This module will provide students with an introduction to functional anatomy and biomechanics. Various systems of the body (such as the musculoskeletal and nervous system) will be explored in the context of biomechanics. Students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of human movement analysis through studying basic anatomical and mechanical principles, including an analysis of the Musculo-skeletal system and movement patterns. Technologies and techniques for assessing sports-related kinematics and kinetics will be developed using laboratory exploration, with the aim to enhance sports performance or to minimise injury risk. Practical and technical skills in data collection, and skills in data analysis will also be taught and developed that will introduce students to research processes.

The MCE will require students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of the Musculo-skeletal and nervous systems, basic biomechanics terminology, and anatomical movement descriptors. Students will also be examined on basic research processes via practical applications of laboratory and field-based technologies. The MCE will involve the use of a scientific calculator and require students to solve basic biomechanical problems to quantify movements and/or forces during sporting actions. Assessing learning outcomes 1-4 within the 90 minute time limit.

Formative feedback/assessment
Lab sessions will develop relevant skills throughout the module and formative assessment through regular feedback will be employed to enable students to reflect on and further develop their progress. Written tasks and short quizzes will also be provided, which will be either peer-assessed or answers will be given directly from module staff (e.g., via verbal or electronic format).

This module incorporates a tutor-lead lecture programme and practical sessions. Students will be required to conduct tutor-directed independent study, as well as student-lead enquiry and reading into research around the topics of biomechanics covered in the module. Students will receive formative feedback throughout the module comprising task-related feedback on a week-by-week basis, together with discussions to encourage peer-learning in addition to comments from relevant tutor Students will learn through a combination of lectures, independent activities, formative feedback tasks, peer to peer discussions, and 1-2-1 tutor support.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of various systems of the body, and communicate the anatomical and mechanical principles of biomechanics. Knowledge and Understanding, Communication, Learning

2. Solve quantitative and qualitative biomechanical problems . Problem Solving, Analysis

3. Execute, evaluate and reflect on a range of methods and techniques to monitor and analyse human performance Communication. Reflection, Analysis

4. Interpret and analyse biomechanical data obtained during test protocols. Communication, Analysis

Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment
Microsoft Teams
Internet access
Library facilities
Fully equipped biomechanics and strength and conditioning laboratory
Indoor Hall/outdoor athletics field or pitch

Hamill, J. (2015) Biomechanical basis of human movement. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Kerr, A. (2010). Introductory biomechanics e-book. Elsevier Health Sciences.

McCaw, S. (2014). Biomechanics for dummies. John Wiley & Sons.

Vaughan, C. L. (2020). Biomechanics of sport. CRC Press

This module will provide you with an introduction to functional anatomy and the various systems of the body (such as the musculoskeletal and nervous systems) in the context of biomechanics, which is the science of applying the principles of mechanics to a living body to detail how and why living bodies move the way they do. You will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of human movement analysis through studying basic anatomical and movement descriptors. You will also be introduced to the measurement of human movement, whether aimed to enhance sports performance or minimise injury risk, via technologies and techniques for assessing sports-related kinematics (the description of motion) and kinetics (the cause of motion). Through laboratory exploration, you will gain practical and technical skills in data collection and data analysis that will provide you with a basic understanding of research processes.