Biomechanics Graduate Track

Biomechanics is a broad field directed at applying the principles of engineering mechanics, across multiple length scales, to the study of biology and medicine. Topics in biomechanics range from understanding the role of stress in cytoskeleton dynamics as related to cell growth, migration, and adhesion to establishing patient-specific modeling techniques to predict in vivo biomechanical loading environments. The University of Utah has faculty conducting biomechanics research in areas such as: molecular biomechanics, cellular biophysics, cell mechanotransduction, computational biomechanics, hemodynamics, mechanobiology, medical device design, soft tissue mechanics (arteries, cartilage, ligaments), ocular biomechanics, orthopedic biomechanics, cardiovascular biomechanics, tissue engineering, and traumatic brain injury. Given the broad range of biomechanics research at the University of Utah, with faculty spanning numerous departments there exist ample collaborative opportunities and interdisciplinary projects with faculty in the John and Marcia Price College of Engineering, College of Science, Huntsman Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, and the Scientific Computing and Imaging (SCI) Institute. The Biomechanics track aims to provide students with a strong quantitative foundation in engineering mechanics, physiology, and medicine that will serve them equally well for careers in both academia or industry.

M.S. students within the Biomechanics track must successfully complete the Biomechanics Track Core Courses and at least one additional course from the list of Biomechanics Track Elective Courses (shown in the handbook). Please note that some of the courses are offered every other year and plan accordingly.

The purpose of the Ph.D. Qualifying Exam is to ensure students are competent in the theoretical and conceptual fundamentals of biomechanics before undertaking intensive research in their selected field of study. Ph.D. Students in the Biomechanics track are expected to be proficient in the following topics: index and direct notation, finite deformation kinematics, concepts of stress and strain, linear elasticity, material behavior of biological materials, hyperelasticity, mixture theory, and fluid mechanics. These topics are covered in Biomechanics I and II courses, so much of the Qualifying Exam material will come from these courses. Additional information on the Ph.D. Qualifying Exam can be obtained by contacting the track advisor. Students should take Ph.D. Qualifying Exam following completion of the second year of study.

The Program of Study is a list created by the student and the supervisory committee of all courses to be completed by the student as part of the requirements for the Ph.D. The Program of Study requires formal approval by the student’s advisor, Dissertation Supervisory Committee, and Director of Graduate Studies.  In addition to the biomedical engineering graduate core curriculum, the Program of Study for students in the Biomechanics track includes the Biomechanics Core Courses and Elective Courses that support the student’s area of research.

For more detailed information, please review the BME Graduate Resources page and select the Graduate Handbook that correlates to the year you started your program.

Questions regarding the Biomechanics Track should be directed to Professor Jeff Weiss.