Program Overview

Unit Overview

The unit EXSC220 - Biomechanics is designed to develop students' theoretical knowledge of the biomechanics of musculoskeletal tissues, structures, and joints. It extends their understanding of kinematics and kinetics of rigid and biological systems, including skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation of human movement.

Unit Rationale, Description, and Aim

This unit aims to provide students with the ability to apply biomechanical principles to assess human movement in the context of health, sport, and activities of daily living. It requires an understanding of the mechanical principles underlying human movement to meet specific health, fitness, and/or performance goals of clients.

Campus Offering

No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for this unit is EXSC120 - Mechanical Bases of Exercise Science.

Learning Outcomes

To successfully complete this unit, students will be able to:

• Describe the neuromuscular and material properties of the human body.
• Explain the relationship between forces acting upon and within the body and the resulting motion.
• Describe the biomechanical mechanisms of common sport injuries and the effects of injury, disease, and disability on movement.
• Apply biomechanical principles to assess human movement in the context of health, sport, and activities of daily living.
• Conduct and interpret biomechanical measurements and effectively communicate the results.

Unit Content

Topics include:

• Movement analysis methods
• Applied biomechanics (human gait, fundamental movements, and sport techniques)
• Biomechanics of tissues and structures of the musculoskeletal system (bone, cartilage, ligament, tendon, and muscle)
• Neuromuscular mechanics
• Biomechanics of joints (spine, upper and lower extremity)
• Injury mechanisms

Assessment Strategy and Rationale

The assessment strategy includes:

• Written examination 1 (25%): Understanding of fundamental principles.
• Written examination 2 (45%): Understanding of unit content and application to client goals.
• Skill Analysis Protocol and Client Report (30%): Ability to plan, conduct, and interpret biomechanical analyses.

Learning and Teaching Strategy and Rationale

Learning and teaching strategies include active learning, case-based learning, individual and group activities, and reflective/critical thinking activities. These strategies provide students with access to required knowledge and understanding of unit content and how to apply this knowledge to address clients' needs.

Representative Texts and References

• Hall, S.J. (2014). Basic Biomechanics (7th Ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
• Griffiths, I.W. (2006). Principles of biomechanics and motion analysis. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
• Hamilton, N., Weimar, W., Luttgens, K. (2012). Kinesiology. Scientific basis of human motion (12th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
• McGinnis, P.M. (2013). Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise (3rd Ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
• Neumann, D.A. (2002). Kinesiology of the musculoskeletal system. Foundations for physical rehabilitation. St. Louis: Mosby.
• Nigg, B. M. and Herzog, W. (2006). Biomechanics of the musculo-skeletal system (3rd ed.). Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.
• Nordin, M. and Frankel, V.H. (2012). Basic biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system (4th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins.

Credit Points

10

Year

2026