3 Credit Hours

This course introduces the mechanics of the cardiovascular system, spanning electrophysiology, tissue mechanics, and hemodynamics. Students will learn the engineering principles and biomechanics that govern human circulation, with applications to both health and disease. Topics are explored through computational techniques, mathematical modeling, and continuum mechanics, drawing from both solid and fluid mechanics. The course also highlights modern data-driven and AI approaches for advanced modeling and simulation of the cardiovascular system, leveraging various clinical data modalities.

Students will complete select online DataCamp modules and earn certificates in applying machine learning to healthcare biomechanics as part of their coursework. As a cornerstone in biomechanical engineering, this course provides tools that extend beyond cardiovascular biomechanics to broader problems in the field.

Prerequisites

Graduate and senior undergraduate students with prior knowledge of mechanics and programming.

Course Objectives

The students will learn how to solve, analyze, and interpret the mechanics of cardiovascular system. The students will learn about state of the art mathematical, computational, and AI tools in modeling cardiovascular mechanics. Students will perform literature reviews and learn how to evaluate information in the literature and present papers. Students will perform journal club presentations and learn how to effectively communicate theories and results in cardiovascular mechanics. Students are exposed to contemporary technical, economic and society related issues associated with cardiovascular mechanics and medical devices.

Course Requirements

Journal clubs	15%
Homework	25%
Midterm	30%
Final project	30%
Total	100%

Textbooks

Y. C. Fung. Biomechanics: Circulation. Springer — Caro, Pedley. The Mechanics of the Circulation.

Cambridge University Press — Zamir. The Physics of Pulsatile Flow. Springer.

Created: 10/24/2025