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

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  • Semester 2Multi-mode

Prerequisites

Nil

Incompatible

ANAD100 Anatomical Foundations of Exercise Science , ANAZ100 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

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. Early and additional feedback on learning, and tailored support, are provided to facilitate students’ transition to university. 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. This range of strategies will provide students with appropriate access to required knowledge and understanding of unit content, and opportunities for development of competency in the ability to identify, describe and understand human anatomy. These strategies will allow students to meet the aim, learning outcomes and graduate attributes of the unit, as well as professional practice standards. Learning and teaching strategies will reflect respect for the individual as an independent learner. Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively within group activities.

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). Philadephia: 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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