About the Master of Science in Biomechanics, Sports Science Area of Emphasis
The Biomechanics – Sports Science area of emphasis (AoE) was designed to serve graduate students looking to further their education in the study of human movement.
This program is perfect for:
- Athletic trainers
- Physical therapists
- Students with undergraduate degrees in Sports Studies, Exercise Science, or related fields
- Undergraduate Biomechanics majors
- Coaches
- Fitness instructors and other movement professionals
This program was designed for students and professionals seeking further education in how to use technology to improve human movement and performance using an interdisciplinary, application-based approach.
Why choose this Area of Emphasis?
Marshall’s other graduate Biomechanics offering, the Master of Science in Biomechanics, is a highly technical degree with a strong emphasis on instrumentation and research. The Sports Science AoE was designed to replace some of the highly technical coursework in that program with interdisciplinary kinesiology courses that will prepare students for in-the-field human movement assessment with individuals and teams, rather than careers based primarily in a highly technical settings.
The focus in this AoE is the hands-on practicums leading to a final internship. These practicums guide students through the hands-on use of exercise testing technology to deliver outcomes to teams and individuals, with the student’s independence increasing as they progress through the program. The internship will then help to further expose students to applied biomechanics, preparing students to effectively and efficiently use technology to improve human movement. Graduates will leave Marshall with the hard and soft skills to confidently work within any setting requiring an understanding of human movement.
M.S. Biomechanics, Sports Science AoE Curriculum
CORE (12 hours)
- STA 518 Biostatistics
- ESS 670 Research Methods in Kinesiology
- HS 566 Biomechanical Analysis of Movement
- ESS 578 Exercise Metabolism
Area of Emphasis (18-21 hours)
- HS 578 Biomechanics Practicum (6 hours)
- ESS 642 Devising and Implementing Training and Conditioning Programs
- HS 657 Advanced Training & Certifications.
- HS 505 Sports Psychology
- HS 660 Internship (6 hours)
Electives (3 hours)
- HS 615 Kinematic Analysis & App Biomechanics
- HS 635 Kinetics in Biomechanics
- ESS 621 Advance Ex Phys
- DTS 672 Sports Nutrition
- ESS 542 Strength & Conditioning
- ESS 601 Advanced Exercise Testing
- ESS 636 Structural Kinesiology
- HS 565 Pathomechanics
- HS 679 Trends in Athletic Training
- HS 630 Seminar in Athletic Training
- HS 645 Athletic Training I
- HS 647 Athletic Training II
- HS 650 Gait
Why study Sports Science at Marshall?
Students in our programs gain access to two world-class biomechanics professionals who have conducted movement research in a variety of athletic and academic settings. Students consistently cite the experience and dedication of the faculty as a leading reason for their career success and satisfaction with the Biomechanics program at Marshall University.
Dr. Suzanne Konz, the Program Director, is a licensed athletic trainer and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist in addition to her expertise in biomechanics. A native of Iowa, she received a Ph.D. in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University.
She has worked the NFL Combine performing isokinetic testing on NFL athletes since 2009. Additionally, she performs biomechanical analysis for the U.S. Track and Field Team (USATF), working with Olympic-caliber athletes since 2003. Her research interests include concussion, sports performance, injury risk and prevention, hammer throw technique, and equipment reliability.
Dr. Konz has facilitated student research of the USATF, and helped many students present at the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and International Society of Biomechanics in Sports (ISBS) conferences. She has also helped students meet ambitious research goals, like underwater motion capture and assessment of concussive forces during shooting sports.
Prospective graduate students are encouraged to contact Dr. Konz about research opportunities.
Phone: 304-696-2926
E-mail: konz@marshall.edu
Dr. Steven Leigh is an associate member of the Institute of Physics (UK) in addition to his credentials in biomechanics. He completed his doctoral work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a physicist, Dr. Leigh brings to the classroom a deep knowledge of the software and equipment used in the field of biomechanics. Students benefit from his ability to explain the equipment, troubleshoot problems, and find novel solutions to unique research methodology questions. He is also a great resource for students interested in physical therapy, prosthetics, orthotics, and occupational therapy, because of his research interest in rehabilitation of the aging population.
Dr. Leigh has also conducted research with USATF, analyzing the throwing motions of elite javelin and discus throwers. Additionally, he has researched baseball pitching mechanics, shoulder bracing, upper extremity prosthesis, and equipment validity and reliability.
Prospective students are encouraged to contact Dr. Leigh about research opportunities.
Phone: 304-696-5405
E-mail: leighs@marshall.edu
Biomechanics – Sports Science Lab Spaces
Students in the M.S. Biomechanics, Sports Science program will complete hands-on practicum experiences in the Marshall University Exercise Physiology Lab. This lab provides exercise testing services for community members, Marshall Athletics teams, and industrial employees in need of biomechanical analysis to determine their suitability for physically demanding work. These students learn biomechanical analysis techniques and technology, including:
- Isokinetic Dynamometry
- Accelerometry and IMUs (for testing things like movement symmetry after injury)
- Instrumented insoles to measure gait
- Portable motion capture technology, like 2-dimensional video analysis
This lab is state-of-the-art and provides a wide variety of experiences that directly translate to the day-to-day skills used in movement careers, from coaching to athlete testing to research. This lab as well as other spaces available to students within the School of Kinesiology and Biomechanics programs are featured in the below video.