Tshwane University of Technology

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Biokinetics

Health Sciences and Social Services - Rehabilitative Health/Services

Purpose and Rationale

Qualification: Bachelor of Science in Biokinetics

Purpose:

The qualification serves as a foundation and core knowledge base whereby the acquisition of professional abilities such as understanding, skills, values, and attitudes are ensured, as well as gaining applied competence to act as a specialist health care professional, namely a Biokineticist. The end product of this qualification is to produce individuals who focus on scientifically based prescriptive exercise in the following four domains of practice:

  1. Wellness, disease/injury prevention, and health promotion.
  2. Optimal performance.
  3. Final phase orthopaedic rehabilitation.
  4. Management of chronic diseases and disabilities post-clinical stabilization, such as diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and others.

Rationale:

This qualification provides learners with a solid scientific knowledge base in human physiology, anatomy, kinesiology, and human movement science, as well as practical skills and appropriate attitudes and values. Its goal is to enhance health, optimize well-being and performance, and prevent the progression of certain ailments in individuals and communities.

Competent and qualified Biokineticists are equipped to work in various settings, including public and private sectors, urban and rural areas. They leverage their expertise in exercise, physical activity, and health education to promote health, prevent dysfunction, and restore and maintain functional abilities compromised by orthopedic injuries and chronic diseases.

Unique Aspects:

While there are similarities between Biokinetics and other healthcare qualifications like physiotherapy, this qualification is unique in its primary focus on the prescription of scientifically based exercise in the four specific domains identified above. This specialization equips graduates to deliver specialized biokinetic health care services that are internationally recognized and applicable in any community setting.

The qualification aims to provide all economic sectors with a pool of well-qualified individuals who can perform effectively in the field of biokinetics, contributing to the overall health and well-being of individuals and communities they serve.

Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes related to the structure and function of the human body systems.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes related to the psychosocial aspects of health and human performance.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes related to biomechanics.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes related to exercise physiology and clinical exercise physiology for rehabilitation.
  5. Demonstrate specialised knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes related to human motor behaviour.
  6. Demonstrate adequate knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes related to exercise science.
  7. Plan and implement effective and efficient therapeutic and recreation programmes.
  8. Apply specialised knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes related to health promotion, health education and health related aspects of exercise and physical activity in individual, community and work context.
  9. Apply relevant and appropriate knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes related to the prevention and rehabilitation of musco-skeletal injuries.
  10. Apply relevant knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes in conducting scientific measurement and evaluation in biokinetic contexts.
  11. Apply relevant knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes to the management of chronic diseases and disabilities.
  12. Demonstrate an understanding of the research process and various methodologies as well as apply the relevant knowledge.
  13. Manage a private or public biokinetics practice or health care facility.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Describe the macroscopic and microscopic structure of each body system.
  • Explain the normal function of each of the body's systems.
  • Understand system integration and the mechanisms responsible for homeostasis of the human body.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Analyse, interpret and apply foundational theories with regard to psychology and sociology in Biokinetics contexts.
  • Reflect on the effect of the human psyche on health behaviour, health promotion (wellness), human functioning and performance.
  • Apply appropriate motivational and interviewing skills in health care contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Analyse and integrate foundational theories in physics as they apply to human motion and exercise.
  • Perform biomechanical analyses of different movement skills to identify possible dysfunctions.
  • Assess the kinetics and kinematic variables associated with posture, movement, injuries and general health.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Apply an understanding of the effects of different types of exercise on the cardiovascular, pulmonary, neuromuscular, metabolic and endocrine systems to real and simulated cases.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationship between responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise.
  • Design appropriate exercise interventions to enhance exercise capacity.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Analyse and integrate an understanding of the different components of fitness.
  • Design appropriate and scientifically sound physical activities, physical fitness and exercise programmes for individuals and groups.
  • Implement appropriate and scientifically founded physical activity/exercise training programmes for different groups/populations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

  • Analyse, integrate and apply knowledge of the pathology and psychology of people with disabilities and of those who suffer from long term conditions.
  • Implement appropriate and scientifically based therapeutic recreation programmes for different groups/populations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

  • Apply knowledge and understanding of human growth, development, maturation and aging to a variety of biokinetic contexts.
  • Design and implement appropriate and effective rehabilitation and intervention programmes for individuals with functional constraints over the lifespan.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

  • Demonstrate understanding of common musculo-skeletal injuries and conditions, including their incidence, symptoms, possible causes, and treatment.
  • Conduct comprehensive medical and injury histories of a variety of patients.
  • Design, demonstrate and implement evidence-based individualised rehabilitation exercise programmes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of health and disease patterns as a result of inactivity.
  • Apply an understanding of the benefits of regular exercise and physical activity on health to health promotion contexts.
  • Design and implement awareness, screening and education programmes to promote health and wellness in the community.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:

  • Apply scientific approaches to measurement and evaluation in biokinetic contexts.
  • Design, plan, execute and interpret a variety of physical health and exercise physiological assessments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:

  • Apply knowledge and understanding of applicable clinical sciences to the pathology of disease and disabilities.
  • Plan and implement effective and efficient exercise intervention programmes for various chronic diseases and disabilities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:

  • Apply the critical concepts of relevant theories, research methods and techniques to identify and resolve complex real-life problems.
  • Communicate research findings to professional colleagues as well as to the general public and communities with compassion and sensitivity.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Formative and Summative Assessments will be integrated to provide a coherent indication of the candidates' ability, skill, and experience.
  • Assessments will focus on assessing the achievement of the Exit Level Outcomes holistically, in groups rather than individually, through written examinations, practical examinations, project evaluations, and final examinations.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree(Min 480)
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
480
SAQA Source
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Tshwane University of Technology
Description
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is a higher education institution located in Pretoria, South Africa. It was established in 2004 through the merger of three separate institutions. TUT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various fields of study, including engineering, business, science, arts, and technology. The university is known for its focus on practical and career-oriented education, providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen professions. TUT also has a strong emphasis on research and innovation, contributing to the development of new technologies and solutions. With a diverse student body and state-of-the-art facilities, Tshwane University of Technology is committed to providing quality education and making a positive impact on society.

This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.