Program Overview

BIOMECHANICS

Course Overview

The Biomechanics course covers the basic elements of the biomechanics of tissues making up the musculoskeletal system, including the effects of mechanical stresses on these structures. The course is divided into two didactic modules.

Aims and Content

Learning Outcomes

The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of biomechanics and its relevance to the profession of physiotherapist. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Know and understand the meaning of the discipline of biomechanics in the context of kinesiology
• Understand the biomechanics glossary in Italian and essential English-speaking terms
• Apply the correct terminology to describe a given movement from the osteocinematic point of view
• Understand the basic terminology of kinematics, arthrokinematics, and kinetics

Teaching Methods

The course is delivered in person through lectures and theoretical-practical simulations/exercises for a total of 10 hours (1 CFU). Students with special educational needs are encouraged to contact the teachers to agree on suitable teaching methods and compensatory instruments.

Syllabus/Content

The course covers topics such as:

• Cartilage, intervertebral disc, ligaments, and tendons
• Elementary knowledge on the composition and structure of different tissues
• Relations between mechanics and biomechanics
• Definition of biomechanics, kinematics, and kinetics
• Concepts of rotation axis, degrees of freedom of a joint, and kinetic chain

Recommended Reading/Bibliography

• Dvir, Z. (2000). Clinical Biomechanics. Churchill & Livingstone - Philadelphia.
• Neumann, D. A. (2002). Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System. Mosby.

Teachers and Exam Board

The course is taught by Andrea Fusco. The exam board consists of:

• Greta Nunziati (President)
• Andrea Bianchi
• Laura Bonzano
• Letizia De Marchi
• Francesca Farina
• Andrea Fusco
• Daniela Garaventa
• Francesca Invrea
• Valentina Penazzi
• Susanna Accogli (President and Coordinator of Integrated Course)

Lessons

Lessons take place in the 1st semester of the 1st year. The timetable can be consulted on the university's website.

Exams

The exam is oral and includes at least 2 questions asked by the teachers. The grade will be mediated with the evaluations obtained in other disciplines of the Integrated Course. Exam sessions are available in the winter and summer sessions.

Assessment Methods

The exam aims to evaluate an appropriate knowledge of the topics covered in the course. Students with special educational needs can agree with the teacher on the written or oral modality and may take advantage of 30% additional time.

Exam Schedule

The exam schedule is as follows:

• 16/01/2026, 09:00, Genova
• 27/01/2026, 09:00, Genova
• 19/02/2026, 09:00, Genova
• 26/02/2026, 09:00, Genova
• 12/06/2026, 09:00, Genova
• 19/06/2026, 09:00, Genova
• 01/07/2026, 09:00, Genova
• 03/07/2026, 09:00, Genova
• 16/07/2026, 09:00, Genova
• 20/07/2026, 09:00, Genova
• 04/09/2026, 09:00, Genova
• 07/09/2026, 09:00, Genova
• 18/09/2026, 09:00, Genova
• 21/09/2026, 09:00, Genova

Further Information

Students with certified special educational needs should contact the Referent Professor of the DISABILITY and SLD Commission for DINOGMI to discuss individual arrangements for the course and exam. The Integrated Course is preparatory to the first year internship exam.