Applied Biomechanics

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

   
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Effective Term: 2027/05
Institute / School :Institute of Health and Wellbeing
Unit Title: Applied Biomechanics
Unit ID: EXSCI2008
Credit Points: 15.00
Prerequisite(s): (EXSCI1701)
Co-requisite(s): Nil
Exclusion(s): Nil
ASCED: 010913
Other Change:  
Brief description of the Unit

This unit enables students to apply foundational biomechanical principles to optimise human movement technique, assess performance, and mitigate injury risk across sporting, clinical, and occupational settings. Students utilise qualitative observations alongside quantitative laboratory and field-based technologies—including force platforms, motion capture systems, electromyography, linear position transducers, and inertial sensors—to calculate, model, and interpret kinetic and kinematic variables. Through hands-on data processing, peer-reviewed literature evaluation, interactive software applications, and emerging tools such as artificial intelligence, students learn to translate complex biomechanical data into actionable, evidence-based recommendations.

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:
Level of Unit in CourseAQF Level(s) of Course
5678910
Introductory                                                
Intermediate                                                
Advanced                                                
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge:
Skills:
Application of knowledge and skills:
Other outcomes:
O1.

Apply foundational biomechanical principles to optimise and analyse human movement technique and mitigate injury risk in exercise and sport settings.

O2.

Calculate, model, and interpret kinematic and kinetic parameters to solve complex human movement problems.

O3.

Select and operate biomechanical equipment, evaluating its functional limitations when measuring human movement.

O4.

Conduct and communicate structured qualitative and quantitative biomechanical analyses to diverse audiences.

O5.

Critique peer-reviewed biomechanical literature to translate evidence-based insights into clinical and practical recommendations.

O6.

Evaluate and integrate emerging biomechanical technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and markerless tracking systems, to optimise workflow efficiency and data collection accuracy.

Unit Content:

This unit is concerned with the following topics.

  • Foundational mechanics (kinematics and kinetics)
  • Movement analysis
  • Measurement technologies in biomechanics
  • Inverse dynamics & modeling
  • Locomotion & gait mechanics
  • The biomechanics of jumping, landing & impact
  • Sport-specific biomechanics
  • Emerging technologies & AI
Graduate Attributes:
 Learning Outcomes AssessedAssessment TasksAssessment TypeWeightingProfessional Standards
1. 1, 3

Attendance and active participation in laboratory classes to demonstrate competency in practical skills. 

90% attendance at active learning sessions.

S/U
2. 1, 4, 5, 6

AI-assisted review of literature and assessment of prompt responses using AI and Evaluating Information frameworks. 

AI-Assisted review of literature paper.

10-30%
3. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Develop, conduct and present an applied biomechanics group project using technology to capture and analyse data. 

Group project including presentation of results.

30-50%
4. 1, 2, 6

Interactive data analysis exam.

Exam.

30-50%
Adopted Reference Style:
APA  ()

Professional Standards / Competencies:
 Standard / Competency