Unit rationale, description and aim
To prevent and manage injuries and enhance performance in sport and exercise, Physiotherapists need a strong understanding of functional anatomy, tissue physiology and healing, biomechanics, and exercise physiology. This unit explores advanced principles of human movement by integrating these key areas. Using virtual anatomy workshops, online activities, and practical sessions, students will review the neuromusculoskeletal system of each body region and develop skills to analyse movement and understand how pathology affects performance. The unit builds foundational knowledge that will be expanded in PHTY615 Clinical Exercise for Health and Performance across the Lifespan and PHTY616 Sports Medicine and Musculoskeletal Clinical Practice for Physiotherapists. The aim of this unit is to equip students with the ability to apply anatomical, biomechanical, and physiological principles to assess and manage sports and musculoskeletal injuries, and to promote optimal performance in diverse sporting and exercise contexts.
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.
Describe advanced key principles and integrated th...
Learning Outcome 01
Integrate and explain advanced key principles of f...
Learning Outcome 02
Critically analyse, synthesise and apply knowledge...
Learning Outcome 03
Content
Topics will include:
Module 1: Functional Anatomy in the context of sport and exercise for:
- Head and neck
- Scapula and upper limb
- Trunk, spine and pelvis
- Lower limb
Module 2: Normal Physiology of tissue mechanics and tissue response to injury, healing and repair in the context of sport and exercise for:
- Bone and joints
- Ligament
- Muscle
- Tendon
- Nerve
- Connective tissue and skin
Module 3: Biomechanics of movement (normal and pathological) and skill analysis in the context of sport and exercise:
- Review of biomechanical principles and clinical application for motion analysis
- Gait - Walking and running
- Jumping and or landing
- Kicking
- Throwing
- Sports skills – e.g. swimming, tennis, athletics, gymnastics, dancing, golf, football
Module 4: Exercise Physiology: Human adaptations and physiological mechanisms in exercise and physical activity
- Review of basic physiological/biochemical principles and cell metabolism
- Cardiovascular system control and response to exercise
- Respiratory system control and response to exercise
- Endocrine system and (hormonal) response to exercise
- Skeletal muscle and response to exercise
- Theoretical basis for clinical exercise testing, interpretation and application of results
Assessment strategy and rationale
In order to best enable students to achieve the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes, standards-based assessment is utilised, consistent with University assessment requirements.The assessment strategy in this unit has been designed as a developmental narrative progressing through the assessment to support learning as well as to assess it. The sequence of assessment tasks include:
- Assessment 1: A short answer written task to assess student ability to describe advanced key principles of functional anatomy, tissue physiology and pathophysiology of tissue healing, biomechanics and exercise physiology;
- Assessment 2: An oral presentation to assess student ability to integrate and explain advanced key principles of functional anatomy, tissue physiology and pathophysiology of tissue healing, biomechanics and exercise physiology, within the context of analysing a sporting/exercise skill or movement; and,
- Assessment 3: A written assignment to assess student ability to critically analyse, synthesise and apply knowledge in analysing a sporting/ exercise skill or movement, incorporating relevant functional anatomy, tissue physiology and pathophysiology of tissue healing, biomechanics and exercise physiology, using an evidence-informed approach.
Overview of assessments
To pass this unit, students must demonstrate that they have achieved each learning outcome and obtained a total mark of ≥ 50% in this unit as a minimum standard.
Assessment 1 Short answer written task: Require...
Assessment 1
Short answer written task:
Requires students to demonstrate their ability to describe advanced key principles of functional anatomy, tissue physiology and pathophysiology of tissue healing, biomechanics and exercise physiology.
20%
Assessment 2 Oral presentation online, of an ana...
Assessment 2
Oral presentation online, of an analysis of a sporting/exercise skill or movement.
Requires students to demonstrate their ability to select, integrate and explain advanced key principles of functional anatomy, tissue physiology and pathophysiology of tissue healing, biomechanics and exercise physiology, within the context of analysing a sporting/exercise skill or movement.
30%
Assessment 3 Written assignment of an analysis o...
Assessment 3
Written assignment of an analysis of a sporting/exercise skill or movement.
Requires students to demonstrate their ability to critically analyse, synthesise and apply knowledge in analysing a sporting/exercise skill or movement, incorporating relevant functional anatomy, tissue physiology and pathophysiology of tissue healing, biomechanics and exercise physiology, using an evidence-informed approach.
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit adopts an active learning approach to support students in exploring essential disciplinary knowledge. Students engage with varied learning formats, including asynchronous discussions and optional synchronous sessions, and are encouraged to apply concepts in their work environments. Activities promote peer interaction and the use of personal examples to demonstrate understanding and application. Regular, timely feedback supports student progress.
Delivered fully online, the unit guides students from foundational knowledge to practical application. Asynchronous content includes readings, recorded lectures, and discussion forums, while tutorials and practicals use evidence-informed strategies to deepen understanding of functional anatomy, tissue physiology and healing, biomechanics, and exercise physiology.
The learning strategy respects students as independent learners, encouraging responsibility and active participation in all activities. The unit fosters a flexible, supportive environment that promotes meaningful engagement and skill development.