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Jiang D, Grainger DW, Weiss JA, Timmins LH. Integration of Febio as an Instructional Tool in the Undergraduate Biomechanics Curriculum. J Biomech Eng 2024; 146:051001. [PMID: 38441207 PMCID: PMC11005855 DOI: 10.1115/1.4064990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Computer simulations play an important role in a range of biomedical engineering applications. Thus, it is important that biomedical engineering students engage with modeling in their undergraduate education and establish an understanding of its practice. In addition, computational tools enhance active learning and complement standard pedagogical approaches to promote student understanding of course content. Herein, we describe the development and implementation of learning modules for computational modeling and simulation (CM&S) within an undergraduate biomechanics course. We developed four CM&S learning modules that targeted predefined course goals and learning outcomes within the febio studio software. For each module, students were guided through CM&S tutorials and tasked to construct and analyze more advanced models to assess learning and competency and evaluate module effectiveness. Results showed that students demonstrated an increased interest in CM&S through module progression and that modules promoted the understanding of course content. In addition, students exhibited increased understanding and competency in finite element model development and simulation software use. Lastly, it was evident that students recognized the importance of coupling theory, experiments, and modeling and understood the importance of CM&S in biomedical engineering and its broad application. Our findings suggest that integrating well-designed CM&S modules into undergraduate biomedical engineering education holds much promise in supporting student learning experiences and introducing students to modern engineering tools relevant to professional development.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112; School of Engineering Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77843; EnMed Tower, 1020 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030
| | - David W. Grainger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, 36 S. Wasatch Drive, SMBB 3100, Salt Lake City, UT 84112; Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
- University of Utah
| | - Jeffrey A. Weiss
- ASME Fellow Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, 36 S. Wasatch Drive, SMBB 3100, Salt Lake City, UT 84112; Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112; Department of Orthopedics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | - Lucas H. Timmins
- School of Engineering Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843; Department of Multidisciplinary Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112;Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112;EnMed Tower, 1020 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030
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