Sports Biomechanics

Unit code: AHE2102 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
AHE1202 - Biomechanics; or
NEF1102 - Engineering Physics 1
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
Enquire

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:

  1. Contextualise the role of sports biomechanics and conceptualise its relationship with complementary roles;
  2. Exhibit professional judgement to apply appropriate methods to set up, record, analyse and interpret sports skills;
  3. Scrutinise and assess the athletic performance of skills by applying biomechanical principles to provide servicing for the enhancement of technique; and
  4. 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):

Bachelor of Biomedical and Exercise Science
HBES | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Exercise Science (Sport Practice)
ABHD | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

Search for units, majors & minors