Musculoskeletal Biomechanics
| Module title | Musculoskeletal Biomechanics |
|---|---|
| Module code | ENSM010 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Xijin Hua (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 5 |
|---|
Module description
Musculoskeletal biomechanics is the study of how bones, muscles, tissues and joints work together to support and move the body through applying principles of physics and engineering. In this module, you will be introduced to core principles and methods used in musculoskeletal biomechanics research and applied practice. You will explore experimental and computational approaches to analysing bodily motion and determining the forces required to produce it. Through lectures and practical work, you will learn best practice, including hands-on lab-based collection of experimental data via motion capture, force plates, and electromyography, and integrating them with computer-based modelling and simulation methods.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to further develop your ability to apply mechanical principles to the analysis of human movement, using the concepts introduced in year one and year two. You will develop an understanding of the use of modelling methods combining kinetic and kinematic data to improve understanding of human movement, and to estimate the loads experienced by structures of the human body, such as bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues, during different activities and tasks.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Apply knowledge of mathematics and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems (M1)
- 2. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems (M3)
- 3. Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems (M4)
- 4. Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems (M6)
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct (M8)
- 6. Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity (M9)
- 7. Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (M12)
- 8. Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations (M13)
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 9. Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance (M16)
- 10. Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used (M17)
Syllabus plan
• Introduction to Musculoskeletal Biomechanics – structure and function of the musculoskeletal system and the principles of biomechanics.
• Fundamental Principles and Techniques – kinematics and kinetics.
• Computational modelling and simulation – modelling software, constitutive elements, motion-solving approaches.
• Experimental Approaches in Biomechanics – motion capture, force plates, electromyography
• Applications of Musculoskeletal Biomechanics – sports, the clinical setting, ergonomics
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 27 | 123 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 11 | 11x1-hour lectures, including 1 research seminar and 1 guest lecture |
| Tutorials | 8 | 8x1 hour tutorials |
| Gait laboratory | 8 | 4x2 hour lab sessions |
| Guided Independent Study | 123 | General reading and project work for individual and group assessments |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gait lab group presentation | 40 | Presentation will be limited to 15 minutes per group plus 10 minutes for questions | 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 | Verbal guidance and feedback during lab sessions, verbal feedback through presentation Q&A session, written feedback |
| Individual report on musculoskeletal modelling project | 60 | Each individual is allowed 8 pages for their individual report, including background, methodology, results and discussion sections | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10 | Written feedback |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gait lab group presentation | Video presentation for up to 10 minutes | 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 | Referral/deferral period |
| Individual report on musculoskeletal modelling project | Individual report on musculoskeletal modelling project | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10 | Referral/deferral period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
- ELE
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 06/11/2024 |
| Last revision date | 21/07/2025 |
