Biomechanics and Movement Science

The Biomechanics and Movement Science (BIOMS) program offers programs leading to master’s and doctoral degrees. It is an interdisciplinary program that combines faculty and physical resources from several different units including the Department of Biological Sciences, the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the Department of Physical Therapy, the Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the Delaware Rehabilitation Institute, and the Center for Biomedical Engineering Research. By implementing an interdisciplinary approach, the availability of faculty members with backgrounds in sport biomechanics, physical therapy, applied physiology, engineering, and computer science, affords students a much more diverse educational environment. In addition, the collective research laboratories of the participating units provide exposure to outstanding facilities. The laboratories of the Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, the Department of Physical Therapy, the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the Center for Biomedical Engineering Research and others present an array of equipment for the study of human movement and exercise as well as the biomechanical and physiological alterations observed as a consequence of injury, disease, and various intervention strategies.  Laboratories in the Departments of Biological Sciences and Mechanical Engineering provide equipment for the study of tissue and molecular biomechanics as well as rehabilitation.

• BMSC 666 Special Problem (1-12) Independent Study
• BMSC 865 Seminar I (0) Class will alter each week depending on designated seminar for that week.
• BMSC 866 Special Problem (1-12) Independent Study. Previous topics included:
• —BMSC 866 – Clinical Statistics
• —BMSC 866 – FEA Model Verification
• —BMSC 866 – Instrumented Treadmill vs. Overground Running
• —BMSC 866 – Neural disease and immunology
• —BMSC 866 – Special Problem: EMG directed study
• —BMSC 866 – Special Problem: Muscle Modeling
• —BMSC 866 – Special Problem: Special Tibia Model
• —BMSC 866 – Special Problem: Ultrasound
• —BMSC 866 – Split-Belt vs. Single belt treadmill walking
• —BMSC 866 – Tibia Finite Elements
• BMSC 868 Research (1-12)
• BMSC 869 Master’s Thesis (1-6) Independent Study
• BMSC 964 Research Methods in Biology (1-12) Research and readings in preparation of dissertation topic and/or qualifying examinations for doctoral students before admission to candidacy but after completion of all required course work. Note: Not open to students who have been admitted to candidacy.
• BMSC 969 Doctoral Dissertation (1-12) Independent Study

• Identify an Advisor
• Minimum combined score (quantitative and verbal) of 300 on the GRE
• Undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher
• Minimum grade point average of 3.0 in prerequisite courses considered important for the student’s Area of Study
• TOEFL IBT minimum of 90 (international students only)
• Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (international students only)
• Prerequisite Courses
• Application Deadlines
• Submission through the Office of Graduate Studies
• Graduate Student Tuition and Fees

Prerequisite Courses

Because of the broad and varied interests of BIOMS students, prerequisite courses vary depending on the Area of Study. However, applicants are expected to have experience in the areas of:

• math (through calculus)
• anatomy/physiology
• physics (2 semesters)
• chemistry (2 semesters)

Students who are deficient in 1-2 of these recommended courses may be offered conditional admission. Conditional Admission is one in which the student is admitted to the program but s/he must successfully complete certain activities or coursework in order to continue in the program. Successful completion of such courses is demonstrated by earning a grade of B (3.0) or better.

Scholarships

The majority of BIOMS students receive a stipend over the 9 month academic year and may receive a stipend during the summer months depending on the availability of funds. Funding for graduate students is merit based and includes: teaching assistantships (TA), graduate assistantships (GA), research assistantships (RA), fellowships, and tuition scholarships.