Unit rationale, description and aim

The ability to be able to identify, describe and understand the neuromusculoskeletal structures of the human body is central to exercise science practice. These knowledge and skills are consistent with the professional standards of several accreditation bodies, including those for Exercise Science.

This unit provides an introduction to anatomical terminology, and structural neuromusculoskeletal anatomy as a foundation of Exercise Science. It includes surface, gross, systemic, regional and developmental neuromusculoskeletal anatomy, foundational for understanding exercise, body mechanics, growth, skill development, movement patterns, and implications for health.

The aims of this unit are to provide students with an ability to identify, describe and understand the neuromusculoskeletal structures of the human body.

2025 10

Campus offering

No unit offerings are currently available for this unit

Prerequisites

Nil

Incompatible

ANAT100 Anatomical Foundations of Exercise Science , ANAD100 Anatomical Foundations of Exercise Science

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

Identify organs of the neuromusculoskeletal system...

Learning Outcome 01

Identify organs of the neuromusculoskeletal system
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1

Classify bones and joints of the appendicular skel...

Learning Outcome 02

Classify bones and joints of the appendicular skeleton and describe and demonstrate the types of movement available at each joint
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1

Identify skeletal muscles of the limbs and trunk, ...

Learning Outcome 03

Identify skeletal muscles of the limbs and trunk, describing their attachments and deducing their actions
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1

Demonstrate knowledge of the somatic innervation o...

Learning Outcome 04

Demonstrate knowledge of the somatic innervation of skeletal muscles of the appendicular skeleton
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1

Content

Topics will include: 

  • Introduction to anatomical terminology: anatomical position, planes, movements. 
  • Osteology: classification of bones by shape, function of bone organs, identification of bone organs and bone markings  
  • Arthrology: classification of joints by structure and degrees of freedom, identification and classification of joints of the appendicular skeleton 
  • Myology: classification of skeletal muscles by shape, types of muscle contraction, roles of skeletal muscles 
  • Muscles of the upper limb: names, attachments, actions, innervation. 
  • Muscles of the lower limb: names, attachments, actions, innervation. 
  • Muscles of the trunk (thorax, abdomen, spine, pelvis): names, arrangements, actions, innervation.

Assessment strategy and rationale

It is expected by the course accrediting body (Exercise and Sports Science Australia – ESSA) that learning in the anatomy curriculum be assessed through written and practical tasks that require demonstration of key conceptual and theoretical knowledge and the ability to identify anatomical structures. As such, spot tests are used to assess competency in the skills of identifying neuromusculoskeletal structures and a written exam is implemented to assess the student learning of the content. The assessment timing and distribution across the semester is designed to modularize the content to enable the students to focus on their learning during these specific weeks, and to provide timely feedback to guide progression through the unit. The emphasis on the practical application of knowledge through the use of multiple spot tests will build a foundation for students as they move through the curriculum.

Overview of assessments

Assessment 1: Introductory anatomy quiz Enables ...

Assessment 1: Introductory anatomy quiz

Enables students to demonstrate their understanding of course content

Weighting

10%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2
Graduate Capabilities GC1

Assessment 2: Upper limb spot test Enables stude...

Assessment 2: Upper limb spot test

Enables students to demonstrate competency in skills required for professional practice

Weighting

30%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Graduate Capabilities GC1

Assessment 3: Lower limb and axial skeleton spot...

Assessment 3: Lower limb and axial skeleton spot test

Enables students to demonstrate competency in skills required for professional practice

Weighting

30%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Graduate Capabilities GC1

Assessment 4: End-of-semester written exam Enab...

Assessment 4: End-of-semester written exam

Enables students to demonstrate their understanding of course content

Weighting

30%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Graduate Capabilities GC1

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

To support the learning experience of students in ways that are the most engaging, the approach to learning and teaching is via active learning where students are supported through the provision of learning resources and class activities (either in physical or virtual classrooms) to take responsibility for their individual learning. Active learning opportunities provide students with opportunities to practice and apply their learning in situations similar to their future professions. Activities encourage students to bring their own examples to demonstrate understanding, application and engage constructively with their peers. Students receive regular and timely feedback on their learning, which includes information on their progress. The use of the Learning Management System (LMS) is integral to the delivery of the learning and teaching strategy. Students are expected to participate in the activities provided either in class or online and to be able to extend their learning through working alongside other students and undertaking individual research and activities.

ANAZ100 is delivered in different modes. Students will only study in one of these modes. The modes are:

  • Campus attendance mode during secondary school holidays, with a small number of online classes prior to and/or after the intensive campus-based classes;
  • Online mode during a normal university semester period, with classes delivered weekly and typically one night per week.


Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

Abrahams P.H., Boon J.M., and Spratt J.D. (2019) McMinn’s Clinical Atlas of Human Anatomy (8th ed). Mosby.

Biel A. (2005) Trail guide to the body: Student handbook. Books of Discovery.

Cael, C. (2010) Functional Anatomy (1st ed). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Levangie P.K., and Norkin C. (2011) Joint Structure and Function: A Comprehensive Analysis (5th ed). FA Davis Company. 

Martini, F.., Nath, J. and Bartholomew E.F. (2018). Fundamentals of anatomy and physiology (11th ed.). Benjamin/Cummings.

Palastanga N., Field D., and Soames R. (2018). Anatomy and Human Movement - Structure and Function (7th ed.) Butterworth Heinemann.

William C.W., and Zernicke R.F. (2008) Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury (2nd ed). Human Kinetics.

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