Sports Biomechanics
MODULE CODE
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Module Aims
Aim 1
The module aims include the following:
Aim 2
To model and refine sport performance and technique using the application of Biomechanical principles.
Aim 3
To investigate the role of material properties and design associated with their sporting applications and injury prevention.
Aim 4
To investigate the manipulation of forces and sports performance including the application of Fluid Dynamics.
Aim 5
To introduce the students to qualitative analysis of sporting activities and develop analytical and experimental skills.
Module Content
Application of Kinetics
Definition of force and stress and the application of mechanical load. Investigating the relationship between load and stress. Application and effect of loads on major joints of the body. Solving problems using mechanical principles.
Application of Material science to sporting performance and injury
Material properties and moduli. Load bearing structures, strain and stress. Application of material science to Biomaterial performance, i.e. ligament, tendon, bone. Viscoelastic properties and response to loading
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Manipulation of Forces and Sports performance
Application of impulse and momentum (e.g. Sprint start, Take-off forces). Manipulation of forces to enhance performance and prevent injury. Angular Momentum and the interplay between angular velocity and Moment of inertia in various sports applications.
Fluid Mechanics
System definitions including viscosity, motion and Reynold’s number. Motion of fluids and motion through fluids. Laminar and Turbulent flow. Bernoulli’s Equation, the Magnus effect and performance. Drag effects, drag forces, drag co-efficient.
Information Technology
Use of software, e.g. spreadsheets for data analysis. Use of appropriate motion sensing and force analysis equipment.
Biomechanical Analysis in Sporting performance
Introduction to laboratory techniques and biomechanical analysis. Use of biomechanical measuring techniques in the biomechanics laboratory. Practical sessions and observations of sporting performance and techniques.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:
Teaching Methods
The Module will be delivered using active workshops, Tutorials and Question and answer sessions accompanied by numerous practical laboratories. Private study will also be an integral part of the module. Tutorial sessions will be used to develop mathematical skills and applications of the concepts. An application-based assignment will allow the student to investigate the deeper significance of the philosophies in the context of Sport and Exercise Science. Supporting literature and other relevant resources will also be made available online via Blackboard.
Assessment Methods
This module is assessed through a lab report and an examination.
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Compulsory
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