Nelson Mandela University

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Biokinetics

Health Sciences and Social Services - Preventive Health

Purpose and Rationale

Qualification in Biokinetics

Purpose:

The purpose of this qualification in Biokinetics is to provide learners with a sound scientific knowledge base in the field of human physiology, anatomy, kinesiology, and human movement science. It aims to equip learners with practical skills, appropriate attitudes, and values to enhance health, optimize wellbeing and performance, and prevent the progression of certain ailments in individuals and communities. The main focus of this qualification is to provide professional training in 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.

The practice of these four domains will be conducted once the patient's conditions have been clinically stabilized (e.g., diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, etc.).

Rationale:

Biokinetics is a profession that focuses on health promotion, disease prevention, final phase rehabilitation of orthopaedic injuries, and the management of chronic diseases and disabilities through individualized, scientifically based exercise program prescription, physical activity intervention programs, and health education. It is an integral part of the holistic and multidisciplinary approach to healthcare, making it fitting within the Health Sciences Faculty at the university.

Currently, qualifying as a biokineticist requires completing a three-year learning program (BHMS or BSc in HMS and Biochemistry), followed by a Bachelor Administration Honours (HMS-Biokinetics), and a one-year internship (3 + 1 + internship). This extended process means that learners take five years to qualify as professional biokineticists, with no university control over external internships.

By offering a four-year professional Biokinetics qualification, the university can ensure quality training for biokineticists completing the Bachelor of Health Science in Biokinetics. Learners will be required to register with the Health Professions Council South Africa from year one of the four-year program, enhancing the credibility of the degree. This aligns the qualification more competitively with similar four-year professional health qualifications like physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

The new qualification will have a specific focus on biokinetics-related subject matter. The extended professional internship over two years will provide learners with early, extensive, and high-quality exposure to the necessary biokinetics skills for the profession and the broader health sector.

Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes related to the structure, function and psycho-socio aspects of the human body systems.
  2. Plan and implement effective and efficient therapeutic and recreation programmes.
  3. Apply relevant and appropriate knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes to the prevention and rehabilitation of musculo-skeletal injuries.
  4. Apply relevant knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes in conducting scientifically sound/based measurement and evaluation in biokinetics contexts.
  5. Integrate and apply relevant knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes to biokinetics related research.
  6. Manage a private or public biokinetics practice or health care facility effectively and efficiently.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Description of Body Systems: Macroscopic and microscopic structure of each body system is described.
  • Normal Function: Explanation of the normal function of each body system.
  • Homeostasis Mechanisms: Understanding and integration of mechanisms responsible for homeostasis.
  • Psychology and Sociology: Analysis, interpretation, and application of foundational theories in psychology and sociology in biokinetics contexts.
  • Psyche on Health Behavior: Reflection on the effect of the human psyche on health behavior, health promotion, human functioning, and performance.
  • Motivational Skills: Application of appropriate motivational and interviewing skills in health care contexts.
  • Psycho-Social Factors: Recognition of effects of negative psycho-social factors on individuals and the environment.
  • Psycho-Social Stratification: Explanation of psycho-social stratification impact within the South African community in health care contexts.
  • Physics in Human Motion: Analysis, integration, and application of foundational theories in physics as they apply to human motion and exercise.
  • Muscle Function and Biomechanics: Analysis and integration of knowledge on muscle function, movement biomechanics, and integrative functioning of neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems.
  • Dysfunctions Identification: Performance of different movement skills to identify possible dysfunctions of biomechanical analyses.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Recreation as Therapeutic Intervention: Application of understanding of recreation as a therapeutic intervention tool for different populations.
  • Pathology and Psychology: Analysis, integration, and application of knowledge of the pathology and psychology of people with disabilities and long-term conditions.
  • Evaluation Protocols: Planning, implementation, and interpretation of various evaluation protocols for individuals and groups in therapeutic and recreational contexts.
  • Therapeutic Recreation Programs: Implementation of appropriate and scientifically based therapeutic recreation programs for different groups/populations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Musculo-Skeletal Injuries: Demonstration of understanding of common musculo-skeletal injuries and conditions, including their incidence, symptoms, causes, and treatment.
  • Medical Histories: Conducting comprehensive medical and injury histories of various patients.
  • Assessment Techniques: Application of observation, palpation, and manual evaluation techniques in assessing individual injuries.
  • Rehabilitation Programs: Designing, demonstrating, and implementing evidence-based individualized rehabilitation exercise programs.
  • Injury Prevention Strategies: Proposing, prescribing, and implementing injury prevention strategies for individuals and groups.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Research Methodologies: Application of different research methodologies to biokinetics contexts.
  • Measurement and Evaluation: Application of scientific approaches to measurement and evaluation in biokinetics contexts.
  • Statistical Procedures: Application of basic statistical procedures for analyzing results in biokinetics contexts.
  • Physical Health Assessments: Designing, planning, executing, and interpreting various physical health and exercise physiological assessments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Health and Human Movement Science Research: Demonstration of understanding and application of a broad knowledge base of health and human movement science related research.
  • Critical Thinking: Application of critical concepts of relevant theories and research methods to resolve complex real-life problems.
  • Research Skills: Application of research skills to react to complex problems and challenges using appropriate data-analysis techniques.
  • Ethical Research: Application of research methods, analysis, and technology in an ethical and responsible way.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

  • Scope of Practice: Application of relevant knowledge and understanding of the scope of practice and ethical rules concerning biokinetics.
  • Entrepreneurial Skills: Application of entrepreneurial skills in establishing and managing a biokinetics practice.
  • Health Policy Management: Management and implementation of health policy, health systems, and structures in accordance with South African legislation.
  • Communication Skills: Professional communication with stakeholders, individuals, and companies using effective communication skills.
  • Financial Management: Maintenance and management of materials, equipment, and assets according to financial management principles.
  • Public Health Policies: Implementation of public health policies and legislative obligations in line with human rights principles.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Formative Assessment: Written assignments, tests, case studies, presentations, etc.
  • Summative Assessment: Oral/written examinations, practical examinations, project reports, etc.
  • Real-Life Problem Solving: Application of knowledge and skills to solve real-life problems within a biokinetics context.
  • Exercise Programs Design: Designing appropriate preventative and rehabilitative exercise programs for patients/clients.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree(Min 480)
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
531
SAQA Source
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Nelson Mandela University
Description
Nelson Mandela University is a comprehensive university located in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It was established in 2005 through the merger of three institutions, and it is named after the iconic South African leader, Nelson Mandela. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, engineering, health sciences, and law. It is known for its commitment to social justice, transformation, and community engagement. Nelson Mandela University strives to provide quality education, promote research and innovation, and contribute to the development of the region and the country as a whole.

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.