Biomechanics
What is Biomechanics?
Biomechanics is the study of how forces interact with biological systems. This interdisciplinary field uses mechanical and biological principles to understand how living organisms, from individual cells to the entire body, function and respond to internal and external forces. Through biomechanics, students gain a deeper understanding of the human body and the mechanical factors involved in health, injury, and disease, providing a foundation for improving diagnosis, treatment, and technology related to human function.
Areas of Focus at the Department of Biomechanics
Biomechanics is a broad field that integrates knowledge from multiple disciplines, including physics, mathematics, engineering, biology, anatomy, data analysis, and clinical sciences such as physical therapy. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to explore a range of research areas and tailor their academic experience to their interests, background, and career goals.
At UNO, biomechanics includes several areas of focus. Human motion and movement analysis is an important component that examines how muscle forces, gravity, and skeletal structures interact to influence movement and physical performance. The program also includes cardiovascular biomechanics, which focuses on understanding cardiovascular pathologies and improving heart and vascular function. Additional areas of study include pediatric biomechanics, cell and tissue mechanics, neuromechanics, musculoskeletal biomechanics, rehabilitation strategies, aging, human performance, medical devices, and material sciences. Together, these areas prepare students to improve healthcare and human well-being.
What you Will Learn
Students in the Biomechanics program develop a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, physics, motion analysis, and biomechanics, along with quantitative and analytical skills needed to solve real-world problems. Through coursework and laboratory experiences, students learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret biomechanical data, apply engineering and biological principles, and think critically about human health and performance.
Through the Biomechanics program, students will learn to:
- Analyze complex biological system problems and use biomechanics principles to develop new and effective solutions
- Collect, measure, and analyze experimental data from living systems through hands-on laboratory and research experiences
- Apply biomechanics to enhance physical performance and design effective rehabilitation strategies for patients
- Evaluate and contribute to the development of new treatment approaches, medical devices, and prosthetic technologies that improve healthcare and quality of life
Career and Academic Pathways
The Biomechanics program prepares students for a wide range of career paths and advanced study options. Depending on their interests, background, and career goals, students commonly follow one of the pathways below.
- Graduate and Research Pathway
- Students interested in research and advanced scientific training may pursue graduate education in biomechanics or related fields. This pathway prepares students for master’s and doctoral programs, academic research, and positions in research laboratories.
- Clinical and Health Professions Pathway
- Students planning to enter healthcare professions may use the biomechanics degree as preparation for programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, physician assistant studies, or related clinical fields.
- Industry and Applied Pathway
- Students interested in applied careers may pursue positions in medical device development, biotechnology, robotics, hospital and clinical laboratories, sports technology, ergonomics, and human performance industries. This pathway focuses on applying biomechanics principles to real-world problems, including product development, performance optimization, injury prevention, and the evaluation of medical devices and assistive technologies.
A detailed list of potential career opportunities associated with a degree in Biomechanics is available in the Careers section of this catalog.
Other Information
Once admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Biomechanics, students are part of the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. To remain in good standing, students must maintain a cumulative college GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and earn grades of C- or better in all core courses.
The Minor in Biomechanics is intended for students majoring outside of Biomechanics who would benefit from learning its fundamental principles.
The department strongly encourages undergraduate students to engage in research with a faculty mentor. Opportunities include undergraduate research projects, volunteer positions, and student worker roles within the Department of Biomechanics. A list of faculty members is available on the department website. Visit the faculty and staff directory page.
Fast Track Program
The Department of Biomechanics offers a Fast Track program for highly qualified and motivated students who wish to complete both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Biomechanics in an accelerated timeframe. Through this program, students may apply up to nine graduate credit hours toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Program Eligibility and Requirements
- Available to undergraduate students pursuing a BS in Biomechanics who intend to pursue an MS in Biomechanics
- Students must have completed at least 60 undergraduate credit hours
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required
- Students must complete the Fast Track Approval Form and obtain all required signatures prior to enrolling in any graduate-level coursework
- Students will work with their undergraduate advisor to register for approved graduate courses
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 must be maintained in graduate coursework to remain in good standing
- Students retain undergraduate status, including eligibility for undergraduate financial aid, until all undergraduate degree requirements are completed
- Near the completion of the undergraduate degree, students must formally apply to the graduate program; the application fee will be waived through the Office of Graduate Studies
- Admission to the Fast Track program does not guarantee admission to the graduate program
- Students are strongly encouraged to participate in research opportunities within the Department of Biomechanics or comparable programs
- The admit term to the graduate program must be after the undergraduate completion term
All 8000-level BMCH courses are eligible for Fast Track students
Contact Information
Department of Biomechanics Biomechanics Research Building 6160 University Dr S, Omaha, NE 68182
402.554.3228
Biomechanics graduates pursue careers across healthcare, research, and industry by applying principles of mechanics, biology, and engineering to understand and improve human and animal function. Career paths may involve clinical practice, research and development, medical technology, rehabilitation, performance optimization, and biomechanics analysis.
Clinical and Health Professions
- Graduate or professional education required
- Physical Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Rehabilitation Specialist
- Prosthetist or Orthotist
- Athletic Trainer
Research and Clinical Research Settings
- Research Scientist
- Clinical Research Specialist
- Gait Analysis Biomechanist
- Clinical Study Coordinator
- Biomechanics Laboratory Specialist
Industry and Applied Careers
- Medical Device Design Engineer
- Field Application Engineer
- Robotics Engineer or Technician
- Ergonomist
- Sports Performance Specialist
- Footwear Research and Development Specialist
- Forensic Biomechanist
- Rehabilitation Engineer
Additional Notes
Some career paths require graduate or professional education. Students are encouraged to work closely with academic advisors to tailor coursework and experiences to their career goals.