In this module you will study the effect of the stresses that act upon the tissues of the human body. You will assess the differing characteristics of human tissues and they cope with all types of stress and the factors that effect the coping mechanisms, both medical and physical. In the study you will be introduced to available equipment and techniques for assessing these stresses and evaluate their effectiveness and usefulness in the clinical setting. In this module you will start to draw links between the mechanical properties of tissue, the factors that affect the functional adaptation under load and their relevance to clinical practice.

Students have to be either an allied health professional registered with the HCPC, Sports therapist or biomechanist who support allied health professionals or a medical professional. All whom are involved in musculoskeletal practice.

Core Texts

Nigg B and Herzog (2007) Biomechanics of the Musculo-skeletal System. John Wiley and Sons ISBN: 047001 7678 978047001 7678
Watkins, J. (2010) Structure and Function of the Musculoskeletal System Image Bank (2nd Ed): Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics. ISBN: 07360 789089780736078900

Recommended Texts
Nigel Mills. Polymer Foams Handbook: Engineering and Biomechanics Applications and design Guide (2007). Burlington MA USA. Butterworth - Heinemann.
Hamil & Knutzen - 2009 - Biomechanical basis of human movement 3rd ed Philadelphia. US Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. ISBN: 97814511090160781791286

1. Demonstrate a complex knowledge and understanding of the tissue stress paradigm in biomechanics. (Analysis, Knowledge and Understanding)

2. Apply critical theory on tissue stress related to pathology and the clinical management of a patient.
(Analysis, Application, Enquiry, Knowledge and Understanding)

3. Evaluate and reflect upon the clinical techniques, and treatment outcomes in light of understanding of tissue stress. (Analysis, Learning)

4. Examine and critique published research linking tissue stress and clinical work practice in a variety of scenarios. (Application, Problem Solving, Reflection)

5. Explore the effect of loading on tissue and consider tissue adaptation in relation to assessment, diagnosis and management of clinical conditions. (Analysis, Application, Knowledge and Understanding, Problem Solving, Reflection)

Scheuled Learning and Teaching Activities: (4 hours)
4 hours online tutorial and discussion board

All pre course reading materials and course documentation will be available through blackboard. It will be necessary for students to engage fully in the Black Board activities and tasks and they are encouraged to participate in the discussion forums within blackboard to enhance the teaching / learning experience. This will consist of several Activities and Tasks, from which students will be asked to actively contribute to electronic based discussions.

Guided Independent Study: (146 hours)
10 hours Pre module Preparation
25 hours Reading and research
86 hours Distance learning
25 hours Assessment preparation

A Portfolio (100% weighted) addressing all LO's

This Portfolio should include:

(1) A 2000 word assignment incorporating poster presentation drawn from your application of the module theory to clinical practice of a specific case study.
(2) A Learning Diary reflecting on your work on the module as applied in practice spanning the period of the nine week study block.

These sections will require reflection on research for the module in application to a clinical case study of choice.

Additional Assessment Details (include formative feedback / assessment)
Students will receive formative feedback throughout the module comprising a combination of task related feedback and (more importantly) comments on online discussion contributions offered throughout the module.

In addition to standard library and IT facilities; the students in this module will require:

Anatomical models
Presentation tools (computer facilities)

In this module you will study the effect of the stresses that act upon the tissues of the human body. You will assess the differing characteristics of human tissues and they cope with all types of stress and the factors that effect the coping mechanisms, both medical and physical. In the study you will be introduced to available equipment and techniques for assessing these stresses and evaluate their effectiveness and usefulness in the clinical setting. In this module you will start to draw links between the mechanical properties of tissue, the factors that affect the functional adaptation under load and their relevance to clinical practice.