Module Code - Title:
SS4081
-
APPLIED SPORTS BIOMECHANICS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To consolidate students' understanding of kinematic and kinetic analysis by more advanced and applied biomechanical analysis skills in 2D and 3D analysis of motion, force platform analysis and analysis using state of the are applied biomechanical technologies and techniques. To apply 2D analysis techniques to selected sporting and exercise activities and to assess and evaluate the reliability and validity of field based biomechanical analysis equipment and protocols and apply these equipment and protocols to the practical sporting and exercise environments. To demonstrate an appreciation of equipment selection for biomechanical analysis.
Syllabus:
• Design of biomechanical projects. Scientific writing. Analysis of data.
• Kinematic analysis of sporting movements. 2D and 3D analysis. Calibration and marker set-up. Kinematic Conventions - Absolute spatial reference system, Total description of segments in 3D space. Advanced use of link segment equations and free body diagrams.
• Application of kinetic analysis for strength and power testing.
• Applied use of state of the art applied biomechanical technologies and analysis.
• Modelling and movement. Application of biomechanical models to sporting performance.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On completion of this modules students will be able to; 1. Construct a meaningful and testable research question concerning appropriate kinematic or kinetic analysis.
2. Advance knowledge and understanding of the application of advanced biomechanical techniques and technologies to sporting performance and exercise settings.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On completion of this modules students will be able to; 1. Display a professional responsibility towards ethical research practice.
2. Demonstrate an appreciation for the practical application of biomechanical technologies.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On completion of this modules students will be able to; 1. Demonstrate the ability to set up cameras and obtain useful video data for two-dimensional and/ or three-dimensional analysis of discrete movements.
2. Demonstrate the ability to set up applied state of the art biomechancial assessment procedures for sporting and exercise settings.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be taught through lectures, lab based tasks and through independent learning endeavours. There will be a series of lectures delivered by current staff members and guest lecturers. Each lecture will have an applied laboratory task assigned to it. Students will conduct significant independent learning through the completion of self-directed assessment tasks. The focus of the module is on the application of recent, state of the art biomechanical technologies to sporting and exercise settings and research pertaining to these developments will be addressed through all learning sessions. There will be a significant focus on recent applied development in biomechanics throughout the delivery of this modules. All graduate attributes will be addressed in this module especially through the self-directed student-led research projects that will be embedded in this module.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Bartlett R.M. (2014)
Introduction to Sports Biomechanics
, Routledge
Chapman, A.E. (2013)
Research Methods in Biomechanics
, Human Kinetics
Other Relevant Texts:
Winter, D.A. (2009)
Biomechanics and Motor Control of Human Movement
, Wiley
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BSSESCUFA - SPORT AND EXERCISE SCIENCES
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
tom.comyns@ul.ie