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151-0980-00L 4 Credits BSC , DR , MSC , NDS D-BSSE , D-MAVT , D-INFK , D-PHYS , D-MATH , D-ITET , D-MATL , D-HEST

Biofluiddynamics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Patrick Jenny, Prof. Dr. Dominik Obrist

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:06

Abstract

Introduction to the fluid dynamics of the human body and the modeling of physiological flow processes (biomedical fluid dynamics).

Objective

A basic understanding of fluid dynamical processes in the human body. Knowledge of the basic concepts of fluid dynamics and the ability to apply these concepts appropriately.

Content

This lecture is an introduction to the fluid dynamics of the human body (biomedical fluid dynamics). For selected topics of human physiology, we introduce fundamental concepts of fluid dynamics (e.g., creeping flow, incompressible flow, flow in porous media, flow with particles, fluid-structure interaction) and use them to model physiological flow processes. The list of studied topics includes the cardiovascular system and related diseases, blood rheology, microcirculation, respiratory fluid dynamics and fluid dynamics of the inner ear.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes are provided electronically.

Literature

A list of books on selected topics of biofluiddynamics can be found on the course web page.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , DR , MSC , NDS
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 120 minutes
Aids: 8 pages summarycalculator (without internet connection)

In addition to the final written examination, there is one compulsory continuous performance assessment with a pass/fail criteria. The compulsory continuous performance assessment consists of an extended homework assignment which is based on a MATLAB simulation of blood flow in the microcirculation. To pass this assessment, the students must submit an optimized network configuration which enhances oxygen supply to the tissue.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Biofluiddynamics	Fri 10:15-12:00 (HG E 1.2)	2 h weekly
exercise	Biofluiddynamics	Fri 12:15-13:00 (HG E 1.2)	1 h weekly

Offered In

Mechanical Engineering Bachelor
- Bachelor Studies (Programme Regulations 2022)
  - Focus Specialization
    - Engineering for Health (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Bradley Nelson)
Computational Science and Engineering Bachelor
- Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed.)
Mechanical Engineering Master
- Core Courses (The Core Courses in the Master’s program Mechanical Engineering listed below are indicative and include courses designed by the Department at the Master's level. With the approval of the tutor, students may also select Master's-level courses offered by other departments at ETH. These courses will be marked as non-regular in the LAG, but their categorization as Core Courses is possible if included in the approved LAG.)
Biomedical Engineering Master (Only courses offered under "GESS Science in Perspective" count in this category. See "Offered in" tab in course view. For more information, please refer to )
- Major Courses
  - Bioelectronics
    - Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Bioelectronics track. Please consult your track adviser if you wish to select other subjects.)
  - Biomechanics
    - Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Biomechanics track. Please consult your track adviser if you wish to select other subjects.)
Computational Science and Engineering Master
- Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed. All courses listed as core courses (not electives) for one of the following ETH MSc programmes, MSc Statistics, MSc Physics, MSc Computer Science, MSc (Applied) Mathematics, MSc Neural Systems and Computation, MSc Robotics, Systems, and Control, MSc Data Science, MSc Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, can be taken as an elective course in the MSc CSE without prior permission.)
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Master (More informations at: )
- Core Courses (Please note that the list of core courses is a closed list. Other courses cannot be added to the core course category in the study plan. Also the assignments of courses to core subcategories cannot be changed. Students need to pass at least one course in each core subcategory. A total of 40 ECTS needs to be acquired in the core course category.)
  - Biophysics
MAS in Medical Physics
- Specialisation in General Medical Physics
  - Major in Biomechanics
    - Electives
  - Major in Bioelectronics
    - Electives
  - Major in Biocompatible Materials
    - Core Courses (376-1622-00L Practical Methods in Tissue Engineering (offered in the Autumn Semester) and 376-1624-00L Practical Methods in Biofabrication (offered in the Spring Semester) are mutually exclusive to be eligible for credits.)
Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
- Subject Specialisation
  - Soft Materials (MaP Doctoral School)
  - Sustainable & Bioinspired Materials (MaP Doctoral School)
Health Sciences and Technology Master
- Major in Medical Technology
  - Elective Courses