SHN4193 - Fundamentals of Biomechanics and Human Movement for Strength and Conditioning

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

1 - Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles of human movement.

2 - Apply key concepts of kinematics and kinetics to analyse basic human movement in strength and conditioning contexts.

3 - Apply biomechanical analysis tools to evaluate and enhance human movement.

4 - Perform qualitative movement analysis and provide feedback to improve movement patterns in strength and conditioning exercises.

Content:

The indicative content for this module covers fundamental biomechanics principles and their application within strength and conditioning. You will explore human movement, focusing on planes of motion, axes of rotation, and segmental analysis. Core topics include linear kinematics (displacement, velocity, and acceleration), Newton’s laws in athletic movement, flexibility and range of motion, and postural control. You will develop practical skills such as video capture and motion analysis techniques, alongside movement screening using tools like Dartfish. The module also introduces strength and power concepts, focusing on the force-velocity relationship, with practical testing methods for assessing strength and movement performance. Additional topics include biomechanical principles of speed, power, and agility in sports (and Olympic lifts), analysis of sport-specific movements, and an introduction to designing S&C programs.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The learning and teaching methods in this module will include a combination of lectures and practicals/workshops. You will attend lectures that provide the theoretical foundation for biomechanics and strength and conditioning concepts. Practical sessions will be held in both the motion analysis suite and the strength and conditioning suite, where you will engage in hands-on activities using biomechanics equipment or S&C tools to develop practical skills. Workshops in IT suites will focus on movement analysis, where you will work with software like Dartfish to analyse motion capture data. These sessions will be supported with asynchronous activity in the form of mini lectures summarising core theory. The allocation of time will balance lectures, practical skills development, and interactive workshops.

Lectures
Hours: 15
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Practical/Seminar
Hours: 35
Intended Group Size: 10 to 20

Guided independent study
Hours: 250



Further Details Relating to Assessment



The assessment for this module includes two key components: a practical skills portfolio and a case study report.

Practical Skills Portfolio (Mid-Semester): You will complete a portfolio consisting of practical tasks, including activity logs, video analysis, and a reflective report. This portfolio will assess your ability to apply biomechanics and strength & conditioning (S&C) concepts in practical settings. The portfolio will be marked based on clear criteria for practical performance, movement analysis, and reflective insights. Full details on the portfolio's make-up and marking criteria will be outlined in the Module Handbook.

Case Study Report (End of Semester): The report will require you to analyse an athlete’s performance using biomechanical and S&C principles, followed by designing a basic S&C program. This assessment will be marked based on your ability to apply kinematic and kinetic analysis, program design, and recommendations for performance improvement. Any additional marking criteria or qualifying marks will be found in the Module Handbook.



Formative Assessment and Feedback: You will receive formative feedback throughout the module, especially during practical workshops where you will have opportunities to test and improve your skills. Formative tasks such as movement screening or video analysis will occur in Semester 1, mid-semester, with feedback provided to support your development before the summative assessments.

Ethical Approval: No formal research requiring independent ethical approval is expected within this module. Any activity requiring ethical consideration (e.g., collecting video data) is already covered under the University’s approved standard protocol for biomechanical testing, which includes Strength and Conditioning (S&C) practices. You will be made aware of the relevant ethical expectations and supported to work within the approved protocol.

Marking Criteria: Standard university marking criteria will apply. Also details of assessment specific marking criteria, will be outlined in the Module Handbook.

Negotiated Assessment: If applicable, you may have the opportunity to negotiate certain aspects of your assessment (such as selecting a specific athlete or type of movement for analysis), provided it meets the learning outcomes. This will be discussed with the module leader and agreed upon at an appropriate stage.

Please refer to the Module Handbook for full details on assessments, marking schemes, and feedback.

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Kirstie Grace
Level - 4
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4S2

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