Library access
Access to contemporary journals
Personal computer (Internet Access advantageous)
Clinical facilities and clients (varying age ranges preferable).
Discourse with colleagues and fellow students.

The university will provide at the relevant times:

Access to university library, printing/photocopying and IT facilities.
Tutor support.
Help in forming peer support groups.

Resources specifically during class sessions:
Anatomical models.
Presentation tools (eg. Overhead projectors, computer facilities).
Clinical facilities- couches, biomechanical measuring devices, gait analysis equipment.
Video and television equipment.

The learning strategies of the module are centred on the interactive assessment employed through the use of portfolio building, of which a fuller explanation and detailed rationale is contained in the introduction to the student handbook.

The general mode of delivering this module is through seminar and workshop activities using role-play, video, published papers and practical work/case studies etc., as illustrations (80%). A feature of the delivery will be the use of discussions/debates, based on evidence you have gathered for your portfolio and through this, you will be encouraged to reflect on your previous and current work. Formal lectures (20%)will be used where deemed necessary to ensure particular points of knowledge. These will be a stimulant to work and debate elsewhere in the delivery.

In the design of this module and of the others in the Clinical Podiatric Biomechanics group, particular emphasis has been placed on a strategy to integrate the whole process of knowledge delivery, clinical application and assessment. It is designed to ensure that all strands of the educational experience contribute to learning and to giving you the confidence to enter research and debate. The teaching will be presented using interactive strategies reflecting contemporary adult learning principles. Group work will assure that clinical experiences are shared as part of the overall learning process.

Of the hours allocated to private study it is anticipated that this work will be related to set tasks and involve:

Collecting and reading articles and books (30%), Applying theory to practice in the clinical setting (30%), Preparation for seminar and poster presentations (20%), Collating the portfolio (20%)

To be an effective practitioner in the field of biomechanics, a clinician should be able to analyse the importance of kinematics, kinetics and functional anatomy. This enables the clinician to use this knowledge in a clinical environment to the benefit of his/her particular client group. In this module you will therefore examine the biomechanical concepts of the lower limb and link these to the laws of physics, particularly of motion. Studying this module will enable you to define and explain the relationship of kinematics to anatomy and physiology of the human musculo-skeletal system. You will study the relationship of anatomy to mechanics and explore the differing perspectives of the descriptive anatomist to that of the clinical biomechanist who requires an understanding of the dynamics of functional anatomy of human movement. You will explore the concepts of joint axes and their fluidity of position in space and time during gait and relate these concepts to those of joint neutral and joint congruency positions and core stability. These concepts are related to the attachment of ligaments, muscles/tendons, fascias and underlying skeletal structures together with the inherent properties of these tissues. Using an understanding of the mechanical effectiveness of such structures, you will then be able to interpret positional relationship of joint axes and timing of action with respect to locomotion and other functional activities. The key to the practical understanding of such concepts is the examination of the human body (generally) and limbs (specifically) in static stance, open chain joint relationships, and closed chain joint relationships during the dynamics. Your studies will therefore include comprehensive practical activities. It is important that you also explore mechanical efficiency in body types and therefore, normal variations during a range of activities and these are introduced to you along with references to the effects of the ageing process.

Many biomechanical abnormalities, originate during embryological and/or post natal development. In this module you will also will be provided with knowledge on the relationship between developmental processes and observed clinical pathology. It is recognised that accurate diagnoses can only be made when the clinician integrates his/her knowledge of clinical pathology with findings derived while conducting a thorough clinical examination and you will be expected to demonstrate practical application and debate on the origins of the clinical biomechanical evaluation process. The clinical course of biomechanical based disorders is commonly influenced by various environment and activity related factors. After studying this module you will be expected to identify and appropriately adjust those factors so as to minimise their adverse impact on treatment outcomes. In this module you will therefore explore the embryological and developmental origins of various structural deformities. Furthermore, you will examine and debate the influences of environment (footwear and terrain), recreational and work activities and relevant disease processes (such as neurological disorders).

This module has been specifically designed as part of a Podiatry M level programme. Therefore, initially this module is aimed at State Registered Chiropodists under the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine who are currently in clinical practice.

Contemporary journals as provided in reading lists sent by the presenter of the module in a list sent to you not less than 4 weeks prior to you attending the module.

Essential
Adrian, M and Cooper, J. (1997) Biomechanics of human movement, McGraw-Hill, London. ISBN 0-07115177x
Hall, S. (1999) Basic biomechanics McGraw-Hill, New York. ISBN 0-071211209
Hamell, J. (1995) The biomechanical basis of human movement. Williams and Wilkins.ISBN 0-68303863x
Nigg, B and MacIntosh, D., and Mester, J. (2000) Biomechanics and biology of movement, Human Kinetics, USA. ISBN 0-736003312
Nordin, M., and Frankel, V. (!989) Basic Biomechnics of the Musculoskeletal System, Lea and Febiger. Philadelphia. ISBN 0-683302477
Tixa, S. (1999) Atlas of palpatory anatomy, Michaelangelo illustration, Paris ISBN 0-070653577
Valmassey, R. (1996) Clinical biomechanics of the lower extremity. St. Louis, Mosby.ISBN 0-801679869
Watkins, J. (1999) Structure and function of the Musculosekeltal System, Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia. ISBN 0-880116862
Whiting, W. and Zernicke, R. (2000) Biomechanics of musculoskeletal injury, Human Kinetics, USA ISBN 0-873227794

A collection of evidence presented as a portfolio supporting the attainment of the learning outcomes.

The essence of the assessment is to test:

Your reflection on your work.
Self appraisal, identification of gaps and the actions you took to fill them.
A continuous record of study and practice.
Organisation of evidence as a demonstration of gaining and using biomechanical knowledge and skill in practice.

You will therefore need to include:

Evidence of you participating in the designed learning experiences/activities.
Demonstration through various mechanisms that learning has taken place as evidenced on two levels:
1.Academic (the demonstration of gaining biomechanical knowledge, the process of attaining and selecting this knowledge for your portfolio, and the rationale for its inclusion with cross linkage between different areas within your portfolio)
2.Clinical Application (evidence of your biomechanical application in the work place setting and provision by you of a written critical evaluation of how your clinical work has changed as a result of attending the course.

Your attention is also drawn to the general assessment principles for the Clinical Biomechanics group of modules outlined in the student handbook. Assessment will also include extensive feedback to you.

Pass
Proficient, fluently, presented arguments that demonstrate understanding of theoretical issues in the application of knowledge.
Work includes critical analysis that demonstrates breadth and depth of literature and knowledge in the subject area, and originality in presentation.
The use of evidence demonstrates an understanding of the advancement of the boundaries of knowledge and is used as a basis for problem - solving.
Referencing is complete and accurate.

Merit
A piece of work which meets all the requirements of a pass grade and in addition:
Presents arguments which have been underpinned by a thorough exploration of data and conceptual - based evidence which may go beyond the boundaries of the discipline. Discussion communicates ideas and arguments logically, concisely, clearly and effectively.

Distinction
An outstanding piece of work which meets all of the requirements of a merit grade and in addition:
Demonstrates creativity and innovation.
There is substantial evidence of critique, challenge and original thought.
The arguments presented are compelling and authoritative and demonstrate synthesis to support new ideas