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Ugrad Advising Appts
College of Education
MSU
Copyright ©
Michigan State University
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M.S. Concentration
in Biomechanics
Biomechanics is the
application of mechanical principles to the study of internal and
external forces acting on the human body, and the effects produced by
these forces. This specific definition describes the direction taken in
the study of the biomechanics of physical activity and sport in the
Department of Kinesiology.
The master's degree
concentration in biomechanics is designed to provide the student with a
concentrated background in the mechanical analysis of human movement.
Within this area, emphasis is placed upon the study of the mechanics of
the human musculo-skeletal system. Course selection allows for
flexibility in the direction of study emphasis. The student may combine
course work in exercise physiology, adapted physical activity, or growth
and motor development with
that of biomechanics. The interests of teachers, coaches, and
researchers who pursue the master's as a terminal degree or as a step
toward an advanced degree, are met within this area of specialization.
The concepts of
biomechanics are presented from various approaches.
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Lectures are directed
toward the development of knowledge, theory, and application of
biomechanics to various physical activities and sports.
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Related course work
in exercise physiology, adapted physical activity, or growth and
motor development are studied
to provide a more complete and integrated understanding of the
concepts of biomechanics.
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Research and applied
literature related to student interests are abstracted and analyzed.
This increases student awareness of biomechanics literature and
exposes the student to research and applied methodology.
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Biomechanics
investigative and research techniques and instrumentation are
utilized by the student in class projects. These methods include:
high speed cinematography, videography, electromyography,
electrogoniometry, force recording devices, and computer analysis.
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Class and independent
experiments expose the student to problems of designing and
conducting biomechanics investigations of physical activity and
sport.
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Course Work
The
requirements for the M.S. degree in kinesiology include a
minimum of 30 credits in specified areas of study. A typical program plan
for master's degree students in biomechanics includes
some of the following courses. The exact program of study is
specified in an individual
program plan approved by the student's advisor.
- Required course - 3 credits
| KIN 871 - Research
Methods in Kinesiology (3 credits) |
- Biomechanics
concentration - minimum of 9 credits
| KIN 830 -
Biomechanical Analyses of Physical Activity (3 credits) |
| KIN 831 -
Advanced Biomechanics of Physical Activity (3 credits) |
| Choice of
| KIN 810
- Physiology of Physical Activity (3 credits) |
| KIN 860
- Growth and Motor Behavior (3 credits) |
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| KIN 890 -
Independent Study in Kinesiology (1-6 credits) |
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Breadth requirement -
minimum of 6 credits of
KIN graduate-level courses
outside of the
student's concentration
for students who did not complete an undergraduate degree in
kinesiology
- Elective courses - additional credits in
courses related to biomechanics.
Capstone Experiences
Master's degree students in the Department of
Kinesiology choose one of four capstone experiences in consultation with
their advisors and guidance committees. Each of the four options
includes a certifying examination.
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Plan A Thesis.
Students who choose this option complete a research
study as part of KIN 899 - Master's Thesis Research (1-6 credits).
In addition, they must complete a 400-900 level research methods
course in addition to KIN 871 to prepare for the thesis research.
The defense of the completed thesis serves as the certifying
examination. |
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Plan B Project. Students
who choose KIN 897 - Project in Kinesiology (1-4 credits) develop a
tangible product such as a position paper, teaching aid,
instructional videotape, web site, on-line course materials, journal
article, publishable literature review, lab manual, curriculum, etc.
The defense of the product serves as the certifying examination. |
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Plan B Internship.
KIN 893 - Internship in Kinesiology (1-6 credits) involves practical
learning experiences in the field under the supervision of a
qualified mentor. The student must complete a minimum of 60 hours in
the field per semester credit. The defense of the internship report
serves as the final certifying examination. |
| Plan B Course Work with
Certifying Examination.
Students
who elect to meet degree requirements through a minimum of 30
semester hours of course credits are required to demonstrate their
ability to clearly communicate their understanding of events, issues
and resolutions to problems in Kinesiology via a written certifying
examination. Students are expected to synthesize the knowledge and
understanding gained from course work and related experiences during
the master's degree program. |
Expectations
Expectations of KIN master's degree students are
individualized because of the different concentrations offered within
the department and the students' various educational goals.
Commonalities in expectations of master's degree students include: (a)
professional growth and involvement; (b) demonstrated ability to teach
within the context of the student's chosen field; and (c) knowledge and
skill as a consumer of research. Students who intend to pursue doctoral
study or research careers are also expected to develop ability to plan,
conduct, and disseminate research. Departmental expectations related to
that goal are described in
Expectations of M.S. Students, and related learning experiences
are described in Professional
Development Opportunities. These expectations are individualized
for students during advising and guidance committee meetings.
Related Web Sites
Admissions
Jo Ann Janes
Graduate Studies Secretary
Department of Kinesiology
3 IM Sports Circle
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1049
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Phone: (517) 355-4736
Fax: (517) 355-1689
Email: kingrad@msu.edu |
Contact Information
Contact the following faculty member
about the concentration in biomechanics. Click on the name
for the faculty member's bio. Click on an email address to send a
message.
Dr. Eugene Brown
Department of Kinesiology
204 IM Sports Circle
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1049
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Telephone: (517) 353-6491
Fax: (517) 353-5383
E-mail:
ewbrown@msu.edu
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Dr. V. Dianne Ulibarri
Department of Kinesiology
101 IM Sports Circle
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1049
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Telephone: (517) 355-4733
Fax: (517) 353-2944
E-mail:
ulibarri@msu.edu
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