XNB169 Exercise and the Human Body 2


To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.


Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Unit code:XNB169
Credit points:12
Equivalent:XNB189
Anti-requisite:LSB142
Anti-requisite:XNB199 Sport and Exercise Science for Teachers 2
Coordinator:Lewis Fazackerley | l.fazackerley@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This unit will provide you with foundation generic skills and scientific knowledge to prepare you for your journey towards becoming an exercise scientist or clinical exercise practitioner. Strategic foundation knowledge that underpins the profession (anatomy, functional anatomy and biomechanics), competencies relevant to practice (ethics, communication, cultural safety, population diversity, digital literacy), and scope of practice (analysis of human movement using industry-relevant digital technologies) will be covered. Throughout this unit you will learn the value of industry relevant skills including teamwork and technology, reflective learning, diverse perspectives, and development of lifelong learning skills. Topics introduced in this unit will provide foundation materials for later units in the exercise science and clinical exercise science programs, through which you will further develop core knowledge and competencies.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Identify and describe the neuromuscular and skeletal systems using anatomical models and illustrations
  2. Explain the contributing roles the neuromuscular and skeletal systems have in generating movement
  3. Describe human movement using appropriate scientific and lay anatomical terminology
  4. Describe biomechanical principles and explain how they relate to the mechanics of human movement
  5. Apply foundational biomechanical principles to qualitatively analyse physical performance

Content

The topics covered in this unit aim to develop a foundational understanding of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, functional anatomy, and biomechanics. Major topics include:

  • Musculoskeletal and nervous system anatomy
  • Anatomical terminology
  • Muscle contraction
  • Force and motion, momentum, and projectiles
  • Qualitative analysis of human movement

Learning Approaches

In this unit, you will learn by engaging in face-to-face lectures and workshops, along with digitally enabled learning experiences. Workshops will provide opportunities for hands-on learning activities, application to assessment tasks and engagement with collaborative application activities such as case studies. Teamwork, analytical and presentation skills are key for academic and professional success. You will develop and practise these skills in workshops -  supporting you to successfully complete the unit and your first year of study with confidence. You will be directed to workshops and resources to further develop your learning strategies and reinforce your knowledge and application of anatomy and physiology. The unit coordinator is available for consultation throughout the semester in on-campus and online contexts.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

The following strategies are used to provide you with feedback in this unit:

  • structured self reflection on experiential learning
  • regular class and small group (peer) discussions and evaluations
  • periodic formative assessment tasks
  • summative assessment criteria descriptors aligned to unit learning outcomes
  • qualitative comments provided on summative tasks

Assessment

Overview

Each assessment item is designed to measure knowledge, understanding, application, evaluation and justification of key principles of learning design stated in the learning outcomes. Formative practical activities undertaken within tutorials provide support to develop the relevant content, along with the cognitive, research and communication skills required for completion of summative tasks.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Exam

An in-class exam consisting of multiple-choice and short-answer questions will assess your knowledge and understanding of the muscular and skeletal systems, anatomical terminology, and the application of this knowledge in a performance context. This knowledge reflects the introductory anatomy and physiology expectations of ESSA.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools is NOT authorised during this assessment. Unauthorised use may be treated as a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and appropriate penalties imposed.

Weight: 30
Length: ~60 minutes
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 6-7
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2

Assessment: Workbook

The ability to perform a qualitative biomechanical analysis to enhance the quality of performance is an essential skill for an exercise professional, sports coach, or health and physical education teacher. This tasks will be completed in class (i.e., for data collection purposes), then submitted after class.This is an authentic assessment because the task will allow you to apply your knowledge of anatomical and biomechanical principles using digital tools and technologies to develop this real-world capability in a professional setting.

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details page for specific guidelines.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 30
Length: 2000 words (approximately)
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 9
Related Unit learning outcomes: 3, 4

Assessment: Biomechanical Analysis and Movement Modification in Practice

This assessment task will examine the study areas of anatomy, functional anatomy and biomechanical principles and how they relate to the analysis of human movement. This is an authentic assessment task because the questions are based on the roles, responsibilities and problems faced by professional practitioners, allowing you the opportunity to develop real-world capabilities. For example, describing the tennis serve or bench press using anatomical terminology when collaborating with a professional colleague or investigating the physical effects of human interaction with equipment and the environment.

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details page for specific guidelines.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 40
Length: 1200 -1500 words
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 12-13
Related Unit learning outcomes: 5

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resources will be available via QUT Readings

Risk Assessment Statement

This unit involves active participation in physical activity. All students must complete a Pre-exercise Screening Form in which you will be required to detail any medical conditions or injuries for the unit coordinator and class tutor. In practical classes you must wear clothing and athletic shoes appropriate to the conditions. Consideration should be given to issues associated with sun safety, including items such as headwear, sunscreen and sunglasses. There are no other risks beyond the ordinary.

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

XN50 Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science

  1. Apply problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical reasoning to implement, analyse and evaluate evidence-based interventions for diverse clients and stakeholders.
    Relates to: Workbook, Biomechanical Analysis and Movement Modification in Practice
  2. Apply knowledge and skills within the professional, legislative, and ethical standards of practice.
    Relates to: Exam

XN51 Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology

  1. Apply problem-solving, critical thinking and analytical reasoning to implement, analyse and evaluate evidence-based interventions for diverse clients and stakeholders.
    Relates to: Workbook, Biomechanical Analysis and Movement Modification in Practice

XN55 Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science (Honours)

  1. Design and deliver advanced exercise assessments and programs to meet the specific needs of contemporary sport, exercise and health contexts.
    Relates to: Workbook, Biomechanical Analysis and Movement Modification in Practice
  2. Critically apply problem-solving, innovative thinking, and analytical reasoning to develop, implement and evaluate evidence-based interventions for diverse clients and stakeholders.
    Relates to: Exam, Biomechanical Analysis and Movement Modification in Practice