Undergraduate - UnitEDF1613 - Biophysical foundations of physical activity A

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit introduces students to the fundamental sport and outdoor recreation discipline studies of functional anatomy and biomechanics. The unit familiarises students with anatomical and biomechanical concepts applied to physical activity. The skeletal, neural and muscular system's actions are grounded within a broader understanding of their interdependence within the body and the body within its environment. Biomechanical concepts extend understandings of how the body moves through the environment by exploring the effect forces have on bodies and the motion produced by these forces. Theoretical concepts are used to extend knowledge of how systems operate.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Explain how anatomical systems contribute to human movement and are impacted upon by biomechanical and other environmental constraints;
2. identify major anatomical structures involved in the production of coordinated movement;
3. discuss skeletal, neural and muscular structures and their relationship with movement and injury;
4. examine planes of movement, joint movements and types of muscular contractions and explain their relationship to movement;
5. explain physiological processes such as bone growth and development, muscular contraction, muscular adaptation, nervous system control and regulation and their relationship to movement;
6. apply knowledge of functional anatomy to a range of exercise and sport related movements and integrate biomechanical concepts such as leverage, force, optimal positioning;
7. answer questions related to biomechanical principles and their application to human movement; and
8. apply biomechanical principles to sporting and outdoor recreation movement activities.

Assessment

Assessment task 1 (1200 word equivalent): 30%
Assessment task 2 (1200 word equivalent): 30%
Assessment task 3: (1600 word equivalent): 40%;
Satisfactory completion of practical components

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Justen O'Connor

Contact hours

3 contact hours per week, 9 hours private study including readings, completions of set tasks and self-directed learning.