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Overview

An introduction to the mechanical principles and analytical techniques that can be applied to understand human structure and function.

Biomechanics is a fast growing sub-discipline of sport science. It is a high-tech science concerned with analysing how and why we move the way we do. This paper is an introduction to biomechanics. We will examine the mechanical principles and analytical techniques that can be applied to understand human structure and function.

About this paper

Paper title Biomechanics
Subject Sport, Physical Education and Exercise
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,318.20
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
ANAT 101 or HUBS 191 or PHSE 191 or PTWY 131
Restriction
PHSE 202
Schedule C
Science
Contact

Professor Melanie Bussey

Teaching staff

Co-ordinator: Professor Melanie Bussey
Teaching Staff: Dr Peter Lamb

Teaching Arrangements

Three 1-hour lectures per week.
One 2-hour lab each fortnight.

Textbooks

Blazevich, A. J. (2017). Sports biomechanics: the basics: optimising human performance (3rd ed.). Bloomsbury Publishing.

Uchida, T., & Delp, S. (2021). Biomechanics of Movement : The Science of Sports, Robotics, and Rehabilitation. MIT Press.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Information literacy.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this paper will develop:

  • An understanding of the mechanical aspects as they apply to human motion
  • An objective and scientific approach to human movement
  • An understanding of the use of instrumentation in the analysis of human movement
  • Skills for analysing, interpreting and presenting biomechanical data

Skills:

  • Conduct and interpret biomechanical measurements
  • Communicate scientific data to the public (clients), colleagues and professionals effectively and appropriately
  • Integrate biomechanical knowledge and skills with other areas of sport and exercise science

Overview

An introduction to the mechanical principles and analytical techniques that can be applied to understand human structure and function.

Biomechanics is a fast growing sub-discipline of sport science. It is a high-tech science concerned with analysing how and why we move the way we do. This paper is an introduction to biomechanics. We will examine the mechanical principles and analytical techniques that can be applied to understand human structure and function.

About this paper

Paper title Biomechanics
Subject Sport, Physical Education and Exercise
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
ANAT 101 or HUBS 191 or PHSE 191 or PTWY 131
Restriction
PHSE 202
Schedule C
Science
Contact

Professor Melanie Bussey

Teaching staff

Co-ordinator: Professor Melanie Bussey
Teaching Staff: Dr Peter Lamb

Teaching Arrangements

Three 1-hour lectures per week.
One 2-hour lab each fortnight.

Textbooks
  • Blazevich, A. J. (2017). Sports biomechanics: the basics: optimising human performance (3rd ed.). Bloomsbury Publishing.
  • Uchida, T., & Delp, S. (2021). Biomechanics of Movement : The Science of Sports, Robotics, and Rehabilitation. MIT Press.
  • Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Information literacy.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete this paper will develop:

    • An understanding of the mechanical aspects as they apply to human motion
    • An objective and scientific approach to human movement
    • An understanding of the use of instrumentation in the analysis of human movement
    • Skills for analysing, interpreting and presenting biomechanical data

    They will also develop the skills to:

    • Conduct and interpret biomechanical measurements
    • Communicate scientific data to the public (clients), colleagues and professionals effectively and appropriately
    • Integrate biomechanical knowledge and skills with other areas of sport and exercise science
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