HLTH 2003 Biomechanics
Credit Points 10
Legacy Code 401140
Coordinator Peter Clothier Opens in new window
School Health Sciences
Discipline Human Movement
Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp
Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.
Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject
Equivalent Subjects BIOS 2004 - Biomehanics and Kinesiology HLTH 2008 - Introduction to Biomechanics
Restrictions Students must be enrolled in 4658 Bachelor of Health Science (Sport and Exercise Science), 4661 Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Podiatric Medicine, 4662 Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Physiotherapy, 4706 Bachelor of Physiotherapy, 4707 Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours), 4708 Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine or 4709 Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine (Honours)
Assumed Knowledge
It is assumed that students have knowledge of structural and functional anatomy of the human body. Students also need to be able to apply basic concepts in maths and physics.
Learning Outcomes
- Define and explain terms, principles and units of measurement that apply to the biomechanics of motion, sport and exercise.
- Apply biomechanical principles as they relate to the description and analysis of motion, sport and exercise.
- Solve quantitative problems related to kinematic and kinematic concepts.
- Describe and illustrate examples of linear and angular analogues of Newton�fs Laws of motion.
- Identify and explain fluid mechanics principles as they apply to motion.
- Illustrate and explain the biomechanical properties of human tissues, how these tissues respond to loading and how problems to the tissue may affect tissue functioning.
- Recall and describe concepts relating to the biomechanical analysis human gait and locomotion
Subject Content
- terminology & definitions
- principles of Motion
- Qualitative Vs quantitative Motion
- SI units
2. Introduction to Physics
- Mass, inertia, laws of Motion, density, Force, torque, impulse
- mechanical loading
- contact and non-contact forces
- Friction
- introduction to levers
- levers in The human body
- centre of gravity, Balance and stability
3. Biomechanics of Human Tissue
- definitions
- plasticity and Elasticity
- stress and strain
- Shear-strain diagrams
- bone
- muscle and tendon
- Articular cartilage
- synovial joints
- effects of immobilisation
- effects of disease processes
4. Mechanics in action
- Moments, Moments of inertia, momentum
- conservation of momentum
- Rotatory Equilibrium
- Collisions, impact and impulse
- Projectile Motion: biomechanics of throwing and kicking
5. Fluid Mechanics
- fluid forces
- Buoyancy, lift and drag
- Air patterns and ball spin
6. Linear and angular Kinematics
- scalar, Vectors and tensors
- Force Vectors concept
- torque and moment Vectors concept
- normal and sheer stresses
- introduction to angular and linear kinematics
- collecting kinematic data
7. Linear and angular Kinetics
- levers
- axes of rotation
- Free body diagrams
- Calculating kinetics
8. The Gait Cycle
- events in The gait cycle
- muscle activation and sequencing
- joint range of Motion
- gait cycle in running
- Gait cycle in patient populations (eg amputees; rheumatoid arthritis, older population)
Assessment
The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.
| Type | Length | Percent | Threshold | Individual/Group Task |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz | Up to 30 mins | 20 | N | Individual |
| Presentation | 15 mins | 30 | N | Group |
| Final Exam | 1 hour 45 minutes | 50 | N | Individual |
Teaching Periods
Autumn (2022)
Campbelltown
Day
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Autumn (2023)
Campbelltown
On-site
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