SE732-7-AU-CO:
Biomechanics of Locomotion
2025/26
Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 02 October 2025
Friday 12 December 2025
15
19 March 2025
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
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This module provides an overview of the underpinning theory of locomotion biomechanics and its application, primarily in the context of gait analysis. This module explores what is ‘normal’ gait and how we describe, analyse, interpret the measures which are commonly used, such as spatial-temporal, joint kinematics, and joint kinetics. As we continue to examine what is ’normal’ gait we will start to include clinical populations and discuss how gait is altered/adapted dependent upon the pathology. Sporting applications of biomechanics, in particular sprinting (able-bodied and paralympic) will also be discussed. Lastly, we will examine the methodological considerations when capturing gait data, such as system, participant, and experimenter variability. In addition to the lectures described above we will also include a fortnightly journal club seminar. In this we will discuss a key paper which complements the topics covered. A practical will also be delivered allowing the class to capture some spatial-temporal data which will be used for one of the assessments. This module introduces you to the underpinning biomechanics of gait analysis and be able to recognise and interpret biomechanical data presented in the literature.
The aims of this module are to provide students with the underpinning biomechanical knowledge of gait analysis and to be able to recognise and interpret biomechanical data presented in the literature.
This module will introduce students to what ‘normal’ gait is and how pathology alters gait. It will also provide students with the understanding of joint kinematics and kinetics during gait.
In addition, this module provides students with an understanding of the methodological considerations one must be aware of when collecting gait data.
For those students continuing with biomechanics qualifier, practical experience will be further explored in the other modules.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the characteristics of human locomotion.
- Critically evaluate the biomechanical concepts in the context of gait and/or sport.
- Demonstrate competence in the critical analysis of experimental gait data.
- Demonstrate competence in written communication.
No additional information available.
This module will be delivered via:
- Lectures 10 x 2 (20) hours
- Seminars 5 x 1 (5) hours
- Labs 1x2 hours
- Student managed learning: 123 hrs/module
Total: 150 hrs. Students are expected to undertake the reading before classes and to be prepared to engage in discussion
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
DAI (Data Analysis and Interpretation) |
|
50% |
| Coursework |
Open-book, in-person, timed test |
|
50% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr. Matt Taylor, Dr Bernard Liew & Dr Aleksandra Birn-Jeffery
Yes
No
Yes
Dr Philip Daniel Brian Price
St Mary's University
Senior Lecturer
Available via Moodle
Of 8 hours, 2 (25%) hours available to students:
6 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
* Please note: due to differing publication schedules, items marked with an asterisk (*) base their information upon the previous academic year.
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