SESC9451 — Experimental Biomechanics

COURSE COORDINATION

Coordinator :	Assoc. Prof. Andrew McIntosh
Contact Details :	Tel : (+612)93855348   •   Fax : (+612)93856190   •   Email : a.mcintosh@unsw.edu.au

DELIVERY DETAILS		[ Current Schedules and Locations ]

Mode	Session	Type
On campus	1	Session

COURSE DETAILS
Units of Credit :	6
Assumed Knowledge :	BIOM9510 - Introductory Biomechanics
Description :	This course provides an introduction to important biomechanical instrumentation systems, methods in biomechanical research and an opportunity to apply these practically.  Students will use force platforms, a 3D video based motion analysis system, electromyography measurement system and an impact test system.  The systems and methods are used to study human movement and biomechanics.  They have many applications, eg. clinical, occupational, sports and injury.  Laboratory sessions, including gait analysis in three dimensions and electromyography, will enable students to become familiar with common equipment and methods in experimental biomechanics.  Students will be encouraged to take a ‘hands on’ approach during the laboratory sessions. Topics including research methods, ethics, instrumentation, data acquisition, data treatment, biomechanical models and analysis methods will also be covered in lectures.  These will provide the theoretical basis for the practical sessions.
Objectives :	After completing this subject, students will: have developed practical research skills; be able to plan and instigate simple research projects in biomechanics; be aware of the areas of biomechanical research; be able to assess better published literature in the field of experimental biomechanics.
Reading :	Allard,P. et al (Ed) THREE-DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS OF HUMAN MOVEMENT, Human Kinetics, 1995. (MB612.76/127A or /127B) Beckwith,T., et al., MECHANICAL MEASUREMENTS (5th. Ed.), Addison-Wesley Publishing Comp. 1993. (P681.2/30C) Berme,N. & Cappozzo,A. (Ed) BIOMECHANICS OF HUMAN MOVEMENT: APPLICATIONS IN REHABILITATION, SPORTS AND ERGONOMICS. Bertec Corp. 1990. (MB 612.76/115). Nigg,B. & Herzog,W. (Ed) BIOMECHANICS of the MUSCULO-SKELETAL SYSTEM, J.Wiley and Sons., 1995. Recommended as text for both SAFE9551 and BIOM9541 (Mechanics of the Human Body) Optical measurement methods in biomechanics / edited by J. F. Orr and J. C. Shelton. Chapman & Hall, 1997 (MB612.76/144) Turner,J., INSTRUMENTATION FOR ENGINEERS, Macmillan Education Ltd., 1988. (P681.2/22) Winter,D., BIOMECHANICS AND MOTOR CONTROL, Wiley, 1990

ASSESSMENT
Details Due Date Weight Take home exam handed out in week 5 TBC 20% A major report on the EMG-Gait practical TBC 40% Two minor reports TBC 30% Attendance and contribution to practical sessions TBC 10%

COURSE SCHEDULE
Week 1 :	Introduction and Course Outline / Ethics / Research Methods in Biomechanics Devices / Signal Conditioning
Week 2 :	Measurement Devices / Signal Conditioning / Analog to Digital Methods
Week 3 :	Measurement Devices / Signal Conditioning / Analog to Digital Methods
Week 4 :	Cinematic-Optical Measurement Methods in Biomechanics
Week 5 :	Gait Analysis
Week 6 :	Gait Analysis II
Week 7 :	Electromyography I
Week 8 :	Electromyography II
Week 9 :	Combined Gait and EMG I
Week 10 :	Combined Gait and EMG II
Week 11 :	Data Analysis / Extra Lab. Time for Major Report
Week 12 :	Materials Testing
Week 13 :	Impact Biomechanics
Week 14 :	Work Physiology

LEARNING RESOURCES
The University of New South Wales provides a range of resources to help students develop their skills and to realise their full potential. The Learning Centre, located at the entrance to the Library provides guidance material, which is also available on-line.
	The University also provides academic orientation programs called MyStart and ReStart for both new and returning students to help them in their transitions into academia..