Foundations of Biomechanics
| Module title | Foundations of Biomechanics |
|---|---|
| Module code | ESS1204 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Matthew Ellison (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 207 |
|---|
Module description
The study of force and motion form a large part of the sport and exercise curriculum and this module will provide you with a grounding in how to analyse these aspects from a biomechanical perspective. You will learn about different methods of assessing linear movements and forces in sports, developing your understanding of linear kinematics and linear kinetics. This module will then help you to understand how these principles can be applied to the analysis of human movement and performance in sports, and to understanding injury risk. There are no formal pre- or co-requisites for this module and it is suitable for non-specialist students who have studied some science at A-Level or equivalent. You will be required to complete mathematics-based worksheets prior to starting the module, for which support will be available if necessary.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module provides a fundamental grounding in sport and exercise related biomechanics, introducing methods for assessment of linear movements and forces in sports. The module aims to develop your understanding of linear kinematics and linear kinetics and to introduce the application of these principles to the analysis of: human movement; sports performance and understanding injury risk.
Graduate attributes – as part of this module you are expected to develop the following skills:
- Application of biomechanical knowledge to broad scenarios
- Problem solving in designing experimental studies
- Mathematical problem solving
- People skills through communication with peers and module teaching team
- Data management and analysis skills from data obtained during laboratory sessions
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Define linear motion, and the relationship between force and motion
- 2. Explain the terminology and equipment used in biomechanical analysis and movement
- 3. Perform basic quantitative analyses of human movement in a sport/exercise environment
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Analyse aspects of movement in many fields including teaching, coaching and sports medicine. (knowledge and understanding of biomechanical principles are critical in developing this ability)
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Use of appropriate technology
- 6. Analyse and evaluate relevant data
- 7. Use data analysis software
- 8. Manage time effectively
- 9. Present ideas / information competently
- 10. Work in a team
Syllabus plan
- Introduction to Module: Foundations of human movement
- Linear Kinematics I: Description and assessment of human motion (position, velocity)
- Linear Kinematics II (acceleration, projectile motion) including introduction to factors regulating movement (internal vs. external forces). Linear Kinematic Analysis of running
- Linear Kinetics I: Ground reaction forces
- Module review and introduction to data handling techniques and presentation skills
- Linear Kinetics II: Momentum, impulse and pressure
- Linear Kinetics III: Work, power and energy
- Linear Kinetics IV: Coefficients of friction and restitution
- Linear Kinetics V: Centre of gravity and stability
- Examples of performance analysis
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 39 | 111 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 17 | Seminars and laboratory sessions |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 22 | Lecture content |
| Guided Independent Study | 30 | Reading of advised materials |
| Guided Independent Study | 25 | Problem-solving |
| Guided Independent Study | 11 | Numerical example questions |
| Guided Independent Study | 15 | Quantitative data analysis |
| Guided Independent Study | 30 | Exam preparation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-term review MCQ and short answer examination | 1.5 hours | 1-4, 6, 8-10 | Correct answers, workings and procedures made available for MCQ questions in seminar. Model short answers provided, peer marking of written answers and verbal guidance given. |
| ELE quiz questions | Multiple choice questions to test understanding throughout | 1-2, 4-6, 9 | Feedback given at end of quiz |
| Lab book questions | Selection of short answer questions relating to laboratory and problem solving tasks | All | Individual and group oral feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 100 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination (MCQ and short answer questions) | 100 | 90 minutes | 1-4, 6, 8-9 | Annotated exam paper |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination (MCQ and short answer questions) | Examination (MCQ and short answer questions) | 1-4, 6, 8-9 | August/September assessment period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to sit a further examination. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Hay, J.G. (1993). The Biomechanics of Sports Techniques (Fourth Edition). Prentice-Hall, Inc, Englewood Cliffs. ISBN 0-13-084534-5
- Hamill, J. and Knutzen, K.M. (2003). Biomechanical Basis of Human Movement. Lippincot Williams and Wilkins, London. ISBN-13: 978-0-7817-9128-1
Further Recommended Reading:
- Bartlett, R. (2007). Introduction to Sports Biomechanics (2nd Edition). Routledge, Oxon. ISBN 978-0-415-33994-0
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
- ISBS Coaches Information: http://www.coachesinfo.com
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 20/09/2011 |
| Last revision date | 16/07/2020 |
