Program Overview

Unit of Study HBIO2003 Functional Kinesiology of the Upper Limbs and Trunk

Overview

This unit focuses on concepts of biomechanics and kinesiology applied to situations that have specific implications for occupational therapy practice and intervention in activities of daily living and the workplace. The emphasis is on biomechanical concepts and the application of those concepts to certain tissues and specific regions, including the trunk and upper limb.

Unit Description

The unit explores the effect of common work tasks and applies biomechanical concepts to occupational therapy practice. It covers forces and motion, torque, machines, momentum, and moment of inertia, as well as the centre of mass, stability, functional anatomy of the trunk, lifting, and posture.

Unit Content

• Forces and motion
• Torque, machines, momentum, and moment of inertia
• Centre of mass, stability, functional anatomy of the trunk, lifting, and posture
• Functional anatomy of the upper limb
• Tissue mechanics
• Splinting

Availabilities

The unit is available at the following locations and terms:

• Coffs Harbour: Term 2 (Domestic and International)
• Gold Coast: Term 2 (Domestic and International)

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of biomechanical concepts and equations, and factors related to linear and rotational kinematics and kinetics and their application to occupational therapy practice
• Apply the concept of forces as the source of changes in motion to occupational therapy practice
• Apply functional anatomy and biomechanical concepts to the human body
• Explain factors related to tissue mechanics and apply them to case scenarios in healthcare

Teaching and Assessment

Coffs Harbour and Gold Coast (Term)

• Teaching method:
  • Workshop: 1 hour (Weekly)
  • Laboratory: 3 hours (Weekly)
• Assessment:
  • Quiz: 20%
  • Report: 50%
  • Report: 30%

Prescribed Learning Resources

Term 2

• Prescribed Texts: Information not currently available.
• Prescribed Resources/Equipment: Information not currently available.

Fee Information

Domestic

• Commonwealth Supported courses: For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts, please refer to the relevant university resources.
• Fee paying courses: For postgraduate or undergraduate full-fee paying courses, please check the domestic postgraduate or undergraduate fees.

International

• Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

Courses that Offer this Unit

• Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (2026): Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast
• Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (2025): Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast