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Longwood University
Department of Health, Recreation, and Kinesiology
KINS 386– Biomechanics
Fall 2011
Lecture: MWF 12 – 12:50 am, Willett 208
Lab: Th 2:00 – 3:20 pm, Willett 312
Instructor: Dr. Blain Harrison
Office: Willett 151
Phone: (434) 395-2278
Email: harrisonbc@longwood.edu (preferred)
Office hours: MWRF 10am – 11 am, T 11am – 12pm, or by appointment
Course Description
Course Syllabus
Human movement does not occur spontaneously. Specific external factors interact with our body’s
anatomy, and we must formulate ways in which to move our anatomy in specific magnitude and scale to
counter the external challenge. This course will focus on the anatomical, biomechanical, and
sensorimotor principles that govern the way in which we move our bodies.
Throughout this course, the aim will be towards functional application of the material presented, so that
you will be able to apply the theory into practice, and finish the class with a new skill-set. The greatest
test you’ll face is not that of this course, but of your future patients who will come to you seeking advice
and care.
Course Objectives
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Apply kinematic and kinetic concepts to the study of human movement
Understand linear and angular characteristics of motion and the relationship between the two.
Understand the mechanical properties of connective tissues such as bone, ligament, muscle, and
tendon
Understand the unique ways in which the above variables impact each specific joint.
Qualitatively and quantitatively analyze specific human motions or skills such as walking, running,
jumping, landing, airborne motion, and throwing.
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Required Textbooks
Hamill, J. & Knutzen, K.M. (2009). Biomechanical Basis of Human Movement: Third Edition. Baltimore, IMD:
Lippencott Williams & Wilkins.
Grading
Lecture Exam #1
Lecture Exam #2
Lab Exam #1
Lab Exam #2
Final Exam
Lab Attendance and Participation
 5 points per activity lab
 5 points per Lab Report
Total
100 points (comprehensive)
100 points (comprehensive)
50 points
50 points
150 points (comprehensive)
50 points
50 points
550 points
Grades will be assigned as follows:
A+ = 98 – 100%
C+ = 77 – 79%
A = 94 – 97%
C = 73 – 76%
A- = 90 – 93%
C- = 70 – 72%
B+ = 87 - 89%
D+ = 67 – 69%
B = 83 - 86%
D = 63 – 66%
B- = 80 – 82%
D- = 60 – 62%
F = <60%
NOTE: Students earn grades based on the number of points they accumulate throughout the semester. Grades are
not adjusted upwards or downwards for any reason. Grades are posted on Blackboard as soon as they are
available. It is the student’s responsibility to monitor their current grade status. There is no extra credit available
for this class.
Exams
There are two lecture exams and two lab exams throughout the semester. These exams will be comprehensive.
Lab Exams will be held in a classroom during the scheduled lab time. Classroom details will be provided in class, in
lab, and posted on Blackboard.
Class Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend all classes as scheduled by the instructor. Students must assume all responsibility
for any loss incurred because of absence. While there is no attendance policy for this class, students should note
that students who attend and participate in class regularly tend to perform better than students who choose not to
come to class.
Lab Attendance Policy
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Labs are mandatory. Students must attend all scheduled labs, be on time, and be prepared for activity.
There are 5 attendance and participation points available for each lab. Students will be scored based on
their active participation in the lab activity.
Students that are not prepared for activity will be considered absent and will receive no attendance and
participation points.
Students must wear appropriate clothing, jeans and sandals are not allowed.
Students may not leave the lab until all equipment is put away and the class is dismissed.
Students must be prepared to take notes during lab classes.
Students that wish to attend a different lab section must request permission PRIOR to the lab.
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Cell Phone Policy
Students in this course are expected to behave professionally, politely, and considerately. Cell phone use during
lectures, labs, and exams is banned in this class. Cell phones must be turned off or silent during lectures, labs, and
tests and stored in your bag or backpack. A cell phone is not a calculator; calculators will be supplied for any
work involving calculations. If a cell phone rings during class the student will be asked to leave. If a cell phone
rings during a test, the student will be asked to leave and will forfeit the right to complete the test. If a student is
caught using their cell phone during lectures, labs, or tests (texting, checking the internet, using the cell phone in
any way) that student will be asked to leave the class and will not be readmitted to class until a formal letter of
apology is submitted to me. Using a cell phone in a teaching environment is rude and inconsiderate to both the
instructor and your colleagues. Exceptions to this policy will be made on a case by case basis, and a class by class
basis. If you must be reachable via cell phone during a class please let me know prior to class and sit near the exit
so you may take your call outside with minimal disruption to the rest of the class.
Honor Code
It is the responsibility of Longwood University students to adhere to the Honor Code and conduct themselves to
the highest standards of integrity. Students are deemed honorable unless their conduct proves otherwise. As a
member of the University community, you are expected to live by the Honor Code and to pledge all class work.
Please note that plagiarism is a violation of the Honor Code. Penalties for violation of the honor code are at the
discretion of the instructor and can range from a 0 for the work where the violation occurred to an “F” for the
course.
Accommodation of Special Needs
In accordance with university policy, I make every effort to accommodate unique and special needs of students
with respect to speech, hearing, vision, seating, or others disabilities. Please notify the Office of Disability Services
to register for services.
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KINS 386 - Class Schedule
Please note that the instructor reserves the right to alter the syllabus or schedule if it is determined that such a change with benefit the course and the
students.
Week
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Dates
(8/22 – 8/26)
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(8/29 – 9/2)
(9/5 – 9/9)
9/5 Labor Day
(9/12 – 9/16)
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(9/19 – 9/23)
6
(9/26 – 9/30)
7
(10/3 – 10/7)
8
(10/10 – 10/14)
10/10-10/11 Fall Break
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(10/17 – 10/21)
10
(10/24 – 10/28)
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(10/31– 11/4)
12
(11/7 – 11/11)
13
(11/14 – 11/18)
14
(11/21 – 11/25)
Thanksgiving 11/2311/25
(11/28 – 12/2)
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Topic
Chapter
Basic Terminology
Skeletal Considerations for Movement
No class Monday
Muscular Considerations for Movement
Neurological Considerations for Movement
Lab 1: Movement Terminology
Review For Exam #1
Lecture Exam #1 – Wednesday September 21st
Lab 2: Skeletal Concepts
Functional Anatomy of the Upper Extremity
Lab 3: Functional Anatomy of the Upper Extremity
Functional Anatomy of the Lower Extremity
Lab 4: Functional Anatomy of the Lower Extremity
No class Monday
Functional Anatomy of the Trunk
Lab 5: Functional Anatomy of the Trunk
Linear Kinematics
Lab: Lab Exam # 1
Review for Exam #2
Lecture Exam #2 – Wednesday October 26th
Lab 6: Newton’s Laws
Angular Kinematics
Lab 7: Levers
Linear Kinetics
Lab 8: Functional Testing 1
Angular Kinetics
Lab 9: Functional Testing 2
No class Friday – Happy Thanksgiving!
Applied Biomechanics
Lab: No Lab this week
Applied Biomechanics and Review for Final
Lab: Lab Exam #2
Final Exam
The final exam is comprehensive and includes lab and lecture material
Friday December 9th
11:30 am to 2:00 pm
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