Module: Sport & Exercise Biomechanics 1

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Sport & Exercise Biomechanics 1
Module Code	SPO1019 (ITS: SS206)
Faculty	Health & Human Performance	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

To introduce the concepts of biomechanics and their application to (i) sports performance, (ii) injury prevention, and (iii) neuromuscular training.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the role of biomechanics and its strengths and weaknesses in sport, exercise and health environments
2. State the main principles of linear and angular kinematics and kinetic, and provide examples of their application in sport, exercise and health environments
3. Solve vector based questions related to the application of biomechanics (e.g. projectile motion, ground reaction forces)
4. Detail the different components of drag and lift and explain their application in sport

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	32	In class lectures
Laboratory	6	Laboratory based practicals
Independent Study	87	Independent study and independent task completion
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	21057	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Aoife Burke	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
In Class Test	In class test covering material up to week 7 (of 12 weeks)	30%	Week 7
Written Exam	End of Semester exam	70%	Sem 2 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Topics covered
Biomechanical terms, definitions, terminology and applications. Linear kinematics and kinetics, Angular kinematics and kinetics. Functional biomechanics of the musculo-skeletal system. Biomechanics of selected movements. Fluid mechanics. Qualitative analysis

Indicative Reading List

Books:

McGinnis, P: 0, Biomechanics of sport and exercise, Human Kinetics,
Hall, S: 0, Basic biomechanics., WCB/McGrawHill,
Hay, J.: 0, The biomechanics of sports techniques., PrenticeHall,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None