This course explores the physical principles behind movement, structure, and function in living organisms. From the flight of birds to the propulsion of fish and the mechanics of bones and muscles, you'll learn how biology and physics come together to shape the natural world.
Rooted in comparative biomechanics, we will analyze how animals navigate land, water, and air — and how these insights inspire innovations in bio-inspired robotics, design, and engineering.
Core mechanical principles of biological motion
Structure-function relationships in animals and plants
Force, stress, strain, and material properties of biological tissues
Locomotion across media: walking, flying, swimming
Scaling laws and evolutionary adaptations
Applications in prosthetics, robotics, and biomimetic design
"Biomechanics bridges the elegance of biology with the logic of physics."