.
Purpose of Ph.D.: The Ph.D. degree is designed to prepare students for independent research
and teaching. Formal training includes course work in some of the following areas:
math, statistics, physiology, mechanics, biomechanics, and motor control. The wide
range of biology and mechanics courses offered at the UW-Madison allows the student
to tailor a curriculum which fits their individual interests. Students conduct independent
research throughout their training which will be summarized in their dissertation.
Presentations are also expected to be made at national scientific meetings and in
peer-reviewed journals. Graduates generally pursue post-doctoral training and go
on to establish independent research programs in an academic or industrial setting.
Laboratory Facilities and Experimental Approaches: Faculty and students in biomechanics
employ a variety of approaches directed toward two primary areas of interest: mechanical
behavior of normal and healing connective tissues, and intersegmental kinetics during
constrained motions. Secondary interests include mechanical assessment of persons
with neurological diagnoses, with a goal of evaluating the efficacy of clinical
interventions.
The biomechanics laboratories include: a high speed video camera, 200 Hz video recorder,
a two dimensional motion analysis system, Kistler and AMTI force plates, Optotrak
three dimensional motion analysis system, EMG amplifiers, and a unique system for
the evaluation of cycling biomechanics. The primary laboratory (>450 m2) houses
equipment for assessing human movement and the secondary laboratory is used for
dissection and preparation of tissues.
Prerequisites for admission to Biomechanics MS and Ph.D. programs
Course requirements for MS and Ph.D. in Biomechanics track