Program Overview

ANAT100 - Anatomical Foundations of Exercise Science

Unit Rationale, Description, and Aim

The ability to identify, describe, and understand the neuromusculoskeletal structures of the human body is central to exercise science practice. 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 the ability to identify, describe, and understand the neuromusculoskeletal structures of the human body.

Campus Offering

The unit is offered at the following campuses:

• Brisbane
• Blacktown
• Melbourne
• Strathfield

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this unit.

Incompatible Units

• ANAD100 Anatomical Foundations of Exercise Science
• ANAZ100 ANATOMICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EXERCISE SCIENCE

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this unit, students will be able to:

1. Identify organs of the neuromusculoskeletal system
2. Classify bones and joints of the appendicular skeleton and describe and demonstrate the types of movement available at each joint
3. Identify skeletal muscles of the limbs and trunk, describing their attachments and deducing their actions
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the somatic innervation of skeletal muscles of the appendicular skeleton

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

The assessment strategy includes written and practical tasks that require demonstration of key conceptual and theoretical knowledge and the ability to identify anatomical structures. Assessments are designed to modularize the content, enabling students to focus on their learning during specific weeks, and to provide timely feedback to guide progression through the unit.

Overview of Assessments

1. Assessment 1: Introductory anatomy quiz - Enables students to demonstrate their understanding of course content (10%).
2. Assessment 2: Upper limb spot test - Enables students to demonstrate competency in skills required for professional practice (30%).
3. Assessment 3: Lower limb and axial skeleton spot test - Enables students to demonstrate competency in skills required for professional practice (30%).
4. Assessment 4: End-of-semester written exam - Enables students to demonstrate their understanding of course content (30%).

Learning and Teaching Strategy and Rationale

This unit fosters student-centred active learning and accommodates diverse student needs. It includes a combination of self-paced, online learning and real-time classes. Learning and teaching strategies include active learning, case-based learning, individual and group activities, cooperative learning, and reflective/critical thinking activities, delivered over 12 weeks.

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). Philadelphia: 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.

Locations

• Brisbane
• Blacktown
• Melbourne
• Strathfield

Credit Points

10

Year

2025