Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - BPK 301 D100

Biomechanics Laboratory (3)

Class Number: 6393

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 10, 2025
    Wed, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PHYS 102 (or 121 or 126 or 141), BPK 201.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A laboratory course on the quantitative biomechanical evaluation of human movement. Students will learn analysis techniques for quantifying kinematics and kinetics of body segments in athletes, normal populations, and special populations during activities such as walking and jumping. Experiments will look at the nature of muscular force generation, and the mechanical impedance properties of the musculoskeletal system, as well as patterns of muscle activation, using surface EMG. Quantitative.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Measure the centre of mass and inertial properties of the human body
  • Measure muscle excitation using surface electromyography (EMG)
  • Measure wrist joint torques during contractions
  • Measure the kinematics of human movement
  • Measure ground reaction forces and shock transmission through the body
  • Calculate ankle joint moments using inverse dynamics and experimental data
  • Account for physiological and measurement factors that shape EMG signals
  • Infer how biomechanical principles govern human movement
  • Explain different sources of measurement error for biomechanical analysis
  • Generate hypotheses about human movement
  • Design an experimental study and produce a project report

TOPICS:

· Body center of mass · Body moment of inertia · Joint mechanics: shock attenuation · Joint mechanics: muscle force · Muscle mechanics: power output · Surface EMG: movement, fatigue · Surface EMG: force · Kinematics of balance and gait · Kinetics of balance and gait: inverse dynamics

Grading

  • Laboratory Questions (9 labs) 30%
  • Laboratory Notebook 15%
  • Group Project 15%
  • Final Written Examination 40%

NOTES:

Answers to the Laboratory Questions are due at the beginning of the following week's lab period. The experimental project will be planned in the middle of the semester and conducted during the last two lab periods of the semester. The Laboratory Notebook is due one week after the last lab. There will be a late penalty for submitted work. For each day, one-tenth of the maximum grade will be deducted.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

BPK 301 Laboratory Manual

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

It is the responsibility of the student to keep their BPK course outlines if they plan on furthering their education.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.