Module manager: Graham Askew
Email: g.n.askew@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
| SPSC1218 | Introduction to Biomechanics |
SPSC2304 Mechanics of Sport and Exercise, 20c, S3
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Why do high jumpers approach the jump more slowly than long jumpers? What can cyclists do to improve their performance? Why was the 200 m removed from indoor international track competitions? This module will provide the detailed biomechanical knowledge to answer these (and other) questions. You will study a range of topics, including the biomechanical properties of materials, in the context of both sporting equipment and biological structures such as tendons. The use of simple biomechanical models to understand optimal technique will be discussed. The importance of lift and drag in sport and the biomechanics of turning performance will also be covered. There will be practical work involving the collection, analysis and interpretation of kinematic and kinetic data.
The goal of this module is to module build on the biomechanics knowledge introduced in Level 1 (Introduction to Biomechanics) to gain a more in depth understanding of the biomechanics of sport and exercise and the factors that determine performance.
On completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of Newton’s laws of motion applied to angular movements, moment of inertia and angular momentum and their importance in sport;
2. Demonstrate an understanding of how simple biomechanical models can be used to understand optimal sports techniques;
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of centripetal forces during locomotion, including turning performance;
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the biomechanics of movement in fluids;
5. Demonstrate an understanding of how the mechanical properties of materials used in sports equipment impact on performance;
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the mechanical properties of tendons, their adaptation and the mechanical function of muscle-tendon units in sport;
7. Develop the practical skills to collect, analyse and interpret kinematic and kinetic data.
Students will cover:
- Angular motion
- Simple biomechanical models
- Lift and drag in sport
- Turning performance
- Material properties
- Kinematic and kinetic analysis
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Tutorials | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Practicals | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| Private study hours | 80 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Reading around the lectures 24 hours
Work associated with practical class 32 hours
Exam preparation 24 hours
Fortnightly online MCQs and worksheets.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Practical Report | Lab report x 1 | 40 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Online Time-Limited assessment | 2.0 Hrs 30 Mins | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 60 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 14/05/2024
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