course-details-portlet

BEV2102

Biomechanics and human movement analysis

Credits 15
Level Third-year courses, level III
Course start Autumn 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English and norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement School exam

About

About the course

Course content

The course provides an introduction to the use of biomechanics in the measurement and analysis of human movement and physical activity. Through exercises, students will learn about the consequences of Newton's laws in mechanics, analyze forces (statics and dynamics) that create movement (kinematics), and perform quantitative measurements of movement in various training-related exercises and in physical activity. The course focuses on the application of biomechanics through exercises, demonstrations, and practice in the measurement and analysis of movement and physical activity using force plates and body-worn sensors.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The student has knowledge of

  • biomechanics in whole body and joint movements
  • various measuring instruments and analyses for evaluating movements and physical activity

Skill

The student shall be able to

  • apply analysis of force diagrams to both whole body and joint movements
  • calculate work and effect of whole body movements calculate (angular) velocity and (angular) acceleration from position in both whole body and joint movements
  • calculate velocity and position from force/acceleration in whole body movements
  • apply basic trigonometric operations in relation to vector composition and decomposition
  • solve equations with one unknown
  • apply various measuring instruments (force plates and body-worn sensors)
  • analyze and report results from different measuring instruments
  • assess the advantages and disadvantages of using different instruments for measurements in different populations

General competence

The student should be able to

  • present their own work both orally and in writing (report)
  • apply biomechanics and measurement of movement in practical problems

Learning methods and activities

The course has continuous teaching throughout the entire semester. Up to 84 hours of lectures/exercises/group work/laboratory activities. Parts of the course may be taught in English.

Compulsory assignments

  • Data collection
  • Oral group presentation
  • Group report within the measurement of physical activity

Further on evaluation

Mandatory activities

The mandatory activity is assessed as approved or not approved and consists of the following three components:

  1. Participation in data collection
  2. Group presentation
  3. Group report

Approved mandatory activity is valid for four academic years, and within this period, students who have received approval do not need to complete the exercises again in order to take the exam.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Human Movement Science (BBEV)

Required previous knowledge

BEV1011 and BEV1014. The course has study rights requirements, which means that the course is reserved for students who have been admitted to the bachelor's program in movement science.

Course materials

Recommended litterature: M Renstrøm & R Renstrøm (2021) Fysikk og idrett: Innføring i Biomekanikk (1. utgave)

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
BEV2005 7.5 sp Autumn 2022
BEV2101 7.5 sp Autumn 2022
This course has academic overlap with the courses in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Health Science
  • Sport Science
  • Human Movement Science

Contact information

Course coordinator

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: School exam
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2026

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code D Duration 6 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.

Re-sit examination - Spring 2027

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code D Duration 6 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.