THP203 Basic biomechanics (Spring 2025)
- ECTS Credits:
- 10
- Responsible department:
- Department of Physical Performance
- Course Leader:
- Hannah Margaret Rice
- Lecture Semester:
- Spring
- Teaching language:
- English
- Duration:
- ½ year
Introduction
In this course, students will acquire knowledge of basic physical and mechanical principles that underlie human movement and sport, using mathematics to solve relevant problems. The biomechanical and physiological properties of muscles and other tissues will be explored in relation to function, performance and injury risk.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, the student should be able to:
• apply the laws of physics and mechanics to understand and describe the movement of biological systems
• use basic mathematics to solve problems in sports
• explain specific biomechanical measurement methods and how these are used in research and practice
• explain the structure and mechanical properties of relevant human tissues and how this relates to function
• apply biomechanical analysis of various movements such as walking, running, throwing and selected strength training exercises
• carry out simple data processing, analysis and reporting of data
Learning methods and activities
The teaching consists of lectures, seminars and group tasks using various materials and worksheets. There is 1 practical laboratory session.
Work requirements
-
100% attendance at the laboratory exercises.
-
Two lab report tasks to be submitted
The lab reports must be passed as a pre-requisite for sitting the written exam.
Assessment/exam
-
Two group reports (2-3 students per group) are assessed. Pass/fail.
-
3-hour individual written exam. Graded grade A-F.
Permitted aids:
-
Formula sheets (distributed in the exam room)
-
Calculator from the list of approved calculators