Orthopaedic Science MSc

This module group contains two modules. The aim of these modules is to ensure that students achieve a level of competence in their non-specialist subjects prior to studying the other modules in the programme.

Rigid Body Mechanics

This module introduces the student to rigid body mechanics. It begins with the basic mathematics needed for the remainder of the course and introduces the mechanics of motion and forces. The concepts introduced are illustrated with examples from everyday life and, where appropriate, worked examples.

Structural Mechanics

This module covers the mechanics and properties of materials and structures. This includes the way that materials and structures behave when loaded and how and why structures fracture. Friction, lubrication and wear, which are all important in devices containing moving parts, are also covered.

This module group contains three modules. The aim is to introduce the basic principles of biomechanics and measurement, which are required for a complete understanding of the assessment, prescription and design of orthopaedic and rehabilitation devices.

Skeletal Mechanics

This module covers the skeletal mechanics of the major joints of the upper and lower limbs and spine. The structure and function of each joint is described, including their stability, range of motion and typical joint loadings during various activities of daily living.

Tissue Mechanics

This module introduces and examines the mechanics of the principal skeletal tissues; bone, articular cartilage, tendons and ligaments, and the skin. The way in which the tissues are loaded is described along with how they are designed to withstand such loads.

Biomechanical Measurement Systems

This module covers the use of the biomechanical measurement systems used in orthopaedics and rehabilitation to identify and quantify disorders. The systems covered include, amongst others, those used for gait analysis, foot pressure measurement, muscle force measurement and electromyography.

This module group contains three modules. The aim of these modules is to explore the principles underpinning the design and the use of orthotic and prosthetic devices, wheelchairs, special seating systems and ambulation aids.

Prosthetics

This module covers the principles involved in the design, fabrication and use of upper and lower limb prosthetics. It also includes an overview of the most commonly employed prosthetic devices, amputation surgery, rehabilitation of the amputee and the assessment, selection and prescription of prostheses.

Orthotics

This module covers the principles involved in the design, fabrication and use of upper limb, lower limb and spinal orthoses. It includes an overview of the most commonly employed orthotic devices and the methods used for assessment, selection and prescription.

Mobility Aids

This module covers the principles involved in the design, fabrication and use of wheelchairs, special seating and body support systems and other mobility aids used for ambulation. It includes an overview of the most commonly prescribed devices and the methods used for patient assessment.

This module group contains six modules. The aim of these modules is to provide an understanding of the principles underpinning the design and use of orthopaedic devices, including fracture fixation and deformity correction devices and joint replacements.

Implant Mechanics and Materials

This module covers the fundamental mechanical principles that underpin orthopaedic technology and introduces concepts that will be expanded upon in further modules. It includes implant design factors, load support mechanisms, interface loads and stresses, fixation options, biomaterials and biocompatibility and implant materials.

Hip Arthroplasty

This module covers, in detail, the principles involved in the design of hip joint replacements. It includes bone cement and bonding methods, stem load transfer mechanisms, joint surface and acetabular component design.

Knee Arthroplasty

This module covers the principles involved in the design of knee joint replacements. It includes surface shape and motion constraint factors, load transfer considerations, prosthesis design features, patellar resurfacing and meniscal bearings.

Ankle and Foot Arthroplasty

This module covers the principles involved in the design of ankle and foot joint replacements. It includes biomechanical and replacement design considerations.

Upper Limb Arthroplasty

This module covers the principles involved in the design of upper limb joint replacements. It covers general upper limb arthroplasty criteria, and shoulder, elbow, wrist, metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint arthroplasty, with an emphasis on replacement arthroplasty.

Bone Fixation

This module covers the scientific principles underpinning the design and use of the devices used in the fixation of fractures and deformities. It covers requirements for and principles of fracture fixation, design and use of screws, plates, pins and nails, internal and external fixation techniques, requirements and devices for spinal deformity correction.

This module group contains three modules. The aim of these is to provide the student with a sound understanding of the application of statistical techniques. It covers a broad range of fundamental concepts and will enable the student to understand the output of basic statistical analysis, the choice of appropriate statistical techniques, and equip them to conduct their own basic analyses.

Descriptive Statistics

This module is designed to make the student aware of how the field of statistics supports research. It will enable the student to determine types of variable and understand the importance of examining data before beginning a formal analysis, as well as organise data effectively and make simple observations about it.

Statistical Inference

This module is designed to provide the student with knowledge of the two approaches to inference and understand the common theoretical principles that underpin them. The student will be equipped with the tools to identify appropriate null and alternative hypotheses for a given research question, identify an appropriate test statistic and decision rule and understand the concept and limitations of statistical significance.

Non-Parametric Statistical Inference

This module is designed to familiarise the student with a range of non-parametric methods. The student will learn about the strengths and limitations of non-parametric methods, be aware of assumptions on which parametric and non-parametric methods are based and how these are tested and learn to apply and intercept correlation correctly. Following the successful completion of the taught module groups 1-5, students will be guided to focus on a specific research project, which, after completion of a relevant literature review, will be carried out during the remaining period of the programme.

There will be the opportunity to exit with a PG Certificate after the first two modules. Following the successful completion of taught modules 1-5 students may exit with a PG Diploma. MSc students will be guided to focus on a specific research project, which, after completion of a relevant literature review, will be carried out during the remainder of the programme.