Human Movement Analytics: Biomechanics, Motor Control and Learning (HMA: BMCL)

Programme overview

This English-taught Master of Science builds advanced knowledge from movement science, biomechanics and neuroscience to prepare students for high-level research and specialist practice. The curriculum emphasizes theoretical and methodological foundations for analysing human movement and develops practical, research-oriented skills in movement analytics, motor control and motor learning.

Graduates gain methodological expertise that enables them to tackle both fundamental and applied questions across health-related and performance domains. The programme readies students for roles in research and practice in areas such as health care and competitive sport, orthopaedic and neurological rehabilitation, ergonomics and occupational science. Offered since the winter semester 2021/22, this degree continues and expands the former Biomechanics – Motor Skill – Human Motion Analytics (BMB) programme.

Key competencies & facts

• Advanced methodological competencies in movement analysis, biomechanics and neurophysiological approaches to motor research
• Preparation for basic and applied research in movement analytics, behavioural science and neurophysiologically oriented motor research
• Ability to address scientific questions at a high level in health care, competitive sport, orthopaedic and neurological rehabilitation, ergonomics and occupational science
• Curriculum focus: theoretical and methodological foundations for analysing human motion
• Degree awarded: Master of Science
• Language of instruction: English
• Programme offered since winter semester 2021/22 as the successor to the Biomechanics – Motor Skill – Human Motion Analytics (BMB) programme

Curriculum overview

This is a four-semester master’s program structured around three core tracks that build complementary competencies in human movement science. The first two semesters cover the three tracks, which are then explored in greater depth during the third semester through two profile modules (9 CP each) and two elective modules (6 CP each). The final (fourth) semester is reserved for the Master’s thesis (30 CP). The program supports external thesis placements in clinics, public institutions or industry, and the flexible composition of profile and elective modules makes the third semester well suited for a semester abroad with recognisable coursework from other universities.

Key modules and learning outcomes

• Track One — Data Analysis and Statistics

  • Modules: Applied Mathematics (6 CP), Specific Data Analysis (6 CP).
  • Learning outcomes: Practical, application-focused training in computer-assisted data analysis and quantitative methods needed to process and interpret human movement data.

• Track Two — Biomechanics and Neuromotor Control

  • Modules: Biomechanics I (6 CP), Biomechanics II (9 CP), Computational Principles of Motor Control (6 CP), Cognitive Neuroscience of Action (6 CP).
  • Learning outcomes: Solid grounding in kinematics and dynamics of human movement and the organization of motor behavior. Students learn motor control and learning from behavioural, biomechanical, physiological and neuroscientific perspectives and how these viewpoints interrelate.

• Track Three — Movement Analytics

  • Modules: Computer Programming in Human Movement Analytics (6 CP), Metrological Principles of Human Movement Analysis (6 CP), Movement-Specific Measurement Methods (9 CP).
  • Learning outcomes: Hands-on skills for acquiring and validating movement data using diverse measurement technologies and programming tools for movement analytics.

Practical and interdisciplinary emphasis

Profile modules in semester three use measurement projects to deepen theoretical knowledge and practical skills drawn from the three tracks. Electives may be chosen from natural and health sciences or methodological courses offered by Justus Liebig University and, where applicable, partner institutions, allowing tailored interdisciplinary study paths and facilitating recognition of coursework completed during an exchange.

Program requirements (concise)

• Standard duration: 4 semesters
• Track One (Data Analysis and Statistics): Applied Mathematics (6 CP), Specific Data Analysis (6 CP)
• Track Two (Biomechanics & Neuromotor Control): Biomechanics I (6 CP), Biomechanics II (9 CP), Computational Principles of Motor Control (6 CP), Cognitive Neuroscience of Action (6 CP)
• Track Three (Movement Analytics): Computer Programming in Human Movement Analytics (6 CP), Metrological Principles of Human Movement Analysis (6 CP), Movement-Specific Measurement Methods (9 CP)
• Semester 3: two profile modules (9 CP each) + two elective modules (6 CP each)
• Semester 4: Master’s thesis (30 CP); external thesis placements supported
• Profile and elective flexibility enables semester abroad and credit recognition across a range of course contents

Graduates are prepared for research and applied roles that require strong methodological and analytical skills in human movement. Typical sectors include healthcare and clinical research (orthopaedics, neurological rehabilitation), elite and applied sports science, ergonomics and occupational health, as well as technology and measurement companies developing movement analysis tools.

The programme also provides a solid foundation for doctoral studies in movement science, biomechanics, neuroscience and related interdisciplinary fields, or for research positions in academic and industrial R&D groups.