StudyQA — Master: Sports Biomechanics — Robert Gordon University

Description Contents Requirements

This new full time course is aimed at those whose role is to scientifically analyse musculoskeletal mechanical function (and dysfunction) through fundamental and advanced concepts of motion analysis.

The first module is designed to level the playing field for those coming from diverse backgrounds and different disciplines from mechanical engineering to healthcare practitioners. You will then progress to the principles of biomechanics and subsequent application to the analysis of human movement.

You will gain hands on experience of using a range of biomechanical instruments within our Human Performance Laboratory as well as critically evaluating the validity, reliability and repeatability of the tools.

You will then be introduced to the concepts and mathematics of three dimensional modelling with utilisation of software packages before following the study route of Sports Biomechanics. You will have large practical and laboratory components applying underpinning theory and concepts to complex analysis of real life scenarios/case studies.

You will then follow a research methods module, which will provide you with the necessary knowledge to complete an original piece of research.

Semester 1:
Core Modules (60 credits)

1. Fundamental Principles (30 credits)

* Anatomy
* Physiology
* Mathematical principles (analytical geometry, trigonometry, linear algebra)
* Basic statics and dynamics (force, moments, velocity, acceleration, levers, friction, gravity, free body diagrams, Newton's laws, work-energy)

2. Biomechanical Principles (15 credits)

* Application of principles in Module 1 to movement, joint forces, moments and powers, muscle force
* Introduction to kinematics and kinetics

3. Biomechanical Instrumentation/Measurement (15 credits)

* Measurement of motion, force, pressure, muscle activity, physiological, 3-D optical and magnetic motion capture systems, force plates, foot switches, electromyography, physiological cost index, VO2max analyser.
* Measurement protocols, validity, reliability, repeatability and reproducibility.

Exit Award: PgCert Sports Biomechanics

Semester 2:
Specialist modules (60 credits)

4. 3-D Biomechanical Modelling (15 credits)

* Link segment, kinematic and kinetic modelling, Euler angles, Euclidean geometry
* Marker sets
* 3D modelling software and programming languages

5. Sports Biomechanics (30 credits)

* 2-D and 3-D human motion data
* muscle recruitment and Electromyography (EMG)
* force analysis during sporting movements
* muscle performance
* contemporary assessment techniques employed by sport biomechanists

6. Research methods and Statistics (15 credits)

* Qualitative research
* Quantative research
* Literature review
* Descriptive statistics
* Inferential statistics
* Research proposal

Exit Award: PgDip Sports Biomechanics

Semester 3:
Research project (60 credits)

Award: MSc Sports Biomechanics

2:1 honours degree (or international equivalent) in a related discipline e.g. a sport or health related subject or mechanical engineering.If you are an international student, you will also need an English Language Qualification i.e. IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component), TOEFL iBT 90 (with a minimum score of Listening 21, Reading 22, Speaking 23 and Writing 24) or other equivalent recognised language qualification. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test: 90 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.