27111 Mechanics of Human Motion

Subject level: Undergraduate

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 Bachelor of Human Movement and the BM Sport and Exercise 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

Assessment item 1: Class Test (Individual)

Assessment item 2: Laboratory Manual (Individual)

Assessment item 3: Final Examination (Individual)

Required text(s)

Grimshaw, P., Lees, A., Fowler, N. & Burden, A. (2006), Sport and Exercise Biomechanics, Taylor & Francis, New York.

Recommended text(s)

Journals:

International Journal of Biomechanics in Sport

Journal of Applied Biomechanics

Journal of Biomechanics

Journal of Human Movement Studies

Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport Science

Journal of Sports Sciences

Indicative references

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

Griffiths, I., (2006), Principles of Biomechanics & Motion Analysis, Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.

Hall, S., (2007), Basic Biomechanics, McGraw-Hill, Boston, Mass.

McGinnis, P. (2005), Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise, (2nd Ed), Human Kinetics, Champaign, Ill.

Other resources

Required Laboratory Equipment

It is expected that the following laboratory equipment be brought each week:

• Lab Manual
• Calculator
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Rubber
• Glue or Sticky Tape
• Protractor
• Clothing suitable for outdoor labs (including sun protection clothing)

Note: Lab 8 requires old clothing to be worn