Sports Biomechanics
Credit points
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Prerequisites
NEF1102 - Engineering Physics 1
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
In this unit, students further develop the analytical skills learned in first year biomechanics and apply these skills to real-world sporting applications. Using qualitative and quantitative biomechanical analysis skills, cameras and analysis software, biomechanical principles are used to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of an individual’s technique. Students perform a research-based analysis and a servicing-based report for an athlete to explore both the scientific aspect of sports biomechanics as well as the applied component where this data needs to be condensed and presented in a coach/athlete friendly way. Students also explore high level lab-based technologies to explore the forces and motions in sports skills, balance and injury to advance their biomechanical knowledge.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Contextualise the role of sports biomechanics and conceptualise its relationship with complementary roles;
- Exhibit professional judgement to apply appropriate methods to set up, record, analyse and interpret sports skills;
- Scrutinise and assess the athletic performance of skills by applying biomechanical principles to provide servicing for the enhancement of technique; and
- Report a clear coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas to differentiated audiences (specifically sporting and scientific).
Assessment
For Melbourne campuses
Assessment type: Test | Grade: 30%
2 x quizzes (15% each, 30mins online on course content and activities)
Assessment type: Test | Grade: 20%
Practical skills test (90mins) (Hurdle)
Assessment type: Project | Grade: 50%
Report and presentation
Test - Practical skills test assesses the ability to conduct a video-based biomechanical data collection procedure and analyse the video using biomechanical software. This assessment is a hurdle as students are required to demonstrate skills that are related to practice in sports biomechanics.
Project - Report and presentation - students choose a skill, identify important elements of the skill, video and analyse it. From this analysis a report is developed regarding the athlete’s technique and a conference style scientific presentation is developed.
Required reading
Selected readings will be made available via VU Collaborate.
As part of a course
This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):