"I have found that students all learn differently, and that it helps to approach new concepts from several different viewpoints such as verbal and visual, mathematical and physical, theoretical and practical. Just hearing the same idea presented by a different person can make new ideas more accessible. So if you are struggling with a concept, try looking at it a different way or using different media. If you have a classmate who is struggling, don't be afraid to offer your perspective. It will probably give you both a deeper insight.

The concepts in biomechanics are deep and rarely simple. The Big BENG team has done an amazing job of identifying some of the most challenging key concepts in biomechanics and presenting it in a concise, clear and engaging manner. I hope you will find the Big BENG videos helpful and that you will use your own time and constructive feedback to help the Big BENG continue to grow and improve. This project is a true partnership that will continue to flourish by promoting diversity and inclusion."

by Prof. Andrew McCulloch

"Consider the following. Medical research offers today a large body of evidence that provides statistical correlations between measured quantities and medical outcomes, e.g. heart failure and hypertension. As bioengineering students, you wish to answer the question: WHY does a rise in the arterial blood pressure cause the heart to fail?

There is obviously no simple linear relationship, otherwise you have to stop exercise which is good for your heart.

To answer the question “why” there is a correlation, one needs to analyze the forces involved using biophysical and biomechanical analysis. In this class we learn the foundations of biomechanics (there are just a few) and use them to analyze problems. It will empower you to design new approaches to unsolved problems. Biomechanical analysis is applied today to a wide range of problems that involve forces among molecules, in cells, whole tissues and entire organ systems. There is no limit in sight for new opportunities to approach medical problems. By the time you practice this a few times you will become good at it.

Biomechanics has served as the basis for design of the first artificial vital organ that is implantable and FDA-approved! Would you know which one?"

by Prof. Geert Schmid-Schonbein