Faculty of Business: Leisure, Sport and Tourism
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level: Undergraduate

Result Type: Grade and marks

Handbook description

This subject investigates the mechanical principles required to produce movement. It analyses both internal and external forces with respect to the human body and its environment, with a view to applying various mechanical principles to optimise human performance.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Understand the fundamental concepts of mechanics applicable to the study of human motion
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the scientific approach to the study of human movement.
3. Understand the limitations imposed by physical laws on human motion.
4. Discuss the optimisation of human performance through application of mechanical principles.

Contribution to graduate profile

This core subject in the BA Human Movement Studies and the BA Sport and Exercise Management provides students with an understanding of the physical laws that govern motion and forms the theoretical basis for subsequent applied biomechanical analyses of human movement. This knowledge is integral to the quantitative empirical approach to solving biomechanical problems in human movement science.

Teaching and learning strategies

Teaching and learning strategies include formal lectures, tutorials, laboratories and workshops. Content for this subject will be supported by UTSOnline.

Content

• Introductory concepts - basic movement terms, fundamental and derived quantities, vectors and scalars
• Linear and angular kinematics - time, displacement, velocity and acceleration of human movement
• Linear and angular kinetics - force, momentum and inertial factors of human movement, muscle mechanics including torque and efficiency

Assessment

Class Test (Individual)	40%
This addresses objectives 1, 3 and 4.
Laboratory Manual (Individual)	20%
This addresses objectives 1-4.
Final Examination (Individual)	40%
This addresses objectives 1, 3 and 4.

Examinations will be conducted under University examination conditions, and hence thoroughly address concerns regarding secure assessment. The laboratory manual requires the submission of original work, with personalised answers/opinions expressed.

Recommended text(s)

Hamill, J. & Knutzen, K. (2003). Biomechanical Basis of Human Movement, 2nd edition. Sydney: Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins.

Indicative references

Carr, G., (2004). Sport Mechanics for Coaches. Champaign. Ill: Human Kinetics.

Knudson, D. & Morrison, C., (2002). Qualitative Analysis of Human Movement. Champaign. Ill: Human Kinetics.

Panjabi, M. & White, A. (2001). Biomechanics in the Musculoskeletal System. New York: Churchill Livingstone.

Zatsiorsky, V. (2000). Biomechanics in Sport: Performance Improvement and Injury Prevention, Malden: Blackwell Science.