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Graduate Courses Taught by Marc Levenston

Mechanics of Biological Tissues

ME 287

Understand the remarkable mechanics behind living systems. This course introduces the physical principles governing biological tissues, from the elasticity of bone to the viscoelastic properties of skin and cartilage. Students explore experimental techniques and constitutive modeling used to characterize healthy and diseased tissue behaviors. Essential for those interested in biomechanics, biomedical engineering, or tissue engineering.

Orthopaedic Bioengineering

BIOE 381 / ME 381

Where engineering meets medicine: this course applies mechanical and structural principles to the human musculoskeletal system. Students gain a foundational understanding of anatomy, physiology, and the biomechanics of connective tissues. Explore how engineering informs the design of surgical tools, implants, and orthopaedic procedures. Learn how technology supports clinical decisions and improves patient outcomes. Perfect for those pursuing biomedical innovation or translational medical research.

Introduction to Biomechanics and Mechanobiology

BIOE 282 / ME 283

Discover the fascinating intersection of biology and mechanics! This course explores how mechanical forces influence tissue development, adaptation, and healing. Dive into the biomechanics of soft and hard tissues, from bone mechanics to the fascinating properties of muscles and blood flow. You’ll also uncover how mechanical signals regulate tissue regeneration, aging, and disease processes. Perfect for students interested in the dynamic relationship between the body’s mechanical environment and its biological functions. Ideal for those looking to make an impact in fields like tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, or musculoskeletal health.

Undergraduate Courses Taught by Marc Levenston

Intro to Solid Mechanics

ENGR 14

Unlock the principles of engineering design through the lens of solid mechanics. This foundational course introduces students to the tools and thinking of engineering analysis by exploring how physical systems behave under various forces. Through the study of static equilibrium in 2D and 3D, structural analysis, and axial stress and deformation, students build a strong base for advanced work in mechanical or structural engineering. Ideal for those interested in understanding how engineered systems, from bridges to biomedical devices, maintain stability and strength.

Introduction to Deformable Bodies

ME 80A

Dive deeper into how structures respond to real-world forces. This course expands on concepts of equilibrium and internal forces, introducing essential tools such as shear force and bending moment diagrams, as well as stress-strain relationships. Students learn to evaluate and predict structural behavior under complex loading conditions, setting the stage for more advanced mechanics and design challenges. A perfect step for those pursuing structural design, materials science, or mechanical systems.

Mechanics of Materials

ME 80

Analyze how materials bend, twist, and buckle under load. This comprehensive course covers stress and deformation under torsion and bending, column buckling, and pressure vessel analysis. Students are introduced to multiaxial stress states, strain transformation, and failure theories, gaining the analytical tools needed for safe and efficient structural and mechanical design. Ideal for students aiming for careers in mechanical design, structural engineering, or materials innovation.

Material Behaviors and Failure Prediction

ME 152

Explore the hidden properties of materials and their limits under stress. This course examines how materials, natural and engineered, behave under various conditions, including anisotropy, plastic deformation, and fatigue. Learn to predict failure using advanced criteria and explore how microstructure, whether natural or created through processes like 3D printing, influences performance. Applications include cutting-edge technologies in biomechanics, aerospace, and additive manufacturing.