Biomechanics describes the analysis of human movement using the science of mechanics and provides practitioners in sports, exercise, physical activity and healthcare with tools to analyse, monitor and improve body movement and function. This module will cover the fundamental principles, theories and definitions underpinning the biomechanics of human movement. It will incorporate essential anatomy and physiology related to human movement and performance and introduce students to relevant statistical modelling methods, providing students with a solid foundation in human movement analysis. Content of this module will be delivered with reference to clinical, sport and exercise contexts throughout.

1. Differentiate and apply common anatomical and biomechanical terminology and definitions

2. Describe and interpret key principles and theories underpinning the biomechanics of human movement

3. Assess and evaluate anatomy and biomechanics of major joints of upper limb, lower limb and trunk

4. Investigate and distinguish between the kinetics and kinematics of human movement

5. Synthesise knowledge of anatomical and biomechanical principles to describe and analyse normal human movement patterns of upper limb, lower limb and trunk

6. Describe, analyse and evaluate key physiological principles of human movement and performance

7. Independently acquire, analyse and interpret human movement data using appropriate technologies

Research methodology is an integral part of any Masters course. The aim of this module is to ensure that students will be fully competent to devise, run and present research in a professional manner. This module will be part of a number of different Masters programmes in the Department of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition. The module will introduce students to both qualitative and quantitative approaches to research enquiry.

1. Systematically review and evaluate current literature, using appropriate tools and techniques.

2. Identify, analyse and evaluate appropriate research methods for research project proposal development.

3. Demonstrate the synthesis and integration of knowledge.

4. Draft a research proposal appropriate to their career stage and aligned with their research interests.

5. Create an appropriate data management structure.

6. Communicate research in various formats including written and oral presentation methods.

This module will provide students with an in depth knowledge and understanding of the biomechanics of sports performance, sports equipment and footwear. Quantitative and qualitative movement analysis methodologies will be explored and critiqued.

1. Describe and justifythe role of biomechanics in sport and exercise performance

2. Inspect, evaluate and summarise the biomechanical properties of sports equipment and footwear

3. Describe and critically assess the biomechanical basis of sports-specific movements

4. Apply and critique quantitative movement analysis technologies to a range of sports-specific movements

5. Apply and critique qualitative analysis methodologies to a range of sports-specific movements

This module will focus on biomechanical considerations in various clinical populations. It will provide a framework for approaches to biomechanical assessment and movement intervention for specific groups, including the ageing population, those with musculoskeletal injuries and common movement disorders. On completion of this module, students will be equipped to apply biomechanical principles of biomechanical assessment to a variety of different clinical presentations.

1. Identify and describe biomechanical properties of musculoskeletal tissues

2. Investigate the relationship between excessive force and tissue injury and the role of biomechanics in injury prevention

3. Examine the effects of normal ageing on the musculoskeletal system and thus movement biomechanics

4. Describe and appraise the biomechanical effects of common neurological conditions

5. Demonstrate a functional movement assessment and plan an appropriate intervention strategy

Athlete monitoring has become an integral component of total athlete preparation. One of the challenges facing practitioners is the plethora of methods and technologies available for monitoring athletes. This module aims to provide students with an advanced knowledge and understanding of how to monitor an athletes training program in response to a training stimulus. Students will also gain an understanding of the 'why' of athlete monitoring. Develop the ability to integrate monitoring with coaching and performance. How to effectively communicate this information with the coaching team and, more importantly, with the athletes themselves. One of the fundamental reasons for monitoring athletes is to gauge their progress in response to a training program. Monitoring helps determine the impact of individual training sessions on athletes' physical performance states and training readiness.

1. Identify and evaluate the importance of monitoring athletes.

2. Quantify training stress.

3. Analyse and interpret thedata produced using athlete monitoring based technological systems.

4. Critically discusscurrent monitoring based practices and technologies.

5. Describe thephysiological effects of training stress.

6. Applyathlete based monitoring strategies for both individual and team based sports.

Research project 1 contributes to a number of the Masters programmes in the Dept of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition. This module involves the detailed study of a specific topic in sport, exercise, biomechanics, health, food, sensory or nutritional science. The choice of topic is by negotiation between the student and an appropriate member of teaching staff acting as a supervisor. As part of Research Project 1 students will prepare and submit ethics applications for Research Project 2 and submit Thesis 1. Thesis 1 will be in the form of a systematic literature review to enable the student to focus their research question by examining previous research in the field.

1. Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods and ethical considerations to the analysis and solutions of problems in human nutrition, sensory analysis, health or sport/exercise science.

2. Generate new hypotheses for the selected topic based on relevant research and own research.
3. Systemtically review the literature and present a coherent and defensible analysis.