SP4004 - Fundamentals of Anatomy and Biomechanics

You will be introduced to the structure and function of the human musculo-skeletal system through a combination of lectures and practical workshops, and through directed and independent study. Practical workshops will have a "hands on" approach to identifying surface anatomy landmarks, and assessing ranges of movement, joint stability, posture control mechanisms, and functional movement for exercise. This is supported by reflective tasks where you will be asked to consider your learning to date and how it could be applied.
You will be introduced to the fundamentals of kinetics and kinematics. Within practical laboratory sessions you will perform fundamental analyses of simple movement assessments using methods commonly employed by biomechanists, performance analysts, and strength and conditioning specialists working in the sporting and clinical fields. Your activities within these laboratory sessions will be underpinned with lectures, directed study and independent study. Using data collected within the laboratory sessions, you will have the opportunity to carry out a variety of data analyses, using various tools, to consider accuracy, reliability, and validity.

Module information, assessment requirements and expectations, and important module announcements will be made through the eLP. Material to support your learning will be uploaded in advance of sessions. You will be provided with content verbally and guided through tasks during timetabled sessions. A dedicated assessment session will afford you the opportunity to ask assessment related questions in class. The Module Leader is there to support you with any queries that you may have about the module content, and all staff members provide tutorial time outside of class time. Module tutors will provide you with the necessary information on how to arrange a tutorial. You will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on your development during the module, and you will receive feedback on summative work to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial. There is also further academic skills support available from the University Library services.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Describe the basic anatomical structure of the human body including muscles, bones and bony landmarks.
2. Apply key biomechanical principles to common measurement strategies in kinetic and kinematics analysis of human movement.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Demonstrate an awareness of role of biomechanics, and of how measurement methods can be applied in both sporting and health applications.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Demonstrate a sound understanding of professional practice and ethical awareness in human movement assessment.

Formal (summative) assessment will be in the form of an exam (75 minutes). The written exam will test your understanding of human anatomy, your ability to identify and assess key anatomical landmarks and function (1, 3, 4). In addition, the written exam relates to the underpinning biomechanical principles that apply to the assessment of human movement (2, 3, 4).

Formative Feedback
Throughout the module, you will have opportunities for informal self-assessment, guided by the tutor. This is aimed at guiding you to recognise your own strengths and weaknesses in terms of knowledge and understanding. Specific module seminars will be used for the practise of key assessment skills.

Summative Feedback
You will receive written or audio feedback on your summative assessment to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial.

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The module will provide a practical grounding in musculoskeletal anatomy and the related biomechanics of human movement. The module uses a combination of lectures and practical workshops to develop skills in assessment, measurement and movement analysis; utilising theories of biomechanics and anatomy to address common problems in sporting performance and health. Each week a lecture will be used to address the underpinning theory, with a follow up practical used to explore the implications of this theory in practice. The module initially focuses upon the musculoskeletal anatomy and movement, and the implications of dysfunction. Later sessions focus upon key skills of measurement and analysis commonly employed in sport and clinical biomechanics, performance analysis, and strength and conditioning. The module also addresses key professional skills and ethical implications in working with members of the public. The module is assessed through a written exam which evaluates knowledge of key musculo-skeletal anatomy, skills of measurement, analysis and interpretation of data commonly found in sport science.