上課教室為永齡415室。

Many features of the form and function of the human body suggest that the evolution of the human body is a process of optimization of certain criteria. Based on this observation, optimization techniques have played an important role in the study of the body parts and the design and development of their replacements, as well as relevant biomechanical systems. This course aims to provide a systematic introduction to the optimization of biomechanical systems including the human body. Apart from lectures, the students will work in groups to finish a term project under the supervision of the lecturer. The students will learn to convert statements of a physical problem to a mathematical one, and then solve the problem using optimization techniques covered in the class with the assistance of a commercial software package. The interpretation of the results of an optimization problem will also be emphasized. After the completion of the class, the students should have a complete knowledge of the basic theory of optimization and its relevant biomechanical applications.