Biomechanics

Biomechanics is the study of forces and their effects on living systems. Biomechanics provides advanced knowledge in biomechanics particularly related to performance enhancement and injury prevention.

Students focus their academic course work on developing the ability to understand and apply the principles of biomechanics when serving as a movement analyst in competitive and recreational sport situations, as well as in the workplace. As a culminating experience, students in the biomechanics sequence will complete a thesis, independent study, or professional practice.

In most cases, students accepted into this sequence will have demonstrated a high level of academic performance; however, some students may have alternative preparation for this sequence through work experience or academic training.

Depending on individual career aspirations, completion of the biomechanics sequence prepares a student for future study of biomechanics at the doctoral level, for employment as a research assistant with a corporate entity, or to serve as a member of a workplace safety team.

Biomechanics Faculty and Research Interests

Steven McCaw, Ph.D., University of Oregon
Mechanisms of energy absorption during drop landings, muscle activity patterns during strength training exercises

Biomechanics Curriculum

Master of Science Core Requirements - 6 hours

• KNR 497, Introduction to Research Methodology
• KNR 445, Statistics in Applied Science and Technology

Biomechanics Sequence Core (at least 12 hours)

• KNR 342, Occupational Biomechanics
• KNR 352, Quantitative Biomechanics (required)
• KNR 454, Neuromuscular Physiology (required)
• KNR 482, Advanced Biomechanics (required)
• KNR 490, Injury Biomechanics
• KNR 400.01, Independent Study

Cognate Area - 3-9 hours in courses approved by biomechanics sequence coordinator

Culminating Experience - 3-6 hours with approval by biomechanics sequence coordinator

• KNR 499, Master's Thesis, 6 hours
• KNR 400, Independent Study, 3-6 hours
• KNR 498, Professional Practice, 3-6 hours

Biomechanics Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the criteria for acceptance into the Master of Science degree program in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation, students interested in the biomechanics sequence must have a bachelor's degree in exercise science or a related field, including appropriate course work.

If the bachelor's degree is from another discipline, you may be required to complete the following KNR undergraduate courses: Human Anatomy and Physiology (181 & 182, two semesters), Motor Learning and Performance (257), Exercise Physiology (280), and Biomechanics (282) before proceeding to the sequence core of biomechanics classes unless alternate introductory courses acceptable to the sequence advisor have been completed.

Recommended Sequence of Coursework

If you begin the program in the fall of an ODD year, your course schedule will look like this:

FALL (ODD)	SPRING	FALL	SPRING
352	482	400.01	Thesis (6)
490	445	Cognate	454
497	Cognate	342

If you begin the program in the fall of an EVEN year, your course schedule will look like this:

FALL (EVEN)	SPRING	FALL	SPRING
490	482	400.01	Thesis (6)
342	445	Cognate
497	454	352

 

Questions about Biomechanics?

Contact Dr. Steve McCaw, Sequence Coordinator.