University of Venda

Bachelor of Science in Biokinetics

Health Sciences and Social Services - Preventive Health

Purpose and Rationale

Qualification Overview

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with sound scientific knowledge in Biokinetics so they can be equipped with the necessary skills for preventive health care, the maintenance of physical abilities in clients and final phase rehabilitation, by means of scientifically-based physical activity programmes. Thus a learner will be able to:

  1. Understand and apply exercise in clinical settings to minimise the risk of chronic diseases associated with physical inactivity.
  2. Apply Biokinetic practices in community, corporate, commercial and institutional settings.
  3. Develop exercise prescriptions, instructions for training techniques and supervise a safe and effective exercise programme.
  4. Understand Pathophysiology and how functional capacity and responses to exercise may be affected by different disease states.
  5. Assess an affected limb or body part to determine its functional limitations.
  6. Understand the research process and various methodologies as well as apply the relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes in conducting a research project on a Biokinetics or related topic.

The aim of this qualification is to equip learners with knowledge and skills that will enable them to become competent professionals in the management and rehabilitation of dysfunctional individuals towards their social upliftment, health and welfare.

Rationale

Given the health problems in our communities today, the Biokinetic programme can provide three major services, namely:

  1. Preventative health, meaning taking responsibility of one's health and wellness (by being physically active, use of proper diet and proper medical care).
  2. Preventive health where prevention is better than cure, meaning the ability to use one's fingers and hands and limbs needed for a good quality of life and to prevent illness and physical debilitation.
  3. Rehabilitation, meaning the use of physical activity and physical conditioning and primary therapeutic modalities.

One of the major problems afflicting today's societies is Hypokinetism - abnormally diminished muscular function or mobility. Generally, there is keen interest on how to achieve a good quality of life and individuals are looking for assistance to achieve an optimum level of health and wellness. Governments are also shifting their focus from the treatment of illness to prevention of illness and promotion of wellness not only for economic benefits but also for health benefits.

With increased prevalence of hypokinetic problems and sedentariness or low level mobility in today's population or society, participation in exercise and physical activities has been suggested as an effective tool in both primary and secondary prevention programmes. Thus the Bachelor of Science in Biokinetics is designed to provide learners with the knowledge of Biokinetics and to enable learners to be engaged with solving related problems.

Upon qualifying graduates will be able to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Biokineticist, provided the South African Association for Biokinetics approves the internship of the learner. Qualified Biokineticists will be able to work in a variety of settings, including the public and private sector and in both urban and rural settings.

Biokineticists primarily utilise their professional expertise in Exercise, Physical Activity and Health Education to enhance/promote health in general, and specifically prevent dysfunction, restore and maintain an individual's compromised functional ability, particularly in respect of orthopaedic injury and chronic disease states.

Outcomes

  1. Understand and apply exercise in clinical settings to minimise the risk of chronic diseases associated with physical inactivity.
  2. Apply Biokinetic practices in community, corporate, commercial and institutional settings.
  3. Develop exercise prescriptions, instructions for training techniques and supervise a safe and effective exercise programme.
  4. Understand Pathophysiology and how functional capacity and responses to exercise may be affected by different disease states.
  5. Assess an affected limb or body part to determine its functional limitations.
  6. Understand the research process and various methodologies as well as apply the relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes in conducting a research project on a Biokinetics or related topic.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Understanding of clinical exercise physiology, nutrition, exercise metabolism, and human performance.
  • Integration and application of health promotion, injury prevention, and rehabilitation programmes.
  • Understanding the effects of common pathological conditions such as Diabetes Mellitus on exercise capacity.
  • Analysis, integration, and application of knowledge of Pathology and Psychology for individuals with disabilities and long-term conditions.
  • Discussion of different forms of physical activity, exercise, and sport in health care and health promotion contexts.
  • Understanding and application of psychological factors impacting physical activity and exercise science.
  • Application of appropriate training principles for injury prevention and optimal performance for different populations.
  • Analysis and integration of different components of fitness.
  • Demonstration of understanding of responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise.

Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Implementation of appropriate physical activity/exercise training programmes for different groups/populations.
  • Compilation and supervision of individual-oriented physical training programmes based on physical condition.
  • Planning, execution, and interpretation of physical assessments for individuals and groups.
  • Designing appropriate physical activities, physical fitness, and exercise programmes.
  • Professional and scientific use of Biokinetics technology.
  • Demonstration of patience, compassion, and empathy in communication within Biokinetics contexts.
  • Planning, implementation, and interpretation of evaluation protocols for therapeutic and recreational contexts.
  • Application of understanding of exercise capacity differences between genders and age groups.
  • Demonstration of understanding of internal and external factors, ergogenic aids, and supplements on exercise and physical activity.
  • Assessment and design of applicable exercise programmes for job performance and daily tasks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Recording general history to determine exercise risks.
  • Evaluation of exercise programme prescriptions for special groups and professions.
  • Determination of physical work capacity using cycle ergometer, treadmill, and monitoring equipment.
  • Determination of safe exercise levels using various tests.
  • Planning, implementation, and guidance of exercise programmes.
  • Planning and implementation of Orthopaedic final phase rehabilitation programmes.
  • Conducting rehabilitation sessions using specialised equipment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Planning, conducting, and interpreting laboratory tests and experiments in human exercise physiology.
  • Demonstration of understanding of Nutrition and Biochemistry in relation to Exercise Physiology.
  • Application of understanding of the effects of different types of exercise on various systems.
  • Designing rehabilitation programmes to restore function post-injury or illness.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Recording specific medical history and previous treatment.
  • Conducting specific assessments of affected limb/body part.
  • Manual determination of range of motion, muscle strength, and flexibility.
  • Analysis of posture and assessment of muscle strength, exhaustion, and joint range of motion.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

  • Identification, formulation, and solving of research problems.
  • Execution of a research project.
  • Collection, organisation, and evaluation of literature for review.
  • Acquisition of learning abilities in research context.
  • Making logical conclusions, suggestions, and recommendations based on data collected.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Integration of learning and assessment.
  • Formative assessment for feedback on progress.
  • Summative assessment for judgment of learning in relation to Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Use of various assessment methods including tutorials, presentations, evaluations, and examinations.

This framework outlines the criteria and methods for assessing the achievement of Exit Level Outcomes in Biokinetics.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree(Min 480)
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
480
SAQA Source
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University of Venda
University of Venda
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Description
The University of Venda (UNIVEN) is a comprehensive university located in Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Established in 1982, it is one of the newer universities in the country. UNIVEN offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, education, health sciences, agriculture, and management sciences. The university is committed to providing quality education, research, and community engagement, with a focus on addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by the region. UNIVEN also promotes inclusivity and diversity, striving to create an environment that fosters personal and intellectual growth for its students.

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.