Introductory Biomechanics: From Cells to Organisms (Cambridge Texts in Biomedical Engineering) [Hardcover]

C. Ross Ethier (Author), Craig A. Simmons (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521841127 | ISBN-13: 978-0521841122 | Publication Date: April 9, 2007 | Edition: 1

Introductory Biomechanics is a new, integrated text written specifically for engineering students. It provides a broad overview of this important branch of the rapidly growing field of bioengineering. A wide selection of topics is presented, ranging from the mechanics of single cells to the dynamics of human movement. No prior biological knowledge is assumed and in each chapter, the relevant anatomy and physiology are first described. The biological system is then analyzed from a mechanical viewpoint by reducing it to its essential elements, using the laws of mechanics and then tying mechanical insights back to biological function. This integrated approach provides students with a deeper understanding of both the mechanics and the biology than from qualitative study alone. The text is supported by a wealth of illustrations, tables and examples, a large selection of suitable problems and hundreds of current references, making it an essential textbook for any biomechanics course. C. Ross Ethier is a professor of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, the Canada Research Chair in Computational Mechanics, and the Director of the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto, with cross-appointment to the Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences. His research focuses on biomechanical factors in glaucoma and blood flow and mass transfer in the large arteries. He has taught biomechanics for over ten years. Craig A. Simmons is the Canada Research Chair in Mechanobiology and an assistant professor of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Toronto, with cross-appointments to the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering and the Faculty of Dentistry. His research interests include cell and tissue biomechanics and cell mechanobiology, particularly as it relates to tissue engineering and heart valve disease.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Ethier and Simmons have crafted a masterful book clearly capable of introducing engineering students of multiple disciplines to the fascinating field of biomechanics. This text should find wide application in providing sufficient background for a fundamental understanding of this important, emerging area. The depth of coverage will serve well as a foundation for further investigation at the upper undergraduate or graduate level. Yet, little prior knowledge of biology is assumed. The topics covered include clinical specialties in which biomechanics has lent to the understanding and improvement of human health, including the cardiovascular, optometry, and musculoskeletal areas. Based on a long-standing course taught to non-bioengineers, the presentation of material is clear and straightforward. Illustrations are of excellent quality and rich in content. This text will inspire many students of traditional engineering areas to think of biomechanics as a fertile discipline worthy of further pursuit. - James E. Moore, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University

Book Description

This text introduces students to a wide selection of topics in biomechanics, ranging from the mechanics of single cells to the dynamics of human movement. The text adopts an integrated approach and is supported by a wealth of illustrations and problems, making it an essential textbook for any biomechanics course.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 536 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1 edition (April 9, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521841127
• ISBN-13: 978-0521841122
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #420,082 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple and Concise, March 12, 2008

By 

Mike (Irvine, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introductory Biomechanics: From Cells to Organisms (Cambridge Texts in Biomedical Engineering) (Hardcover)

I bought this book because it had significant discounts here on Amazon and, from various previews, seemed to cover the material that my biomechanics course covered. My class uses a biomechanics book by YC Fung, but that book is far too dense and unclear; Fung often dives into topics without establishing clear reasons why.

This book is well made. It covers many of the same topics that Fung covers in his book, but without the ambiguous mathematical explanations Fung uses. The math that is used here is clearly explained and justified. It goes into the level of depth that is appropriate for an undergraduate without much background in biology. Overall, it's a great book that hopefully becomes a primary textbook for biomechanics classes, and it makes a great, cheap (at least for now) supplement to any biomechanics course, especially if your course uses a YC Fung book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting book!, December 30, 2009

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CSD (Rochester,MN.) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Introductory Biomechanics: From Cells to Organisms (Cambridge Texts in Biomedical Engineering) (Hardcover)

I needed a very basic introduction to biomechanics that covers not only topics on the macroscopic behavior of biological tissues but also the microstructure of tissues. This book does a very good job in building the multi-scaling structure of tissues. Very pleased!