This assessment evaluates students’ ability to apply foundational biomechanical knowledge and demonstrate practical competence in a laboratory environment. Through a practical competency test, students evidence their achievement of the module’s learning outcomes by demonstrating technical ability, analytical skills, and effective scientific communication. This assessment develops key employability skills which are transferable to careers in sport and exercise, and strength and conditioning.

Practical

Students complete a 10-minute practical competency test demonstrating accurate equipment set-up and calibration, safe and systematic data-collection procedures, and effective data management. Professional conduct and clear communication are assessed throughout to ensure students can operate biomechanical equipment confidently and adhere to recognised laboratory and accreditation standards.

This module provides a foundational introduction to functional anatomy and biomechanics, with a specific emphasis on understanding human movement and applying biomechanical principles within sport, exercise, and strength and conditioning contexts.

Students will:

* Examine the structure and function of key body systems, including the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, and explore how these systems interact to produce movement.

* Core anatomical and mechanical principles will be introduced to support students in developing an applied understanding of movement patterns, joint function, force production, and mechanical loading.

* Students will receive guided training in the competent use of biomechanical equipment and software, including motion analysis systems, force measurement devices, and associated data-processing platforms.

* The module develops students’ capacity to critically evaluate the validity, reliability, and limitations of biomechanical measurement systems, fostering an evidence-based approach to data interpretation.

* Students will apply analytical techniques to interpret human movement data and provide informed insights into movement technique, performance outcomes, injury risk, and functional capacity.

* Students will also enhance their professional communication skills. They will learn to present biomechanical findings clearly and appropriately.

* By integrating theoretical knowledge, practical skill development, and critical evaluation, the module provides a robust foundation for further study in biomechanics and related disciplines.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of the body’s systems and the related anatomical and mechanical principles that underpin biomechanics.

Learning Outcome: Knowledge & Understanding

2. Communicate anatomical and mechanical principles that underpin biomechanics.

Learning Outcome: Communication

3. Use biomechanical equipment and software to accurately collect, process, and interpret human movement data.

Learning Outcome: Application & Problem Solving, Research Skills

Teaching and learning will combine lectures and practical laboratory sessions to develop students’ theoretical understanding and practical competency in biomechanics. Lectures will introduce key biomechanical and kinesiological principles through research-informed content, ensuring students engage with current evidence, contemporary methods, and real-world applications. Practical laboratory sessions will focus on developing technical proficiency with laboratory and field-based measurement systems, enabling students to confidently set up equipment, collect data, and troubleshoot issues. Students will design and conduct small-scale studies, strengthening their research skills, analytical abilities, and report-writing competence. Practical laboratory sessions will also support discussion, problem-solving, and interpretation of data using sport, exercise, strength and conditioning, and clinical case studies. Independent learning will further consolidate methodological understanding and support assessment preparation.

- Access to an appropriate PC, with accompanying software including Office 365 (MS Teams, One-Drive, Word, PowerPoint et al.), Adobe, and JAMOVI.

- Access to appropriate reading materials, which can be accesses through the University of Staffordshire library resource page for sport and Exercise.

LeVeau, B. (2024).¿Biomechanics of human motion: basics and beyond for the health professions. Routledge.

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

Payton, C.J., & Burden, A. (Eds.). (2017). Biomechanical Evaluation of Movement in Sport and Exercise: The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Guide (2nd ed.). Routledge.

In this module, you’ll explore how your muscles, bones and nerves work together to create movement, and you’ll learn the essential principles that explain human motion. Through interactive and practical lab sessions, you’ll develop confidence using biomechanical equipment and software, learning how to collect, manage and analyse movement data safely and accurately. You’ll also gain insight into how biomechanics helps us understand technique, performance and injury risk. By combining hands-on experience with clear, applied learning, this module gives you the foundation you need for further study and careers in sport and exercise, and strength and conditioning.