Unit rationale, description and aim

An understanding of the mechanical principles underlying human movement, based on theoretical and best practice approaches, is required for the application of the science of exercise for health, fitness and sports performance. This unit introduces students to fundamental biomechanical concepts applicable to the study of exercise and sports science, specifically focusing on external forces and their effects on human movement and linear and angular kinematics and kinetics. This aim of the unit is to provide students with an understanding of basic mechanical principles and how these may be applied to human motion in a variety of contexts, as well as developing basic data collection and analysis skills fundamental to both qualitative and quantitative biomechanical assessment. These knowledge and skills are consistent with the professional standards of several accreditation bodies, including those for Exercise Science.

2025 10

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  • Semester 1Multi-mode

Prerequisites

Nil

Incompatible

EXSC120 Mechanical Bases of Exercise Science

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

Describe and relate fundamental biomechanical prin...

Learning Outcome 01

Describe and relate fundamental biomechanical principles to the analysis of various forms of human movement
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC11

Apply fundamental biomechanical principles to huma...

Learning Outcome 02

Apply fundamental biomechanical principles to human movement in a variety of contexts including exercise, sport, health, activities of daily living and injury
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC2, GC9, GC10, GC12

Describe the methods utilised in biomechanics and ...

Learning Outcome 03

Describe the methods utilised in biomechanics and their advantages and limitations, including qualitative and quantitative analyses
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC10, GC12

Use biomechanical data collection and analysis sys...

Learning Outcome 04

Use biomechanical data collection and analysis systems to analyse human movement
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC7, GC8, GC10, GC12

Content

Topics will include: 

  • Biomechanics and its methods
  • Linear kinematics
  • Angular kinematics
  • Movement and forces
  • Linear kinetics
  • Angular kinetics
  • Work, power and energy
  • Centre of Gravity
  • Fluid mechanics
  • Introduction to applied biomechanics (including topics such as movement analysis concepts, technology, sport technique)

Assessment strategy and rationale

In order to best enable students to achieve unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes, standards-based assessment is utilised, consistent with University assessment requirements. A range of assessment strategies are used including: a mid-semester quiz to assess the understanding and application of knowledge; a presentation to assess the application of key skills and the synthesis of sourced information with unit content; and a written examination to assess student learning of unit content.

Overview of assessments

Mid-Semester Quiz Enables students to demonstrat...

Mid-Semester Quiz

Enables students to demonstrate their understanding and application of basic biomechanical principles

Weighting

30%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3

Mechanical Changes Presentation Enables students...

Mechanical Changes Presentation

Enables students to demonstrate the application of key practical skills and the synthesis of sourced information with unit content

Weighting

30%

Learning Outcomes LO2, LO3, LO4

Written Examination  Enables students to demonst...

Written Examination 

Enables students to demonstrate their understanding of unit content.

Weighting

40%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

Learning and teaching strategies include active learning, individual and group activities, cooperative learning and web-based learning, delivered over 12 weeks. This range of strategies will provide students with appropriate access to required knowledge and understanding of unit content, and opportunities for the development and application of practical skills in the analysis of human movement. These strategies will allow students to meet the aim, learning outcomes and graduate attributes of the unit, as well as professional practice standards. Learning and teaching strategies will reflect respect for the individual as an independent learner. Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively within group activities

Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

Hall, S. J. (2022). Basic Biomechanics (9th ed.). New York, USA: McGraw-Hill.

Enoka, Roger, M. (2015). Neuromechanics of human movement (5th ed). Champaign, IL:. Human Kinetics.

Griffiths, I.W. (2006). Principles of Biomechanics and Motion Analysis. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins,.

McGinnis, P.M. (2021). Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise (4th ed). Champaign, IL:. Human Kinetics,

Hamill, J., Knutzen, K.M. & Derrick, T. (2021). Biomechanical basis of human movement (5th ed). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Bradshaw, E.J., and Le Rossignol, P. (2004). Anthropometric and biomechanical field measures of floor and vault ability in 8 to 14 year old talent-selected gymnasts. Sports Biomechanics3, 249-262.

Burkett, B. (2019). Applied Sports Mechanics (4rd Ed). Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics.

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