Introduction to Biomechanics

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

Level of Unit in Course

AQF Level(s) of Course

Level of Unit in Course

Introductory

Intermediate

Effective Term:

2026/05

Institute / School :

Institute of Health and Wellbeing

Unit Title:

Introduction to Biomechanics

Unit ID:

EXSCI1701

Credit Points:

15.00

Prerequisite(s):

Nil

Co-requisite(s):

Nil

Exclusion(s):

Nil

ASCED:

069903

Other Change:

Brief description of the Unit

This unit introduces students to key biomechanical concepts and terminology, with a focus on understanding the application of biomechanical principles to fundamental movements, sports techniques, recreational and exercise movement activities. This unit includes the examination of linear and angular kinematics and kinetics; fluid mechanics; and some biomechanical analysis techniques.

Grade Scheme:

Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)

Work Experience Indicator:

No work experience

Placement Component:

Supplementary Assessment:Yes

Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment

Course Level:

Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge:

K1.	Describe the scope of scientific inquiry addressed by biomechanics and discuss how the discipline has contributed to advances in technology and improvements in performance.

K2.	Identify and describe the planes and axes of motion associated with the human body.

K3.	Appraise the differences between linear and angular kinematics and kinetics, using examples from human movement.

K4.	Explain and apply Newtons laws of linear and angular motion, and gravitation.

K5.	Discuss the effects various forces have on an object and how these forces can be manipulated in specific sports and/or human movements.

K6.	Explain the term centre of gravity and the relationship between factors including centre of gravity, base of support, balance and stability.

K7.	Identify the mechanical advantages associated with different types of levers and explain the concept of leverage within the human body.

Skills:

S1.	Represent external forces using free body diagrams.

S2.	Solve quantitative and qualitative biomechanical problems.

S3.	Examine and critically evaluate the key biomechanical principles associated with a variety of sports settings, and communicate this information to peers.

Application of knowledge and skills:

A1.	Participate in problem solving of biomechanical scenarios within laboratories.

A2.	Apply the principles of biomechanical analysis of human movement in the context of exercise and activities of daily living.

A3.	Apply biomechanical principles when conducting a qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of human movement.

Other outcomes:

Unit Content:

The following topics will be covered as principles and applied to a variety of sports and human movement contexts:

Introduction to biomechanics and its applications;
Forces;
Linear and angular motion, including Newtons Laws;
Projectile motion;
Work, power & energy;
Coefficient of restitution;
Levers & torque;
Centre of gravity;
Fluid mechanics;
Qualitative biomechanical analysis of human movement;
Use and advancements in biomechanical technology.

Graduate Attributes:

Federation University recognises that students require key transferable employability skills to prepare them for their future workplace and society. FEDTASKS (Transferable Attributes Skills and Knowledge) provide a targeted focus on five key transferable Attributes, Skills, and Knowledge that are be embedded within curriculum, developed gradually towards successful measures and interlinked with cross-discipline and Co-operative Learning opportunities. One or more FEDTASK, transferable Attributes, Skills or Knowledge must be evident in the specified learning outcomes and assessment for each FedUni Unit, and all must be directly assessed in each Course.

FED TASK and descriptor		Development and acquisition of FEDTASKS in the Unit
FED TASK and descriptor		Level
FEDTASK 1 Interpersonal	Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate, inter-act and work with others both individually and in groups. Students will be required to display skills in-person and/or online in: • Using effective verbal and non-verbal communication • Listening for meaning and influencing via active listening • Showing empathy for others • Negotiating and demonstrating conflict resolution skills • Working respectfully in cross-cultural and diverse teams.	Level 1 - Students require directions and boundaries from mentor
FEDTASK 2 Leadership	Students will demonstrate the ability to apply professional skills and behaviours in leading others. Students will be required to display skills in: • Creating a collegial environment • Showing self -awareness and the ability to self-reflect • Inspiring and convincing others • Making informed decisions • Displaying initiative	Level 1 - Students require directions and boundaries from mentor
FEDTASK 3 Critical Thinking and Creativity	Students will demonstrate an ability to work in complexity and ambiguity using the imagination to create new ideas. Students will be required to display skills in: • Reflecting critically • Evaluating ideas, concepts and information • Considering alternative perspectives to refine ideas • Challenging conventional thinking to clarify concepts • Forming creative solutions in problem solving.	Level 2 - Student demonstrates some independence within provided guidelines
FEDTASK 4 Digital Literacy	Students will demonstrate the ability to work fluently across a range of tools, platforms and applications to achieve a range of tasks. Students will be required to display skills in: • Finding, evaluating, managing, curating, organising and sharing digital information • Collating, managing, accessing and using digital data securely • Receiving and responding to messages in a range of digital media • Contributing actively to digital teams and working groups • Participating in and benefiting from digital learning opportunities.	Level 1 - Students require directions and boundaries from mentor
FEDTASK 5 Sustainable and Ethical Mindset	Students will demonstrate the ability to consider and assess the consequences and impact of ideas and actions in enacting ethical and sustainable decisions. Students will be required to display skills in: • Making informed judgments that consider the impact of devising solutions in global economic environmental and societal contexts • Committing to social responsibility as a professional and a citizen • Evaluating ethical, socially responsible and/or sustainable challenges and generating and articulating responses • Embracing lifelong, life-wide and life-deep learning to be open to diverse others • Implementing required actions to foster sustainability in their professional and personal life.

	Learning Outcomes Assessed	Assessment Tasks	Assessment Type	Weighting	Professional Standards
1.	K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, K6, K7, S1, S2, S3, A1, A2, A3	Attendance and participation in laboratory sessions to complete formative assessments of practical skills.	90% attendance required to satisfy ongoing formative assessments	Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
2.	K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, S2, A2	Completion of self-directed study of class content presented in the first half of the semester.	Mid-semester exam	20-40%
3.	K1, K3, K4, K5, K6, K7, S3, A2, A3	Describe key biomechanical principles making links to sport and human movements, and/or activities of daily living and communicate this information via a group poster and presentation.	Laboratory project	20-40%
4.	K1, K3, K4, K5, K6, K7, S2, A2, A3	Review of biomechanical principles presented in the entire unit to sports and human movement settings.	Final theory exam	40-60%

Adopted Reference Style:

APA ()

Professional Standards / Competencies:

Standard / Competency