Module Details

Module Code: MECH9010
Title: Mechanics for Medical Devices
Long Title: Mechanics for Medical Device Development
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5211 - Mechanical Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will provide the learner with an understanding of the mechanical requirements of a medical device, including stress loading, failure mechanisms and clinical requirements. The learner will also apply problem solving methodologies to analysis root cause of device failures and be able to determine mechanical design requirements to overcome such challenges.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Assess mechanical and biomechanical requirements of a medical device from a clinical perspective
LO2 Evaluate literature to describe potential mechanisms involved in implant failure and devise strategies to minimise
LO3 Apply an industry standard problem-solving methodology for root cause analysis of a product performance issue or a manufacturing issue
LO4 Calculate and appraise stress loading conditions in the diseased state for a medical device deployment
LO5 Review appropriate failure theories applicable to medical device implant failures
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Mechanics of Medical Device in Clinical Applications
Clinical assessment of loading conditions on medical devices in situ, explanation of theory of stress loading and biomechanics.
Failure Mechanisms
Medial device failure modes overviews and case studies. Theoretical stress loading including failure mechanisms such as crack initiation and propagation. Strategies for minimising risk using mechanical design techniques.
Problem Solving
Problem solving methodologies such as A3, 5 Whys, Kepner Tregoe, Shainin Method and Fishbone diagrams. Case studies on application of these methodologies to manufacturing or product scenarios.
Stress Loading Theory
Calculation of stress loading conditions in disease state and during medical device use.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1,4
Assessment Description
Mechanics calculations
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 3,5
Assessment Description
In-class exam - problem-based learning case study
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End of Semester final exam
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lectures Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent Learning Non Contact Self-directed Learning Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lectures Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent Learning Non Contact Self-directed learning Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Marnie M. Saunders. (2015), Mechanical Testing for the Biomedical Engineer: A Practical Guide, [ISBN: 9781627055130].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • R. E. Smallman,R J Bisho. (1999), Modern Physical Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Elsevier, p.448, [ISBN: 9780080511993].
  • Barry J. Goodno, James M. Gere. (2021), Mechanics of Materials, Cengage Learning, p.1184, [ISBN: 9780357377857].
  • Roy R. Craig, Jr., Eric M. Taleff. (2021), Mechanics of Materials, Wiley, [ISBN: 9781119676294].
  • Jack Wilbur. Critical Thinking & Problem Solving, [ISBN: 9798376489048].
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
  • A.P. Monk, D.J. Simpson, Nicholas D. Riley, D.W. Murray, H.S. Gill. (2013), Biomechanics in orthopaedics: considerations of the lower limb, Surgery (Oxford), 31, p.445, [ISSN: 0263-9319].
  • Francesca Berti, Alma Brambilla, Roberto Porcellato, Luca Patriarca, Lorenza Petrini. (2022), Nickel-Titanium peripheral stents: can fracture mechanics shed light on their fatigue failure?, Procedia Structural Integrity, 42, p.722, [ISSN: 2452-3216].
  • A.K. Verma, A. Srividya, A. V. Mannikar, V. A. Pankhawala and K. J. Rathanraj. (2004), Shainin method: edge over other DOE techniques, 2004 IEEE International Engineering Management Conference (IEEE Cat. No.04CH37574), 3, p.1110,
    https://ieeexplore-ieee-org.mtu.idm.oclc .org/document/1408864
  • Ghosh M. (2012), A3 Process: A Pragmatic Problem-Solving Technique for Process Improvement in Health Care, Journal of Health Management, 14.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EMEDD_9 Master of Science in Medical Device Development 2 Mandatory
CR_EMEDE_9 Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Medical Device Development 2 Mandatory