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
Important Resources
Downloads - available beginning August 22, 2023
Required Textbooks
Alexander DE. 2017. Nature’s Machines: An Introduction to Organismal Biomechanics. 1st edition. Academic Press: San Diego, CA.
Betts JG, Young KA, Wise JA, Johnson E, Poe B, et al. 2022. Anatomy and Physiology. 2nd edition. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/preface
Announcements
8/22/23 - Welcome!