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M. Christopher Washam, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair, Mississippi College Department of Kinesiology
Office: Cockroft 14
Phone: 925-3302 washam@mc.edu
I.
KINESIOLOGY 481
BIOMECHANICS
II.
PREREQUISITE:
BIO 103/104
III.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of
structural and functional kinesiology, and focuses on applying the concepts of mechanics to activity and
sports performance.
IV.
RATIONALE: It is imperative that professionals in sports medicine, exercise science, physical
education and related fields have a comprehensive understanding of the human musculoskeletal system
from an anatomical and biomechanical standpoint. This course will provide an overview of gross motor
muscular and skeletal anatomy, and then comprehensively assess the biomechanical performance of the
various major joints.
V.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES
1. Explain the properties and function of bones, muscles and connective tissues.
2. Name and define the fundamental planes and axes.
3. Describe and demonstrate joint movements with respect to plane and axis of motion.
4. Explain the relationships between joint structure and function.
5. Name and demonstrate the actions possible at each joint.
6. State the factors contributing to joint range of motion and stability.
7. Measure the range of motion in a joint and state appropriate procedures to improve that range.
8. Analyze human movement patterns in terms of joint action.
9. Name the muscles (with point of origin and insertion) in any given joint action.
10. Identify the types of muscular contraction (isometric, concentric, eccentric) occurring in any given joint
action.
11. Explain the cooperative actions of muscles in controlling joint actions identifying the role of individual
muscles as agonists, antagonists, neutralizers or stabilizers.
12. Explain the mechanical characteristics (e.g. force-velocity and length-tension) of muscle contraction in
static and dynamic movements.
13. Name and define the basic structures of the neuromuscular system.
14. Observe and describe a basic movement correctly.
15. Determine the anatomical and physiological factors basic to the performance of an observed movement.
16. Identify factors which limit performance and identify modifications which may lead to improved
performance.
17. Understand basic biomechanical principles such as center of gravity, balance, and biomechanical levers.
VI.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: It is expected that a student attending Mississippi College will be
scrupulously honest. Therefore, plagiarism and cheating will be dealt with in accordance with the policies
of the university. These policies are stated in the current Undergraduate Bulletin, Policy 2.19.
VII.
COURSE TOPICS: The major topics to be considered are:
A. Introduction and terminology
B. Kinematic Concepts for Analyzing Human Motion
C. Kinetic Concepts for Analyzing Human Motion
D. Biomechanics of Human Growth and Development
E. Biomechanics of Human Skeletal Articulations
F. Biomechanics of Human Skeletal Muscle
G. Biomechanics of the Upper Extremity
H. Biomechanics of the Lower Extremity
I.
J.
K.
L.
M.
Biomechanics of the Spine and Trunk
Linear Kinematics
Angular Kinematics
Linear and Angular Mechanical Concepts of Motion and Energy.
Equilibrium, Balance, and Stability.
VIII. INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS: Methods and activities for instruction include:
A. Traditional experiences: 1. Lecture/Discussion B. Clinical experiences: 1. Demonstrations; 2.
Movement analysis.
IX.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Students will be expected to read textbook chapters as appropriate.
X.
EVALUATION:
A. There will be five100-point exams—roughly one exam for every two chapters:
B. Total points for course: 500. Grading scale: 90-100 = A, 80 – 89 = B, 70 – 79 = C, 60 – 69 =
D, <60 = F.
C. There is no “extra credit” available in this course.
D. GRADUATING SENIORS: Seniors graduating in the semester that the class is taken may be
exempt from the final if they hold an “A” average on the first four exams. Seniors must attend all
classes up until the final, or this privilege will be revoked and they will have to sit for the final
exam..
MAKE UP EXAMINATIONS: LATE EXAMS WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED FOR
UNIVERSITY EXCUSED ABSENCES. NO OTHER EXCUSE IS PERMITTED. THIS IS
FINAL. IF YOU CANNOT BE THERE FOR AN EXAM, PLEASE CALL DR. WASHAM
AND LET HIM KNOW THE CIRCUMSTANCES. ANY MAKE UPS WILL BE
ADMINISTERED THE NEXT TIME YOU SHOW UP FOR CLASS.
XI.
OTHER COURSE INFORMATION:
A. Class absentee/tardy policy: Please see the university attendance policy which is included on
page 54 of the undergraduate catalog. .
B. NOTE: DOOR WILL BE CLOSED AND LOCKED WHEN INSTRUCTOR BEGINS
CLASS. DO NOT KNOCK ON DOOR. IT WILL NOT BE OPENED. ALSO NOTE
THAT 8 ABSENCES (EXCUSED OR UNEXCUSED) RESULTS IN AUTOMATIC
FAILING GRADE.
C. Special Accommodations: Please see the special accommodations section on Dr. Washam’s
web page.
NOTE ON CELL PHONES IN CLASS: ACTIVE CELL PHONES ARE NOT
PERMITTED IN CLASS. IF A CELL PHONE IS BROUGHT OUT DURING AN EXAM,
THIS CONSTITUTES A VIOLATION OF TEST SECURITY AND WILL RESULT IN AN
AUTOMATIC GRADE OF ZERO ON THE EXAM.
XII.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND BIBLIOGRAPHY:
A. The textbook adopted for this course is:
Hall, Susan J. Basic Biomechanics (6th ed.) McGraw Hill, New York.
ISBN 978-0-07-337644-8
B. Other major resources and materials include:
1. Textbooks: Rasch, P. J. (1989); Hamill and Knutzen (2003); Delavier (2001); Luttgens and
Hamilton (1997)
2. Journals: Research Quarterly, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, Journal of
Strength and Conditioning. AAPHERD Journal.