This course represents
a common interest of many disciplines in human movement:
medicine (orthopaedic surgery and neurology), mechanical
engineering, computer science, anthropology, and visual and
performing arts. The basis of musculoskeletal movement is
examined from these perspectives. Lectures comprise one facet
of the course, and student-generated projects another. The
first two weeks of the course combine an overview of the
anatomy and pathology affecting the human locomotor system.
This provides a framework for the remainder of the lectures
and a basis for developing the projects.
Medical faculty
present the normal function as well as the functional deficit
from disease or injury, emphasizing a system-based
approach. Engineering faculty introduce engineering dilemmas
that assist or emulate human movement, such as the design of
an artificial joint or the simulation of tendon transfers for
nerve palsy. Complementing the anatomical introductory lectures
are lectures from the social sciences and humanities. The expression
of human movement in art masterpieces and photography are presented
from the artist’s perspective. The evolution of the hand
as it became an instrument of purpose is presented from the
eyes of the physical anthropologist. Animators discuss how
the essence of movement is caught through expression and “sleight
of hand.”
The Project teams comprise three students per
group who are pre-assigned based on their background (medicine,
computer
science, engineering, etc.) with a goal of combining complementary
talents. Each team has a faculty advisor who is central to
providing them access to facilities and guidance regarding
the project. |
