Orthopaedics, Degeneration and Ageing
| Module title | Orthopaedics, Degeneration and Ageing |
|---|---|
| Module code | ENSM008 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Dong Wang (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 5 |
|---|
Module description
TThis module will introduce you to the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system, the forces and motion of joints in the body, and the basic properties of biological materials such as bone and cartilage. You will then learn about how the mechanical and biological environments of the musculoskeletal system interact, and mechanisms of degeneration and ageing. In addition to the natural materials and structures of the musculoskeletal system, you will also learn about medical devices such as joint replacements, the emerging area of regenerative therapies to treat musculoskeletal conditions, and the methods and international standards used to evaluate medical devices.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of this module is to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the function of the musculoskeletal system, the processes of its degeneration over time, and the impact of ageing on orthopaedic health. The module will also introduce emerging health technologies and innovations, focusing on their application in the prevention and treatment of orthopaedic-related injuries and diseases.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Apply knowledge of engineering principles to the solution of complex problems (M1)
- 2. Analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions (M2)
- 3. Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems (M4)
- 4. Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate (M5)
- 5. Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems (M6)
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (M12)
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance (M16)
- 8. Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used (M17)
Syllabus plan
• The nature of skeletal tissue - bone, tendon, ligament, cartilage.
• Degenerative changes – such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and ageing.
• Injuries - fracture and fracture healing
• Joint replacements and orthopaedic biomaterials
• Diagnosis and treatment, management of orthopaedic pathologies
• Innovations and the latest research
• Medical device design and development for orthopaedic related diseases – pre-clinical testing, regulatory approvals, and commercialisation.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 27 | 123 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 11 | 11x1-hour lectures |
| Project based learning tutorials/workshops | 16 | 16x1-hour support sessions for project work |
| Guided independent study | 123 | General reading and project work for individual and group assessments |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual assignment | 50 | 2000 words | 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 | Individual Mark Written Lecturer Feedback |
| Group project | 50 | 10-page slide deck | 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 | Group mark with individual reduction if required Written Lecturer Feedback |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual assignment | Individual assignment | 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 | Referral/deferral period - Completed over summer with a deadline in August |
| Group project | Individual project | 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 | Referral/deferral period - Completed over summer with a deadline in August |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
• Nordin, M.; Frankel, V. H. Basic Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001.
Web-based and electronic resources:
• ELE – Faculty to provide hyperlink to appropriate pages
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 06/11/2024 |
| Last revision date | 21/07/2025 |
