Biomechanics in Practice

Assessment Guidance – Summative Conference Paper (CW2)

Assessment Information:

Module Title: Biomechanics in Practice

Module Code: U30087

Module Coordinator: Melissa Jones

Pathway(s): BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science

BSc (Hons) Exercise & Fitness Management

Submission Date: Friday 11th June 2021 (21:00)

Page / Word Count: 4 pages

Submission Type: TurnItIn

Assessment Brief:

The assessment is introduced in Week 32. Following your group presentation of the
biomechanical project protocol, you will collect data as described in the lab as a
group. You will then analyse this data (either as a group, or individually) and will
each submit an individual 4-page conference paper in the format of conference
papers submitted to the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports. This paper
will include an Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion section.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Critically evaluate musculoskeletal biomechanics using appropriate theories

and tools
3. Demonstrate appropriate skills in biomechanical data collection, analysis and
presentation
4. Summarise and critique current applied sports and exercise biomechanics
research

U30087 Biomechanics in Practice

Type of Assessment:

4-page conference paper.

Formatting and Submission Guidelines:

The conference paper should be 4 pages (maximum) in length excluding the title
page and reference list, and is worth 60% of this module. The conference paper
format is based on the requirements for conference papers submitted to the
International Society of Biomechanics in Sports. There is a template available for you
to utilise.

Formatting Guidelines:

• Page Margins: 2.54 cm for top, bottom, left and right margins
• Include student number on separate line, before title
• Title: Arial 12 pt, CAPITAL LETTERS, bold, centred, 1.5 line-spaced, max. 2
lines;
• Body of Text: Arial 11 pt, lower case, left and right justified, single line-spaced;
• Title of each main section (e.g. introduction, methods): CAPITAL LETTERS,
bold, left justified;
• References: Arial 10 pt, lower case, single spaced, left justified, APA
referencing style.
If appropriate:

• Titles of tables: above the table, Arial 10 pt, lower case, bold, left justified, no
full-stop;
• Figures: sufficient contrast, clear, appropriate scaling and labelling of the
axes;
• Figure captions: after the figure, Arial 10 pt, lower case, left justified, full-stop
at end;
The conference paper is to be submitted via TurnItIn on Moodle, and is due on
Friday 11h June 2021 (21:00).

Assessment Feedback:

Feedback will be received in a timely manner within 20 working days.

(Feed-forward)

U30087 Biomechanics in Practice

Please refer to your feedback from the presentation (Assessment 1) to help inform
your conference paper writing. Use feedback from similar lab reports you have
undertaken during your degree (e.g. Tools of Biomechanical Analysis in year 2) to
help you with this assessment.

Conference Paper Topic:

The paper will consist of an introduction / literature review, methods, results and
discussion/ conclusion. The data provided for your project proposed in Week 36 will
be used in your conference style paper. The variables that you decide to analyse will
depend upon your chosen focus for your paper.

Further information will be provided in the lecture in Week 39.

Conference Paper (structure, content and mark allocation):

Title – Various

No abstract needed

1. Title & Introduction (30%)

To include: an outline of the project and surrounding literature; analysis of findings of

previous work including gaps in the literature and relevant contributions; rationale for
the project; a clear study aim; indication of research expectations, i.e. hypotheses.

2. Methodology (15%)

To include: a statement that informed consent was obtained; participant profiles; a

replicable protocol; data processing and analysis procedures.

3. Results (15%)

To include: Concise presentation of analysed data within text and in tables and/or
figures where appropriate; narrative description of critical findings.

4. Discussion & Conclusion (30%)

To include: an effective description and interpretation of the findings in relation to the

project aim and hypotheses; the integration of literature support and mechanical
explanation of the findings; brief limitations and future recommendations; an
appropriate concluding paragraph to summarise your findings

U30087 Biomechanics in Practice

5. Presentation & Referencing (10%)

To include: The use of an appropriate academic writing and referencing style (APA
7th edition); evidence of support from relevant literature.

When writing a short paper of this style it is ESSENTIAL that you are concise with
your writing. Please utilise the template provided.

Marking Criteria:

Please refer to the generic marking criteria provided at the end of this document.
Ensure you pay attention to the weightings of each of the sections (Introduction
30%; Method 15%; Results 15%; Discussion 30%; Presentation and
Referencing 10%).

Double Blind / Verification Marking Process:

This assessment will be subject to mark verification, whereby a second member of

staff scans 10% (min 6, max 20) of the assessments to ascertain that the marks for
the module are broadly appropriate and have been fairly arrived at.

U30087 Biomechanics in Practice

Marking Criteria:
L6 Biomechanics in Practice (4-page conference report) – relative weightings for each section are defined in the assessment brief.
0-39%
Lab Work in this range attempts to address the
report biomechanical research question / problem
but is substantially incomplete and
deficient. Little or no relevant narrative
provided to introduce study area. Limited
information provided on biomechanical
data collection and analysis. No or little
attempt made to present results of study.
Little or no interpretation of results. Lack
of understanding.
Serious problems with a number of aspects
of language. Lack of appropriate
referencing.
40-49%
Adequate work which attempts to address the
biomechanical research question with limited
understanding and analysis. Adequate
narrative provided to study area. Some key
biomechanical data collection and processing
information presented. Main results of the
study and findings are considered with some
relation to underpinning biomechanical
theory. Lacking in use of literature support
and / or interpretation of findings.
Limited prose style, but attempts to write
clearly. Followed basic guidance information
although greater adherence needed to the
format of a 4-page conference paper.
Some major formatting mistakes and does not
adhere to APA 7 style.
th
50-59%
(as previous plus)
Work that attempts to address the
biomechanical research question
with some understanding and
analysis, key aspects of the subject
matter covered. Competent
introductory narrative provided.
Most key data biomechanical
collection and analysis
information presented.
Appropriate results presented.
Relevant discussion of the study
findings. Competent and
appropriate use of scientific
language. Appropriate adherence
to guidance information on how to
format a 4-page conference paper.
No major formatting mistakes and
adheres to APA 7 style.
th
60-69%
(as previous plus)
Very good work – contains most of the
information required, is accurate and relevant and
demonstrates understanding of the biomechanical
research question and attempts to view it in a
wider context. Shows some originality of thought
with good critique and analysis assumptions, is
aware of the limits of knowledge. Appropriate use
of scientific language in well-structured sentences.
Well-presented and clear adherence to guidance
information on how to format a 4-page conference
paper. Only a few minor referencing mistakes and
adheres to APA 7 style
th
70+%
(as previous plus)
Outstanding work – contains
accurate, relevant material to answer
the biomechanical research question,
demonstrates understanding of
complex subject matter and is able to
view it in a wider context. Shows
originality and confidence in
analysing and criticising
assumptions, is aware of the limits of
knowledge.
Relevant study results very well
presented and a very good discussion
of the findings in light of the relevant
biomechanics literature. Accurate
and clear adherence to guidance
information. Accurate referencing
adhering to APA 7 style.
th