University of the Free State

Bachelor of Biokinetics

Health Sciences and Social Services - Rehabilitative Health/Services

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 also aims to impart practical skills and appropriate attitudes and values to enhance health, optimize well-being and performance, and prevent the progression of certain ailments in individuals and communities.

The main focus of this qualification is to offer 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 orthopedic rehabilitation.
  4. Management of chronic diseases and disabilities.

Practice in the four domains will commence once the condition has been clinically stabilized (e.g., diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, among others).

Rationale

Biokinetics is a profession dedicated to health promotion, prevention of lifestyle diseases, final phase orthopedic injury rehabilitation, and the management of chronic diseases and disabilities through individualized, scientifically based exercise program prescriptions, physical activity intervention programs, and health education.

As part of the holistic and multidisciplinary approach to healthcare, Biokinetics professionals work closely with other healthcare practitioners. The profession requires professionals to be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and have a professional Degree.

The need for a four-year professional Degree in Biokinetics was identified by the professional sector within which Biokinetics operates and is regulated. This qualification aligns Biokinetics with other professions under the Board of Physiotherapy, Podiatry, and Biokinetics.

To establish professional status, the qualification must comply with national and international best practice standards. This program has been designed to meet these requirements.

There is a growing demand in South Africa for optimizing physical performance, preventive measures for sports injuries and hypokinetic diseases, as well as rehabilitation of ailments and injuries. This qualification aims to meet these needs.

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 psycho-socio aspects of health, function and human performance.
  3. Demonstrate adequate 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 adequate knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes related to exercise science.
  6. Plan and implement effective and efficient therapeutic and recreation programmes.
  7. Demonstrate specialised knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes related to human motor behaviour.
  8. Apply relevant and appropriate knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes to the prevention and rehabilitation of musculo-skeletal injuries.
  9. Apply specialised knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes related to health promotion, health education and health related aspects of exercise and physical activity.
  10. Apply relevant knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes in conducting scientifically sound/based measurement and evaluation in biokinetics contexts.
  11. Apply relevant knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes to management of chronic diseases and disabilities.
  12. Apply relevant knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes to biokinetics related research.
  13. Manage a private or public biokinetics practice or health care facility effectively and efficiently.

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 the mechanisms responsible for homeostasis of the human body system.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Analyse foundational theories in psychology and sociology in biokinetics contexts.
  • Reflect on the effect of the human psyche on health behaviour and performance.
  • Apply appropriate motivational and interviewing skills in health care contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Analyse foundational theories in physics as they apply to human motion and exercise.
  • Assess kinetics and kinematic variables associated with posture, movement, and injuries.
  • Plan and implement bio-mechanically principled exercises for specific population groups.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Apply understanding of the effects of exercise on various body systems to real and simulated cases.
  • Plan laboratory tests and experiments in the field of human exercise physiology.
  • Design appropriate exercise interventions to enhance exercise capacity.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Analyse and integrate different components of fitness.
  • Design appropriate physical activity and exercise programmes for individuals and groups.
  • Implement biokinetics technology in a professional and scientific manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

  • Apply recreation as a therapeutic intervention tool for different populations.
  • Plan and implement therapeutic recreation programmes for different groups.
  • Analyse and integrate knowledge of pathology and psychology in therapeutic contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

  • Apply knowledge of motor development theories to various biokinetics contexts.
  • Design effective rehabilitation and intervention programmes for individuals with functional constraints.
  • Demonstrate understanding of normal and abnormal human movement patterns.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

  • Demonstrate understanding of common musculo-skeletal injuries and conditions.
  • Apply observation and evaluation techniques in assessing individual injuries.
  • Design evidence-based rehabilitation exercise programmes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of health and disease patterns as a result of inactivity.
  • Design lifestyle interventions for common diseases of lifestyle.
  • Implement education awareness and screening programmes for health promotion.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:

  • Apply different research methodologies in biokinetics contexts.
  • Design physical health and exercise physiological assessments.
  • Analyse and interpret progress in exercise programmes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:

  • Apply techniques to assess chronic diseases and disabilities.
  • Design effective exercise intervention programmes for various conditions.
  • Understand the inter-disciplinary approach in managing chronic diseases.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:

  • Demonstrate application of research methods and techniques to resolve complex real-life problems.
  • Communicate research findings with compassion and sensitivity.
  • Apply research skills to react to complex problems using systematic data-analysis techniques.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13:

  • Apply knowledge of ethical rules concerning biokinetics practice.
  • Demonstrate entrepreneurial skills in managing a biokinetics practice.
  • Manage human resources and supervise programmes within the profession.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Formative assessment practices will be implemented throughout the module.
  • Summative assessment practices will assess the achievement of outcomes.
  • Integrated assessment will focus on the achievement of exit-level outcomes through various evaluation methods.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree(Min 480)
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
584
SAQA Source
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University of the Free State
Description
The University of the Free State (UFS) is a public research university located in Bloemfontein, South Africa. It was established in 1904 and is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the country. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, natural and agricultural sciences, law, health sciences, education, and economic and management sciences. UFS is known for its commitment to inclusivity and diversity, and it strives to provide quality education and promote social justice. The university has a strong research focus and collaborates with national and international partners to address societal challenges and contribute to knowledge creation. UFS also has a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, sports facilities, and cultural activities.

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.