Module Code - Title:
SS4305
-
QUANTITATIVE BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To further advance the students knowledge of biomechanics within both sport and exercise and to further explore the quantitative domain of biomechanics.
Syllabus:
Overview of measurement techniques in biomechanics. Data smoothing techniques and criteria for their optimisation including residual analysis. Free body diagram analysis of human movement. Mechanical properties of biological materials. Introduction to human simulation theory.
Practical Content
Force plate data capture and subsequent analysis. Advanced data analysis using spreadsheet solutions. Butterworth filter design and optimisation. Introuduction to simulation.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Recollect and discriminate between different filtering techniques used in biomechanical studies, including filter optimisation.
Reproduce and defend methods related to how joint forces and moments are calculated using simultaneous video and force plate data.
Recall and assess the methodologies related to the mechanical properties of biological materials, including bone, ligament and tendon.
Organise and perform a force platform analysis of a selected human movement activity and defend the results.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Appreciate the value of biomechanical data in support of the athlete post injury.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
None
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module utilises problem based learning within certain subject areas under the Learning 4U (MacNaught 2012) model which utilises group work combined with peer review and formative assessment, the use of such a model stimulates students to be PROACTIVE and COLLABORATIVE. Lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions are also used to ensure the students gain subject KNOWLEDGE. Embedded within the course are opportunities for the students to make presentations within groups and in a class based scenario enabling the adoption of ARTICULATE attributes. Recent research findings are embedded within the delivery mode.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Nigg, B.M., & Herzog, H. (2007)
Biomechanics of the Musculo-skeletal System (3rd Ed.)
, Wiley-Blackwell
Winter, D.A. (2009)
Biomechanics and Motor Control of Human Movement (4th Ed.)
, John Wiley & Sons
Other Relevant Texts:
Robertson G.M., Hamill, J., Caldwell, G., Kamen, G., Whittlesey, S. (2004)
Research Methods in Biomechanics
, Human Kinetics
Hamill, J. & Knutzen, K.M. (2010)
Biomechanical Basis of Human Movement (3rd Ed.)
, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
ross.anderson@ul.ie