Program Overview

Unit of Study BIO20002 - Biomechanics of Gait

Unit Snapshot

• Unit type: UG Coursework Unit
• Credit points: 12
• AQF level: 7
• Level of learning: Intermediate
• Former School/College: Former School of Health and Human Sciences
• Co-requisites: PDT72001 - Lower Limb Assessment I
• Enrolment information: N/A

Unit Description

Enhances and develops student's theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of lower limb biomechanics.

Unit Content

• Mechanical and biomechanical Principles
  • Kinematics
  • Kinetics
• Patterns of human movement
  • Functional Anatomy
  • The gait cycle kinematics and kinetics of the whole body
• Assessment of normal and abnormal biomechanical function and gait in practice and research
  • Measurement: reliability and validity
  • Manual assessment and observational gait analysis
  • Technology assisted assessment, including: video gait analysis, plantar pressure systems, force platforms and electromyography
• Models of pathological function
  • Tissue Stress model
  • Root, Subtalar joint rotational equilibrium, and sagittal plane models
  • Assessing the evidence base
• Pathomechanics
  • Interrelationship between pathology and mechanical function and dysfunction

Availabilities

Learning Outcomes and Graduate Attributes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

On Completion of This Unit, Students Should Be Able To:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of kinetic and kinematic concepts
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the mechanics of normal and abnormal structure and function of the body
3. Apply techniques of biomechanical assessment and gait analysis
4. Apply contemporary biomechanical theories to conduct and evaluate an assessment of the lower limb
5. Interpret the relationship between biomechanical disorders and clinical manifestations

Prescribed Learning Resources

Session 1

• Prescribed Texts: No prescribed texts.
• Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.

Graduate Attributes

• GA1: Intellectual rigour - A commitment to excellence in all scholarly and intellectual activities, including critical judgement.
• GA2: Creativity - An ability to develop creative and effective responses to intellectual, professional and social challenges.
• GA3: Ethical practice - A commitment to sustainability and high ethical standards in social and professional practices.
• GA4: Knowledge of a discipline - Command of a discipline to enable a smooth transition and contribution to professional and community settings.
• GA5: Lifelong learning - The ability to be responsive to change, to be inquiring and reflective in practice, through information literacy and autonomous, self-managed learning.
• GA6: Communication and social skills - The ability to communicate and collaborate with individuals, and within teams, in professional and community settings.
• GA7: Cultural competence - An ability to engage with diverse cultural and Indigenous perspectives in both global and local settings.