Outline

Overview

This unit of study builds on the platform established in EXSS1038 Principles of Biomechanics to consolidate prior knowledge and competency with a focus now on interpretation, application and integration of knowledge with skills. Practical classes are a key feature of this unit of study providing the learning experience in which the mathematical and problem-solving skills introduced in earlier units are specifically challenged in the conduct of kinematic and kinetic analysis of movement. A major project will be conducted to quantitatively analyse a movement task, developing problem solving, analysis and presentation skills.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	EXSS1038
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rene Ferdinands, edouard.ferdinands@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Rene Ferdinands, edouard.ferdinands@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Shane Ball, s.ball@sydney.edu.au
	Clorinda Hogan, clorinda.hogan@sydney.edu.au
	Allen Wang, boliang.wang@sydney.edu.au
	Jordan Kidd, jordan.kidd@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final Exam Final written exam that assesses all material covered in the semester: MCQ and Short Answers. Duration 2 hours plus 10 mins reading time	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Quiz 1 #earlyfeedbacktask: Online quiz to promote and assess learning.	1%	Week 03 Due date: 14 Mar 2025 at 23:59	20 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Biomechanics Data Interpretation Individual students will interpret data and write a report.	20%	Week 05 Due date: 28 Mar 2025 at 23:59	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Quiz 2 Online quiz to prompt and assess state of learning	2%	Week 09 Due date: 02 May 2025 at 23:59	30 mins
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Biomechanics Data Analysis Group will analyse motion analysis data using calculations and graphs.	25%	Week 13 Due date: 30 May 2025 at 23:59	Approximately 3000-3500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Quiz 3 Online quiz to prompt and assess state of learning.	2%	Week 13 Due date: 26 May 2025 at 23:59	30 mins
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = AI allowed ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Type	Description	Weight	Week Due	Length
Data Interpretation Assignment	Individual assessment of movement technique and report	20%	5	1000 words
Data Analysis Assignment	Group analysis of motion analysis data.	25%	13	3000-3500 words
Quiz	Early Feedback Task; Progressive learning assessment 1	1%	3	30 mins
Quiz	Progressive learning assessment 2	2%	9	30 mins
Quiz	Progressive learning assessment 3	2%	13	30 mins
Final Exam	Written closed book exam on all work covered during semester, comprising MCQ and short answer questions	50%	Formal Exam Period	120 mins plis 10 minutes reading time

*All assessments count towards the final mark. All assessments are compulsory, except for the quizzes.

*Failure to complete any of the compulsory assessments will lead to an AF grade

N.B. Attendance at all practicals and tutorials is highly recommended, as assessments are based on their content.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the
Coursework Policy 2014
(Schedule1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction avery high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Highdistinction 85 -100
Distinction 75 - 84
Credit 65 - 74
Pass 50 - 64

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Week 1 A. Introduction; B. Gait Mechanics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Week 2. Clinical Gait Kinematics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Week 2 Practical. Clinical Gait	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	Week 3. 2D Kinematic Data Collection Procedures	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Week 4. Qualitative Analysis of Movement	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Week 4 Tutorial. Qualitative Clinical Gait Interpretation tutorial	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Week 5. Signals & filtering	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Week 5 Practical. Assignment Filming	Practical (1 hr)
Week 06	Week 6: Introduction to Movement Data Analysis	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Week 7. Motion Analysis Calculations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Week 7 Practical. Data Analysis for Assignment	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	Week 8. Biomechanics of Exercise Training	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Week 8 Practical: Exercise Machines	Practical (2 hr)
Week 09	Week 9. Inverse Dynamic Analysis	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Week 9 Tutorial. Inverse Dynamics	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Week 10. EMG Collection, Processing and Interpretation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Week 11 Practical EMG	Practical (2 hr)
Week 11	Week 11. Mechanics of Musculoskeletal Injuries	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Week 12. Dynamics of Sporting Movements	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Week 12 Tutorial: Final Group Assignment Assistance	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Week 13. Review of semester	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Week 13 Tutorial Review	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The practicals are an essential core component of EXSS2031. For the purpose of scoring marks in this unit, students are strongly encouraged to attend all the practical and tutorial session, since all assessments (i.e. assignments, exam, and quizzes) are based on their content.

All compulsory assessments must be completed or an AF grade will be awarded.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Understand principles of data collection for biomechanics, especially with regard to the principles of filming movements for quantitative analysis
LO2. Understand how the mechanical properties of biological tissues influence the response of the body to these loads, potentially causing acute and chronic injuries
LO3. Be able to collect and interpret EMG signals to understand the relative load and fatigue level experienced by muscles
LO4. Be able to assess the demands placed on the body by exercise loads and use this to recommend changes to enhance performance and reduce injury risk
LO5. Be familiar with the mechanical principles associated with normal and pathological gait, and how these change across the lifespan
LO6. Be able to conduct a biomechanical assessment of movement technique and communicate the findings to a lay audience

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 14.2.5. Select and apply basic data analysis techniques appropriate to exercise science subdisciplines. 2.2.1. Biomechanics Principles 2.2.1.1. Describe biomechanical principles and how they relate specifically to the analysis of various forms of human movement to demonstrate an understanding of movement analysis knowledge and skills
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 2.2.1.2. Describe biomechanical principles and how they relate specifically to the analysis of various forms of human movement to demonstrate an understanding of scientific approaches to ascertaining the aetiology of injury and acute, chronic and complex conditions as they relate to movement. 2.2.1.3. Describe biomechanical principles and how they relate specifically to the analysis of various forms of human movement to demonstrate an understanding of the physical effects of human interaction with equipment and the environment. 2.2.2. Apply the principles of the biomechanical analysis of human movement to activities of daily living across a broad range of populations. 2.2.3. Analyse biomechanical problems and develop and implement relevant intervention strategies to the movement context. 2.2.4. Choose and interpret biomechanical measurements relevant to client’s needs.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 10.2. Elements of Motor Learning and Control 14.2.5. Select and apply basic data analysis techniques appropriate to exercise science subdisciplines. 2.2.1. Biomechanics Principles 5.2.7. Analyse movement identifying which muscles are active in producing and controlling a movement of a joint. 7.2. Elements of Health and Exercise Assessment 9.2. Elements of Human Physiology
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 2.2.1. Biomechanics Principles 2.2.1.1. Describe biomechanical principles and how they relate specifically to the analysis of various forms of human movement to demonstrate an understanding of movement analysis knowledge and skills 2.2.1.2. Describe biomechanical principles and how they relate specifically to the analysis of various forms of human movement to demonstrate an understanding of scientific approaches to ascertaining the aetiology of injury and acute, chronic and complex conditions as they relate to movement. 2.2.2. Apply the principles of the biomechanical analysis of human movement to activities of daily living across a broad range of populations. 2.2.3. Analyse biomechanical problems and develop and implement relevant intervention strategies to the movement context.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 2.2.1. Biomechanics Principles 2.2.1.2. Describe biomechanical principles and how they relate specifically to the analysis of various forms of human movement to demonstrate an understanding of scientific approaches to ascertaining the aetiology of injury and acute, chronic and complex conditions as they relate to movement. 2.2.1.3. Describe biomechanical principles and how they relate specifically to the analysis of various forms of human movement to demonstrate an understanding of the physical effects of human interaction with equipment and the environment. 2.2.2. Apply the principles of the biomechanical analysis of human movement to activities of daily living across a broad range of populations. 2.2.3. Analyse biomechanical problems and develop and implement relevant intervention strategies to the movement context. 6.2.3. Identify exercises that are contraindicated for particular stages of growth, maturation and development across the lifespan, and have knowledge of the injuries or conditions that commonly present during certain stages of growth and development.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 2.2.1. Biomechanics Principles 2.2.1.1. Describe biomechanical principles and how they relate specifically to the analysis of various forms of human movement to demonstrate an understanding of movement analysis knowledge and skills 2.2.1.2. Describe biomechanical principles and how they relate specifically to the analysis of various forms of human movement to demonstrate an understanding of scientific approaches to ascertaining the aetiology of injury and acute, chronic and complex conditions as they relate to movement. 2.2.1.3. Describe biomechanical principles and how they relate specifically to the analysis of various forms of human movement to demonstrate an understanding of the physical effects of human interaction with equipment and the environment. 2.2.2. Apply the principles of the biomechanical analysis of human movement to activities of daily living across a broad range of populations. 2.2.3. Analyse biomechanical problems and develop and implement relevant intervention strategies to the movement context. 2.2.4. Choose and interpret biomechanical measurements relevant to client’s needs. 2.2.5. Choose and apply appropriate communication to explain scientific data and movement techniques to clients and other professionals. 2.2.6. Identify specific aspects of movement patterns important for performance improvement and injury prevention.

Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1.2		Elements of Professional Practice
1.2.1		Apply knowledge and skills in a variety of professional exercise science work settings.
1.2.2		Support clients to meet their goals through the integration and application of the exercise science sub-discipline standards.
1.2.3		Choose and apply a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication methods appropriate to the client and/or population, carers and other health and exercise professionals.
1.2.6		Identify risks and apply appropriate risk management strategies to the professional practice of exercise science.
14		Research Methods and Data Analysis
14.2		Elements of Research Methods and Data Analysis
14.2.5		Select and apply basic data analysis techniques appropriate to exercise science subdisciplines.
2		Biomechanics
2.2		Elements of Biomechanics
2.2.1		Biomechanics Principles
2.2.1.1		Describe biomechanical principles and how they relate specifically to the analysis of various forms of human movement to demonstrate an understanding of movement analysis knowledge and skills
2.2.1.2		Describe biomechanical principles and how they relate specifically to the analysis of various forms of human movement to demonstrate an understanding of scientific approaches to ascertaining the aetiology of injury and acute, chronic and complex conditions as they relate to movement.
2.2.1.3		Describe biomechanical principles and how they relate specifically to the analysis of various forms of human movement to demonstrate an understanding of the physical effects of human interaction with equipment and the environment.
2.2.2		Apply the principles of the biomechanical analysis of human movement to activities of daily living across a broad range of populations.
2.2.3		Analyse biomechanical problems and develop and implement relevant intervention strategies to the movement context.
2.2.4		Choose and interpret biomechanical measurements relevant to client’s needs.
2.2.5		Choose and apply appropriate communication to explain scientific data and movement techniques to clients and other professionals.
2.2.6		Identify specific aspects of movement patterns important for performance improvement and injury prevention.
3		Exercise Physiology
3.2		Elements of Exercise Physiology
4.2		Elements of Exercise Prescription and Delivery
4.2.2		Interpret data obtained during a client assessment to prescribe, deliver and monitor physical activity and exercise-based interventions.
4.2.3		Analyse a broad range of exercise modalities and select appropriate exercises and equipment to suit the needs and abilities of clients including consideration of social determinants of health.
4.2.4		Apply the principles of motor control and learning, functional anatomy and biomechanics to assess movement and to recognise dysfunctional movement patterns and unsafe exercise technique.
4.2.5		Select and apply learning cues and movement progressions for teaching and correcting movement and exercise technique.
4.2.8		Evaluate and monitor exercise-based interventions to ensure client safety.
5.2		Elements of Functional Anatomy
5.2.1		Explain individual joint complexes and their independent and composite functions in posture and movement analysis in exercise.
5.2.3		Identify the components of the neuro-musculoskeletal system of the body, and describe the role of the bony segments, joint-related connective tissue structures, muscles and forces applied to these structures.
5.2.6		Analyse and evaluate results from static and dynamic assessments and provide recommendations for exercise prescription.
5.2.7		Analyse movement identifying which muscles are active in producing and controlling a movement of a joint.

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Assignment has been continuously developed in response to student feedback.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

EXSS2031: Movement Analysis

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links