Abstract:

Biomechanics is a scientific discipline that aims to study the structures of a mechanical nature that exist in living beings. This discipline studies the kinematic and mechanical phenomena presented by these beings, which are considered as complex systems formed by tissues, solids and mechanical bodies. The finite element method (FEM) has been widely used in the design of machines and machine elements, but this method has also been used in the biomechanical study of living beings.

This study shows how the coordination and direction of a series of final Degree and Master Degree project of Industrial Engineering in the University of La Rioja, aimed at the study of the biomechanics of living beings, can serve to strengthen the acquisition of a series specific competences of some of the most important subjects of both degrees (Materials, Strength of materials and Mechanisms).

The proposed final projects have a common content, which is related to the aforementioned subjects, and therefore, the study of the acquisition of specific competences can be carried out in a joint and coordinated way. In this case, the final projects developed by the students have been classified in the biomechanical study of parts of the human body, parts of animals as well as parts of dinosaurs.

Keywords:

Biomechanics, finite element method (FEM), final Degree and Master Degree project, specific competences.