The UC Davis Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program is currently seeking
outstanding graduate students interested in Musculoskeletal
Biomechanics. Applications for Fall 2002 admissions and financial aid are
now being accepted. Applications should be received by January 15th, 2002
for the student to receive consideration for all financial aid options.
Application received later than January 15th, 2002 will still be considered
for financial aid administered by the Program.

Program Description
The UC Davis Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program is administered
through the College of Engineering. There are over 15 faculty members who
are affiliated with the graduate program and who conduct research dealing
specifically with Musculoskeletal Biomechanics. Faculty members represent
interests in engineering, biology, physiology, human medicine, and
veterinary medicine.

Degrees offered
The Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program offers a program of study
leading to both the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Biomedical Engineering.

Faculty Interests
Students and faculty members in Musculoskeletal Biomechanics study isolated
biological tissues and integrated systems. Research opportunities allow
integration of concepts from engineering, medicine, biology, and physiology
in the study of musculoskeletal tissues and systems.

Admission Requirements (GRE scores, GPA)
Students are expected to have completed course work in calculus, physics,
chemistry, basic engineering, and biology. Students should have a minimum
undergraduate GPA of 3.25 and minimum GRE scores of 500 Verbal and 700
Quantitative. Please visit our web site for more information about the
program and admission process.

Website addresses
Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Track
(http://www.bme.ucdavis.edu/academics/track.php?tid=22144&prgcode=GRAD)
Biomedical Engineering Graduate Group
(http://www.bme.ucdavis.edu/academics/program.php?sPrgCode=GRAD)
College of Engineering (http://engineering.ucdavis.edu/)
University of California Davis (www.ucdavis.edu)

Contact information
Graduate Assistant
Biomedical Engineering Graduate Group
University of California
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616-5294
(530) 752-2611
bmegradgrp@ucdavis.edu

Facilities & Equipment
The Biomechanical Engineering Laboratory supports research in the general
area of musculo-skeletal system biomechanics. The facilities include an
automated, high speed, three-dimensional motion analysis system for the
study of whole body kinematics, a number of multi-load component
dynamometers for measuring external loads during such activities as
walking, running, jumping, both on and off-road cycling, Alpine skiing, and
snowboarding, a large, high-speed motorized treadmill for performing some
of these activities in the laboratory setting, two computer-controlled leg
cycle ergometers, and a multichannel system for recording muscle
electromyograms during these activities.

The Gait Analysis Laboratory (Shriners Hospital in Sacramento) has
facilities for both research and clinical evaluation of walking.
Three-dimensional kinematic data are obtained using a Motion Analysis
System with automatic digitizing and scanning of video data. A force
platform enables ground reaction forces to be collected simultaneously and
electromyography equipment is used to record muscle activation information.

The Human Performance Laboratory houses equipment for the study of blood
and muscle chemistry and enzymology, metabolism and energetics, muscle
mechanics and electromyography, movement kinetics and kinematics, body
composition and anthropometry, cardiorespiratory function during exercise
in a controlled environment, control and acquisition of motor skills and
the psychosocial aspects of human performance.

The Knee Biomechanics Laboratory contains equipment for conducting both in
vivo and in vitro experimental research primarily on the human knee. A
multicomponent loading apparatus, various goniometers, and a multichannel
electromyographic system are available for in vivo studies. For in vitro
studies, an autopsy table and surgical implements exist for dissection and
specimen preparation. Biomechanical studies on knee specimens may be
conducted using a fully automated six-load component load application
system that also can simulate muscle forces. A unique laser-based three
dimensional coordinate digitizing system can be used to measure knee
tissues with high accuracy.

The Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility provides qualified researchers in
the biological, medical and physical sciences access to state-of-the-art
NMR instrumentation for spectroscopy and imaging. At present, the facility
operates six spectrometers of varying purposes and capabilities. All of the
spectrometers are multinuclear, and a large variety of high resolution,
surface and imaging coils are available for use.

The Occupational Biomechanics Laboratory is equipped with various kinematic
and kinetic devices to assess three-dimensional motion and forces during
occupational work, including: the Lumbar Motion Monitor (spinal motion),
the Greenleaf system (hand/wrist motion); Bertec 4060 3-D forceplate; Lido
Lift Simulator system; digital push-pull force gauge; accelerometers;
inclinometers; electromyography systems; Biopac Student Lab System
(physiology); and Kodak Ektapro 1000 high speed camera. Several
occupational risk assessment software programs are also available in the
laboratory.

The Orthopaedic Research Laboratory (UC Davis Medical Center) contains
material testing systems for analysis of biomaterials and tissues (bone,
tendon, ligaments), extensive computer control and acquisition hardware for
in-vitro simulation of joint mechanics, workstation-level computers with
PATRAN, and ABAQUS, fully equipped tissue and cell culture laboratories,
quantitative histological preparation and analysis facilities, and a
biochemistry laboratory.

The Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory is used to study disorders of
musculoskeletal tissues and organs of domestic animals using mechanical
testing, gross and microscopic morphology and morphometry, radiography and
microradiography, computer modeling, and epidemiology techniques. Basic
science and clinical veterinary faculty, graduate students, clinical
veterinary residents, and undergraduate students pursue research in the
laboratory. Specialized equipment includes a servohydraulic biaxial
materials testing system and equipment for the histologic processing of
mineralized tissues.

David Hawkins, Ph.D.
Human Performance Laboratory
Exercise Biology Program - Division of Biological Sciences
Biomedical Engineering Graduate Group - College of Engineering
University of California-Davis
Davis, CA 95616
(530) 752-2748 (phone)
(530) 752-6681 (fax)
dahawkins@ucdavis.edu

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