Unit rationale, description and aim
Postgraduate study, specialist accreditation (e.g. Exercise Physiology, Sports Science) and/or specific career paths in biomechanics and related fields requires extension of the knowledge, understanding and skills of the professional standards for Exercise Scientist accreditation in this subdiscipline. The unit will expand the students' understanding of normal and pathological gait, and sports injury mechanisms. The student will be introduced to inter- and multi-disciplinary topics including ergonomics, mathematical modelling of sports movements, and the effects of materials, surfaces and equipment on movement. Students will further develop skills in data collection, analysis and interpretation of human movement, as well as in reading and critically evaluating research, experimental planning and design, and statistical analyses relevant to biomechanics. As such this unit aims to further the students' theoretical knowledge of anatomical and mechanical concepts related to human movement, including more advanced studies of kinematics and kinetics.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.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.
Articulate specialist knowledge and understanding ...
Learning Outcome 01
Appraise biomechanical literature and effectively ...
Learning Outcome 02
Integrate biomechanical knowledge and practice wit...
Learning Outcome 03
Conduct comprehensive kinematic and kinetic invest...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Movement analysis concepts
- Research methods
- Advanced kinematics
- Advanced kinetics
- Neuromuscular mechanics
- Modelling
- Materials, surfaces and equipment
- Fluid mechanics
- Applied biomechanics (e.g. Ergonomics, Sports injuries, Clinical biomechanics)
Assessment strategy and rationale
To best enable students to achieve the advanced biomechanics learning outcomes and develop graduate capabilities, the unit employs standards‑based assessment consistent with University policy and adult learning principles. Task 1 is a literature review on a contemporary biomechanics technology for clinical or athlete assessment, fostering critical appraisal and scholarly communication. Task 2 is a cooperative, inquiry‑based research project, where students collect movement data and report outcomes. Task 3 is an individual capstone assessment of the student’s capacity to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application.
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 assessment tasks.
Assessment Task 1: Written Assessment Assesses ...
Assessment Task 1: Written Assessment
Assesses ability to analyse and communicate evidence related to biomechanics technology and its application.
30%
Assessment Task 2: Written assessment Assesses...
Assessment Task 2: Written assessment
Assesses ability to collect biomechanical data, analyse it and report the results.
30%
Assessment Task 3: Written assessment Assesses...
Assessment Task 3: Written assessment
Assesses knowledge, understanding and application of advanced biomechanics topics explored during the unit.
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Learning and teaching strategy in this unit is designed to expose students to advanced biomechanical knowledge and skills which are required in a range of applied biomechanical professional roles and also allow students pursue higher degrees including Honours, Master and PhD programs. The learning and teaching strategy is intended to reflect respect for the individual as an independent learner. Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively within group activities including data collection and analyses.
Content for the unit is delivered in the form of face to face and asynchronous lecture content and practical laboratory-based activities. Each laboratory-based activity allows students to consolidate knowledge presented during the lectures. Laboratory-based activities promote active learning while facilitating an in depth understanding of the relevant theoretical knowledge.