BC196 : Biomechanics

Department

Department of Training

Academic Program

Bachelor in Sports Science (Training)

Type

Compulsory

Credits

02

Prerequisite

BC195

Overview

Biomechanics is the sport science field that applies the laws of mechanics and physics to human performance, in order to gain a greater understanding of performance in athletic events through modeling, simulation and measurement.

It is also necessary to have a good understanding of the application of physics to sport, as physical principles such as motion, resistance, momentum and friction play a part in most sporting events.

Biomechanics is a diverse interdisciplinary field, with branches in Zoology, Botany, Physical Anthropology, Orthopedics, Bioengineering and Human Performance. The general role of biomechanics is to understand the mechanical cause-effect relationships that determine the motions of living organisms.

In relation to sport, biomechanics contributes to the description, explanation, and prediction of the mechanical aspects of human exercise, sport and play.

Biomechanics (Kinesiology as it is sometimes known) is the study of the laws of physics as applied to physical activity, exercise and sport. Biomechanics can be used to explain how muscles, bones and joints react under certain conditions and to improve performance using motion analysis techniques. Through scientific analysis of sporting technique, a sports biomechanist can provide valuable guidance to athletes to improve their skills and ultimately performance.

Qualifications in the field of biomechanics are a combination of both mechanics and anatomy. You may either approach it though studies in engineering with additional education in the biological sciences, or from a background in anatomy or human movement, with additional education in physics and engineering. Either way, working as a biomechanical engineer requires at least a master’s degree at university. Biomechanist are typically employed in research settings and clinical sites, sporting institutes or a university as a lecturer or researcher.

Intended learning outcomes

A Sports Biomechanist must have knowledge about physics, statistics, anatomy, motor learning, human tissues and kinesiology. There should be effective communication skills and complex ideas. A Sports Biomechanist can work in a medical facility such as in an Orthopedic Center or in a Sports Sciences Clinic. In addition, they can also work at their own private practice. Furthermore, a Sports Biomechanist can also work with Athletes in Schools or Universities or alongside with the Olympic Athletes.

Teaching and learning methods

The course will provide the student with a combination of these methods through lectures, panel discussions with brainstorming, in addition to practical activities on movement analysis. The lectures are in person and to increase understanding, lectures are given through electronic platforms such as teams

Scientific Program Subjects

Scientific Topics

Hours

Introduction to the course Biomechanics and its basics

2

Motion systems: - Axes and levels.

2

Relativity of motion and the coordinate system.

2

Basic movements in the human body and forms of movement geometrically and temporally.

2

Types of mechanical quantities - Vector algebra - Trigonometric methods.

2

Motion kinematics

2

Linear kinematics

2

Free fall of objects

2

Projectiles

2

Kinetics of Motion (Newton's First Law) (Inertia - Moment of Inertia.) (Weight - Mass)

2

Movement kinetics

2

Work and energy (work law - kinetic energy - potential energy - total energy)

2

fluid dynamics

2

Newton's Law 2-3 (Momentum - Conservation of momentum) (internal and external force)

2

Methods of assessments

Type of evaluation

Marks

1st Midterm Written exam

15 marks

2nd midterm written test exam

15 marks

Continuous assessment (attendance and participation)

10 marks

Final Exam

60 Marks

Total

100 Marks

References

  1. Baker, R. (2006). Gait analysis methods in rehabilitation. In Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation (Vol. 3, Issue 1, p. 4). BioMed Central. https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-0003-3-4
  2. Hamill, J., & Knutzen, K. (2013). Biomechanical Basis of Human Movement. In jJLippincott Wiliams & Wilkins. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781107415324.004
  3. Hay, J. G. (1993). The biomechanics of sports techniques. Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.