Biophysical Perspectives On Movement

This unit explores human movement from a biophysical perspective through the study of functional anatomy, human physiology, and exercise physiology. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of anatomical concepts in order to determine how the body moves. In doing so, students will study the structure and function of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems and how they interact with each other to enable human movement. This unit will detail the mechanisms responsible for the physiological changes during exercise, while also examining the acute and chronic physiological adaptations to training. Students will also investigate the components of fitness, principles of exercise training, training program design, interaction of the three energy systems, factors related to fatigue during exercise, basic fitness testing protocols; and physiological strategies to enhance recovery.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Apply their understanding of biophysical concepts to explain and analyse movement using anatomical terminology;
2. Convey their knowledge of the structure, function and interactions of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems;
3. Identify and describe the normal physiological responses to exercise and explain how energy is obtained, stored, transferred and used during exercise; and
4. Critically analyse the acute and chronic physiological adaptations to training, and use the basic principles of training to plan and implement safe and effective training programs.