92512 Biomechanics of Human Motion
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Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level: Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): (((24 credit points of completed study in 24.0000000000 Credit Points spk(s): STM91460 96cp Public Health Core OR 24 credit points of completed study in spk(s): STM91974 90cp Public Health core)) OR 24 credit points of completed study in 24.0000000000 Credit Points spk(s): STM91103 Core subjects (Health Science) )
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Description
In this subject, students are introduced to the fundamental principles of biomechanics that govern human movement. Students explore the mechanisms behind human and object motion, guided by the principles of physics. Through practical activities including problem-solving exercises, physical demonstrations, and basic data collection tasks, students develop the ability to both qualitatively and quantitatively describe human motion. They learn to interpret numerical and graphical data, drawing meaningful conclusions applicable to real-world scenarios.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| A. | Comprehend and apply the fundamental concepts of biomechanics applicable to the study of human motion in problem-solving scenarios |
|---|---|
| B. | Demonstrate knowledge of the biomechanical principles of sport, exercise and health and apply this in problem-solving scenarios |
| C. | Demonstrate knowledge of the impact of physical laws on human motion and apply this in problem-solving scenarios |
| D. | Analyse and explain the optimisation of human performance through application of biomechanical principles |
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject incorporates a range of teaching and learning strategies to engage students with the content.
Online modules provide students with an opportunity to work through content at their own pace. Four online modules will be released sequentially throughout the session providing students an overview and practical applications of the fundamental concepts explored in Biomechanics of Human Motion. Modules include written information, diagrams, videos, screencasts, interactive activities and revision questions. Whilst students are free to complete modules at their own pace, set modules must be completed by the prescribed dates in the weekly program. As a guide, students should aim to complete one module every three weeks.
Weekly Q&A sessions facilitated by the subject coordinator offer students a chance to ask questions about online content, assessment tasks and general subject administration. Q&A sessions will be run online via Zoom.
Prior to laboratory sessions, students will be asked to complete a number of preparation activities which may include revising module content, completing pre-lab activities and preparing lab materials. These preparation activities are designed to prepare students for their laboratory classes. Specific instructions and resources will be provided on Canvas each week.
Students will participate in laboratory classes on-campus, although the occasional laboratory may be run online. Details regarding attendance are provided on Canvas. Laboratory classes will include a variety of activities designed to reinforce the theory delivered in online modules, and provide practical applications of biomechanical concepts. Activities will include practical or virtual experiments, graphing and tabulation of experimental data, calculation-based problem-solving activities, and facilitated class discussions. Students will be encouraged to work collaboratively during all on-campus activities, either as a whole class or in small groups. Online activities may be completed independently or collaboratively.
U:PASS (UTS Peer Assisted Study Success) is a voluntary “study session” where students will be studying the subject with other students in a group. It is led by a student who has previously excelled in the subject area. Leaders will prepare activities for you to work on in groups based on the content you are learning in lectures and tutorials. Students can sign up for U:PASS sessions via U:PASS website https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/support/upass/upass/join-session. Note that sign up is not open until week 2. As U:PASS is voluntary, only students who want to go should sign up. If you have any questions or concerns about U:PASS, please contact Georgina at upass@uts.edu.au, or visit the website.
Feedback will be provided to students throughout the session on a weekly basis. Modes of feedback will include immediate scores from online content (self-assessment quiz, interactive activities in online modules, module revision quizzes, online labs), answers and worked solutions for calculation-based questions provided in-class and peer-based learning (collaborative tutorial activities and class discussions). Students should refer to the "Assessment Feedback" section for further information regarding feedback.
Content (topics)
ONLINE MODULES:
Module 1: Biomechanics tool kit
- 1.1 Introduction to biomechanics
- Types of motion, units of measurement, scalar & vector quantities
- 1.2 Working with vectors
- Vector addition in 1 plane, vector addition in 2 planes, resolving vectors into components, vector addition simulator
- 1.3 Graphing
- Kinematic/time graphs, displacement/time graphs, velocity/time graphs, acceleration/time graphs
Module 2: Linear motion
- 2.1 Linear kinematics
- Gravity & air resistance, uniformly accelerated motion, projectile motion
- 2.2 Linear kinetics
- Force, Newton’s laws of motion, momentum, impulse, friction, work, energy, power, conservation of energy
Module 3: Angular motion
- 3.1 Introduction to angular motion
- Quantities and units in angular motion, conventions in angular motion
- 3.2 Angular kinematics
- Angular displacement, angular velocity, linear and angular motion relationship, angular acceleration, radial & tangential acceleration
- 3.3. Angular kinetics
- Torque, Newton’s laws of motion – angular application, centre of gravity, stability & mobility
Module 4: Fluid mechanics
- 4.1 Introduction to fluid mechanics
- Dynamic fluid force, drag, lift – Bernoulli’s principle, spin – the Magnus effect, Buoyant force – Archimedes’ principle
LABORATORY TOPICS:
- Linear kinematic analysis of a 40 m sprint
- Graphing & vectors
- Gravity & gradients
- Problem solving: Linear kinematics
- Projectile motion
- Problem solving: Linear kinetics
- Problem solving: Friction, work, power & energy
- Momentum & impulse
- Angular motion
- Centre of gravity – segmentation method
- Fluid mechanics
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Calculation-Based Problem Solving
| Intent: | The purpose of this assessment is to assess the student's ability to solve kinematic and kinetic problems that relate to human movement and its environment. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B, C and D This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): .0 and .0 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
Assessment task 2: Laboratory Reflections
| Intent: | Laboratory based classes require students to demonstrate knowledge of the biomechanical principles of sport and exercise through practical experiments, tabulation and graphing of results, collaborative discussions and problem solving activities. Laboratory reflections are designed to assess the student’s understanding, retention and application of concepts discussed in tutorial activities. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B, C and D This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): .0 and .0 |
| Type: | Reflection |
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
Assessment task 3: Final Examination
| Intent: | The purpose of the final examination is to assess the student's ability to recall information relating to the laws that govern motion and comprehend the fundamental concepts of biomechanics. The fundamental knowledge assessed in this exam is essential for future learning and practical application. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B, C and D This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): .0 and .0 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
Required texts
Grimshaw, P., Cole, M., Burden, A., Fowler, N. (2019). Instant Notes in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics (2nd ed). Routledge.
(Available in hard copy and e-book)
Other resources
UTS Student Centre
Building 10
Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Tel: 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887)
Details for student centres: www.uts.edu.au/current-students/contacts/general-contacts
For other resources/ information refer to the Faculty of Health website (www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-health) and Canvas at: https://canvas.uts.edu.au/.
UTS Library
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Improve your academic and English language skills
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HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support)
HELPS provides assistance with English language proficiency and academic language. Students who need to develop their written and/or spoken English should make use of the free services offered by HELPS, including academic language workshops, vacation intensive courses, drop-in consultations, individual appointments and Conversations@UTS (www.ssu.uts.edu.au/helps). HELPS staff are also available for drop-in consultations at the UTS Library. Phone (02) 9514 9733.
Please see www.uts.edu.au for additional information on other resources provided to students by UTS.
The Accessibility and Financial Assistance Service
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