by Biomechanism
Undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in biomechanics can broaden their understanding of the field by taking courses in mathematics, physics/engineering and exercise science, assisting with laboratory and field research and communicating with current biomechanics professionals.
What is biomechanics?
Biomechanics is a sub-discipline of kinesiology that is generally defined as applying the principles of mechanics to animate motion. The sub-discipline can be viewed as both a primary and applied science. Biomechanists work in many different disciplines and fields of application, such as biological sciences, exercise and sports science, health sciences, ergonomics and human factors, and engineering and applied science.
What types of careers are available?
For most biomechanics careers, an MS or PhD graduate degree is required. The positions available to those trained in biomechanics can be divided into two levels based on the terminal degree. The jobs available to MS graduates involve working in the following:
- Gait Analysis research labs
- Research and design in sports companies
- Work-related strength and flexibility testing
- Design of man-machine interfaces
- Research and testing of athletes
These positions are also available to PhD graduates with more senior responsibilities as a researcher.
What preparation do I need to get a job?
To begin, a student must obtain a kinesiology degree. The degree should feature kinesiology courses in Anatomy and Physiology, Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics, preparatory courses in physics (or engineering), and mathematics. After completing an undergraduate degree, no certifications can be gained from societies or organizations that would show an employer and its clientele that you have the specialized knowledge base and skills required to perform a particular job.
To gain more experience to become specialized in biomechanics, it is necessary to pursue a graduate curriculum in biomechanics either in kinesiology, engineering or biology departments. The choice of department will depend on your particular area in biomechanics. An MS degree should give you the background to work in the area of biomechanics in the capacity of a junior researcher or as a laboratory technician. However, to procure a position as a senior researcher, a doctoral degree is necessary.
A list of graduate programs in biomechanics is available on the American Society of Biomechanics website (www.asbweb.org)
Where can I find out more?
There several North American societies with biomechanics as a focus that aims to inform students about biomechanics as a discipline and biomechanics as a career. These societies include:
1) International Society of Biomechanics (www.isbs.org)
2) American Society of Biomechanics (www.asbweb.org)
3) International Society of Biomechanics in Sports (www.twu.edu/kinesiology/biomechanics.asp)
4) Canadian Society of Biomechanics (www.health.uottawa.ca/biomech/csb)
There are also several biomechanics societies in other countries (i.e. Brazil, Germany, England, Australia, Greece, Czech Republic, etc.).
Several of these societies offer scholarships to attend their meetings, to travel to other laboratories or to conduct research.
Get Experience
Besides coursework, practical experiences are valuable for introducing you to biomechanics. You must gain as much experience as possible by assisting with projects in the biomechanics laboratory at your university. One way to gain experience is to volunteer to assist a faculty member or graduate student at your university in conducting biomechanics research. Faculty members and graduate students are usually more than happy to have an undergraduate research assistant to help with data collection and entry tasks. Although research may not first come to mind, it is an essential aspect of the field. Research experience will make you more attractive to graduate programs and prepare you for graduate-level work.
Make Connections
One of the most important things you can do as an aspiring biomechanics professional is establish contact with biomechanists in other geographic locations. For example, as a student member of the International Society of Biomechanics or the American Society of Biomechanics, you can enrol in the mentor program available to student members. This program will allow you to make contact with faculty and senior researchers at many different laboratories who have similar interests to you. You can e-mail or call these engaging mentors based on their profiles. Ask them about graduate school, career opportunities, and what they look for in a graduate applicant.
Another way to make connections is to attend biomechanics conferences. Generally, there are three or four meetings each year in the United States and other parts of the world. Not only do discussions expose you to the wide variety of research done in biomechanics, but it will provide great opportunities to network with other students and biomechanists from around the world. A conference schedule is generally part of most of the websites of the biomechanics societies. If you attend a conference, search the conference program for biomechanics professionals who will be attending, and e-mail one or two of them to find out if they would be willing to meet with you for 15-20 minutes at some point during the conference.
Summary
Biomechanics is a growing field with much to offer society. The steps to take to have a career in biomechanics involve taking relevant undergraduate and graduate coursework in related fields such as mathematics, physics or engineering, gaining practical experience in assisting or doing research, and making connections with biomechanics professionals. These are three valuable strategies for learning about and gaining entry into the field. Although implementing these strategies will require a high level of commitment and dedication on your part, in the end, I am sure you’ll find that it is a worthwhile journey.
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By Dr. Joseph Hamill, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Credit: American Kinesiology
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