Postgraduate Diploma in OpenSim: Construction and Calibration of Models
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in OpenSim: Construction and Calibration of Models. 8 modules with ASME V&V 40 (credibility of computational models in medical devices), ISB Recommendations on joint coordinate systems and OpenSim. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Describe the fundamentals of musculoskeletal biomechanics.
Work with the OpenSim environment and its scripting API.
Build models with bodies, joints and muscle actuators.
Scale and calibrate models using motion capture data.
Solve inverse kinematics and inverse dynamics problems.
Estimate muscle forces using static optimisation and CMC.
Validate model results against experimental data.
Who it's for
- Computational biomechanics engineer looking to specialise in OpenSim: Construction and Calibration of Models.
- Motion analysis researcher looking to specialise in OpenSim: Construction and Calibration of Models.
- Musculoskeletal modelling specialist looking to specialise in OpenSim: Construction and Calibration of Models.
- Gait laboratory engineer looking to specialise in OpenSim: Construction and Calibration of Models.
- Biomechanical simulation developer looking to specialise in OpenSim: Construction and Calibration of Models.
- Sports biomechanics analyst looking to specialise in OpenSim: Construction and Calibration of Models.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter biomedical research.
What you'll work with
- ASME V&V 40 (credibility of computational models in medical devices)
- ISB Recommendations on joint coordinate systems
- FDA guidance on credibility of computational modelling (2023)
- ISO 7250-1 (basic anthropometric measurements)
- C3D format (motion capture data exchange)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Kinematic chains and degrees of freedom1.2Inverse and forward dynamics1.3Muscle architecture and pennation angle1.4Hill-type muscle model1.5Activation and excitation dynamics1.6Tendon and series elasticity1.7Moment arms and path geometry1.8Joint contact forces1.9Validation of musculoskeletal models1.10Practical case: critical reading of a study using OpenSim
2.1OpenSim architecture and its API2.2.osim format: bodies, joints and forces2.3Reference models: gait2392 and Rajagopal2.4Graphical interface and visualisation2.5Scripting in Python and MATLAB2.6.trc and .mot data formats2.7Coordinate systems and conventions2.8OpenSim version management2.9SimTK community resources2.10Laboratory: exploration and modification of an .osim model
3.1Segment definition and inertial properties3.2Joint types: pin, universal and custom3.3Knee coupling joints3.4Muscle path definition and via points3.5Wrapping surfaces3.6Constraints and contacts3.7Upper limb and spine models3.8Prosthesis and exoskeleton models3.9Use of medical imaging to personalise geometry3.10Practice: building an arm model with two muscles
4.1Motion capture data and markers4.2Scale tool and scale factors4.3Virtual marker adjustment4.4Calibration of muscle parameters4.5Optimal fibre lengths and tendon slack4.6Dynamometry data for calibration4.7EMG-based calibration4.8Personalisation with magnetic resonance imaging4.9Evaluation of scaling error4.10Laboratory: scaling gait2392 with subject data
5.1Inverse kinematics: least-squares fitting5.2Marker weights and admissible errors5.3Filtering of input data5.4Inverse dynamics and joint moments5.5Ground reaction forces5.6RRA residual reduction algorithm5.7Joint power analysis5.8Residual checking and good practice5.9Batch automation5.10Practice: inverse kinematics and dynamics of a gait cycle
6.1Static optimisation and cost functions6.2Computed Muscle Control CMC6.3Joint contact force analysis6.4Moco and optimal control by direct collocation6.5Predictive simulations6.6Comparison with experimental EMG6.7Parameter sensitivity analysis6.8Induced acceleration analyser6.9Limitations of estimation methods6.10Laboratory: gait muscle forces with static optimisation
7.1Credibility guidelines of Hicks and colleagues7.2Validation with instrumented implants7.3Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis7.4Applications in pathological gait7.5Applications in sport and injury7.6Simulation-assisted exoskeleton design7.7Surgical planning7.8Integration with finite element analysis7.9Publication and sharing of models7.10Practical case: gait analysis in cerebral palsy
8.1Formulating the biomechanical question8.2Selection and adaptation of the base model8.3Processing experimental data8.4Scaling and calibration of the subject8.5Inverse kinematics and dynamics8.6Estimation of muscle forces8.7Validation and sensitivity analysis8.8Interpretation of results8.9Dissertation and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The software used is OpenSim, MATLAB, Python, Vicon Nexus, Visual3D, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Trials are studied using real motion capture laboratory procedures with force platforms, electromyography recording to validate activations, and model scaling with real subject data. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Describe the fundamentals of musculoskeletal biomechanics.
Work with the OpenSim environment and its scripting API.
Build models with bodies, joints and muscle actuators.
Scale and calibrate models using motion capture data.
Solve inverse kinematics and inverse dynamics problems.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme’s software.
- Sufficient Spanish language level to follow the reading of technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours spread over 6 to 8 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
The programme uses OpenSim, MATLAB, Python, Vicon Nexus, Visual3D. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when enrolling.
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