Graduate Biomechanics Courses

EXSC 727/827. ADVANCED BIOMECHANICS. 3 Credits.

Study of the relationships among mechanics, energetics and control of human movement. Emphasis will be placed on the application of mechanical concepts in biomechanics research. Prerequisite: EXSC 417W or EXSC 517.

HMS 895. MATLAB Programming in Biomechanics. 3 Credits.

This course introduces graduate students to programming in MATLAB through multiple formats, including lectures, assignments, and projects. Assignments and projects typically focus on analyzing biomechanical datasets. Prerequisite: EXSC 727/827.

HMS 895. Advanced Musculoskeletal Modeling in Biomechanics. 3 Credits.

This course exposes students to simple (spring-mass) and complex (muscle tissue and whole body) modeling in biomechanics. Students perform analyses using MATLAB and OpenSim, an opensource musculoskeletal modeling software. Prerequisite: EXSC 727/827 and one programming course.

KRS 851. MOTOR PERFORMANCE: RHYTHMIC/CYCLIC TASKS. 3 Credits.

This course will examine the coordination of musculoskeletal and neurological systems in performing rhythmic movement tasks such as walking, running, swallowing, singing and feeding. Students will gain experience measuring and interpreting kinematics and kinetics of rhythmic movement tasks integrated with measures of activity and participation and clinical standardized tests.

KRS 852. MOTOR PERFORMANCE: DISCRETE TASKS. 2 Credits.

This course will examine the coordination of musculoskeletal and neurological systems in performing discrete movement tasks such as reaching, grasping, throwing and speaking. Students will gain experience measuring and interpreting kinematics and kinetics of discrete tasks integrated with measures of activity and participation and clinical standardized tests.

KRS 855. NEUROSCIENCES OF MOTOR CONTROL. 3 Credits.

This course covers neuroscience with specific regard to the fundamental design, organization and workings of the central nervous system (CNS) in the areas of motor control. The topics cover areas related to the typical development of motor function and changes in motor control throughout the lifespan. This course also assesses motor-control problems that occur as a result of congenital conditions, acquired damage, dysfunction or disease. Pathological conditions such as (but not limited to) stroke, Parkinson’s disease, cerebellar disease, and muscle and joint pathologies are examined.

EXSC 697/HMS 897. INDEPENDENT STUDY. 1-3 Credits.

Previous independent studies include: research study design and implementation (training in TKR patients; EMG & Velocity based weight training; Comparisons of TMG & EMG on fatiguing muscles), graduate level dynamical systems (typical coursework including lectures and assignments), and programming to iterate musculoskeletal simulations (OpenSim)