Unit rationale, description and aim
To be an effective Exercise Scientist, it is critical to understand mechanical principles underlying human movement as well as have an ability to apply this knowledge to the analysis and interpretation of human movement. Students will learn about the mechanics of musculoskeletal tissues, rigid-structures and joints as well as patterns of common human movement, including gait and sporting tasks such as jumping and kicking. Additionally, students will develop skills in best practice field and laboratory–based biomechanics data collection, analysis and interpretation of data.
This unit aims to establish students' knowledge of the biomechanics of biological materials, extend their understanding of mechanical influences of injury and performance in common human movement patterns as well as grow core skills in biomechanical analysis and interpretation of data.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Describe the neuromuscular and material properties...
Learning Outcome 01
Interpret how forces acting upon and within the bo...
Learning Outcome 02
Relate the biomechanical mechanisms to the effects...
Learning Outcome 03
Apply biomechanical principles to assess human mov...
Learning Outcome 04
Demonstrate proficiency in biomechanical measureme...
Learning Outcome 05
Content
Topics will include:
- Movement analysis methods
- Movement description methods (phases, deterministic models, free body diagrams)
- Problem solving models (research, applied) including consideration of effective communication of findings
- Applied biomechanics
- Human gait (basic patterns of normal and pathological gait)
- Fundamental movements and/or sport techniques
- Sport performance
- Biomechanics of tissues and structures of the musculoskeletal system
- Introduction to biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system
- Bone (composition; structure; bone formation and remodelling; biomechanical properties; health and injury case studies)
- Cartilage, ligament and tendon (collagen; composition and microarchitecture; mechanical properties and response to load; normal and abnormal/injury case studies)
- Muscle (classification and function; structure and architecture; force generation; strengthening muscle)
- Neuromuscular mechanics
- Purpose of electromyography in human movement
- Neurophysiology
- Signal sampling and processing
- Relationship with muscle force
- Biomechanics of joints
- Spine and the head (structure and function, loads on the spine, spine and legs during gait; spine case studies; head impact and injury)
- Upper extremity (joint range of motion and mechanics, loads during everyday activities; case studies)
- Lower extremity (joint range of motion and mechanics; loads during everyday activities; case studies)
- Injury mechanisms
- Definitions, injury categories and specific biomechanical mechanism
- Injury causation models
- Injury case studies
Assessment strategy and rationale
In order to best enable students to achieve unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes, standards-based assessment is utilised, consistent with University assessment requirements. A range of assessment strategies are used including: an early-semester quiz to assess understanding of the fundamental principles that underpin the unit; a written assignment to assess students’ ability to plan and conduct biomechanical analyses, and interpret and communicate the resulting data; and an examination to assess student learning of unit content and the ability to apply this knowledge to a range of different client goals (e.g. performance improvement, injury prevention and injury rehabilitation).
Overview of assessments
To successfully pass the unit, students must demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes and achieve a minimum overall mark of 50% in the graded assessments.
Assessment Task 1: Quiz Assesses understanding ...
Assessment Task 1: Quiz
Assesses understanding of the fundamental principles that underpin the unit.
25%
Assessment Task 2: Written and Oral Assessment &n...
Assessment Task 2: Written and Oral Assessment
Assesses ability to plan and conduct biomechanical analyses; and interpret and communicate the resulting data.
30%
Assessment Task 3: Examination Assesses unders...
Assessment Task 3: Examination
Assesses understanding of all unit content.
45%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
The learning and teaching strategy prioritises active learning through a range of methods such as case-based scenarios, individual and group activities, group discussions and reflective/critical thinking activities. This range of methods will provide students with appropriate access to required knowledge and understanding of unit content, and how to apply this knowledge to address client’s needs, as well as opportunities to develop practical skills in biomechanical analysis. These approaches will allow students to meet the aim, learning outcomes and graduate capabilities of the unit, as well as professional practice standards. The range of learning and teaching methods incorporated into the unit will foster both independent and collaborative learning. Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively within group activities.