Biology of Movement (BIOL 354)

Course Description

An introduction to the mechanical principles that can be applied to vertebrate musculoskeletal systems and their movements. The anatomies of vertebrate skeletal and muscular systems will be reviewed. In addition, the mechanics of tissues in the musculoskeletal system will be introduced and applied to vertebrate movements and human exercise prescription and injury. Prerequisite: BIOL 205 or 220

Course Objectives

This course is designed as an introduction to the mechanical principles underlying the movements of vertebrates, including humans. At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to:

Demonstrate a working knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of vertebrate musculoskeletal systems
Explain how skeletal and muscular tissues support the movement of the body and respond to stresses
Perform modeling, derivations, and calculations for vertebrate body statics and kinematics
Evaluate the use of prosthetics by human athletes or in veterinary medicine using mechanical principles