The Specialisation Biomechanical Engineering focuses on the following medical technology topics: Surgical Technologies (endoprostheses, implants and surgical tools), Rehabilitation Engineering and Soft Tissue Biomechanics.

Why study Biomechanical Engineering?

Medical technology has a long tradition in Switzerland, which reflects the large number of companies and innovations created in the medtech sector.

The Specialisation Biomechanical Engineering (BME) covers a variety of research and application areas in medical technology. Theoretical basics are taught as well as concrete examples from practice. The knowledge gained from the course should enable you to develop new technologies that will improve the health and quality of life of society in the future.

How is the specialisation structured?

The Specialisation Biomechanical Engineering takes place in the 5th and 6th semester of the Bachelor's programme.

Autumn term:

• 4 lessons per week lecture
• Of which 8 lessons per semester laboratory and workshop
• 14 lessons per semester self-study numerical methods project

Spring term:

• 4 lessons per week lecture
• Of which 8 lessons per semester laboratory and workshop
• 14 lessons per semester self-study numerical methods project

Who can enrol for the specialisation?

• Bachelor MT ZHAW
• Bachelor ST ZHAW
• Bachelor ET ZHAW
• Master MSE ME ZHAW
• Master Physiotherapy ZHAW
• Interested listeners

What study contents do you expect?

Autumn term:

Functional anatomy / pathology and prostheses / implants

• In-depth knowledge of the human musculoskeletal system and corresponding implants and prostheses, focus on shoulder, hip and knee
• Introduction to the mechanics and mechanical characterisation of soft biological tissues and biomedical materials
• Promote clinical understanding of a surgical planning, develop a surgical technique regarding minimal invasive procedures

Mathematical models

• Modelling of the musculoskeletal system, in particular calculation of acting muscle and joint forces at the shoulder, hip and knee
• Mechanical principles of hyperelasticity for modelling soft tissues and biomedical materials

Biocompatible materials

• Overview of the spectrum of common biocompatible materials in medical technology and their mechanical characterisation
• Tribological behaviour of materials (abrasion & wear, coefficients of friction of joint pairings)

Metrology

• Introduction to measurement techniques in biomechanics (movement analysis, electroactivity measurements in muscle EMG)
• Development of measuring equipment in the context of performance diagnostics of therapy forms

Spring term

Functional anatomy / pathology and prostheses / implants

• In-depth knowledge of the human musculoskeletal system including muscles, tendons and ligaments as well as the central nervous system
• Prostheses and implants for hand & foot joints, for the spine as well as for dental applications
• Biological aspects of biomechanics: Soft tissue engineering, concepts of bioreactors
• Pathological aspects of musculoskeletal injuries, fracture theory

Ergonomics & Rehabilitation Technology

• Robotic-assistive rehabilitation technologies in the context of neurodegenerative diseases
• Ergonomic aspects of biomechanics with consideration of anthropometric conditions in product development
• Testing and evaluation of exoskeletons and therapy

Mathematical models

• Modelling of the musculoskeletal system, in particular calculation of acting muscle and joint forces on the spine
• Development of an osteosynthesis product using FE simulations (numerical methodology)
• Introduction to the mechanical modelling of anisotropic hyperelastic materials and performance of simulations using FE

Experimental biomechanics

• Study design incl. statistical analysis of clinical data & patient outcomes
• Introduction to material and structural testing of soft biological tissues and biomedical structures

Medical devices

• Product development in medical technology according to ISO 13485 for implants & prostheses as well as for robotic-assistive devices for neuro-rehabilitation
• Processes in the context of certification of medical devices (risk analysis, regulatory affairs, innovation process)
• Patents in the field of medical technology

What competences do you acquire in the in-depth course?

• You will learn to combine knowledge from engineering, medicine and natural sciences to develop technical solutions for the medicine of the future
• You will acquire scientific methodological competence to evaluate existing technical solutions
• You will learn to develop and apply diverse measurement techniques and measurement systems in biomechanics
• You will learn to design and dimension implants through analytical and computer-aided modelling
• You will learn appropriate procedures for the development of biomechanical boundary conditions for the design of medical devices
• You will learn to apply the necessary processes within the framework of the certification of medical devices (risk analysis, regulatory affairs, innovation process)

What qualifications can you write in Biomechanical Engineering?

You can complete the following work with us:

• Project work (HS)
• Bachelor thesis (FS)
• Advanced work of the MSE
• Master's thesis of the MSE (HS, FS)

The topics originate from current or future research and industrial projects and are therefore linked to relevant areas of medical technology.

Where can you find further information?

For further information on the course content, please refer to the module descriptions BME-I and BME-II.

If you have any questions, please contact the course responsible: Dr. Michaela Nusser michaela.nusser@zhaw.ch.