Outline

Overview

This unit of study will extend the student's knowledge of functional musculoskeletal anatomy by applying functional anatomy principles to the analysis of exercises. Relevant research and advanced knowledge of functional musculoskeletal anatomical concepts will be used to explore exercises designed to: strengthen and lengthen specific muscles; improve muscle coordination; develop dynamic stability; and prevent the development of muscle imbalances that may contribute to musculoskeletal injury. The application of musculoskeletal anatomy principles to increase exercise difficulty and variety will also be explored.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	BIOS1168 and BIOS1169
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sarah Kobayashi, sarah.kobayashi@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	End semester exam Short answer questions	35%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Online quiz Short answer questions	10%	Week 03	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Upper limb online canvas quiz MCQ	10%	Week 06	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test ?	In-semester upper limb test Short answer questions	35%	Week 07 Due date: 18 Sep 2025 at 08:00	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Lower limb and trunk online canvas quiz MCQ	10%	Week 13	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Online quiz: This quiz will consist of 20 questions, and multiple attempts are allowed. The student will be allocated 10% when = 18/20 correct responses are achieved in a single attempt.
Upper limb quiz: This quiz will consist of 10 multiple choice questions, for each question choose the best response from 4 alternatives.
Lower limb and trunk quiz: This quiz will consist of 10 multiple choice questions, for each question choose the best response from 4 alternatives.
Mid semester exam: This exam will be focused on upper limb material, it is a short answer exam, and some questions will be accompanied by videos.
End semester exam: This exam will be focused on lower limb and trunk material, it is a short answer exam, and some questions will be accompanied by videos.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to BIOS3065	Lecture (1 hr)
	Functional role of muscles	Lecture (2 hr)
	Shoulder anatomy revision	Independent study (2 hr)
	Functional role of muscles	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Mode of contraction	Lecture (1 hr)
	Functional specificity of RC muscles 1	Lecture (2 hr)
	Shoulder exercise prescription 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Functional specificity of RC muscles 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Shoulder exercise prescription 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Elbow anatomy revision	Independent study (1 hr)
	Functional specificity of axioscapular muscles	Lecture (2 hr)
	Shoulder exercise prescription 3	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Functional roles of muscles: speed, load, throwing	Lecture (2 hr)
	Shoulder exercise prescription 4	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Revision	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Upper limb exercise prescription/revision	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Lower limb anatomy revision	Independent study (2 hr)
	Functional anatomy of the lower limb	Lecture (2 hr)
	Lower limb exercise prescription 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Lower limb exercise prescription 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Lower limb exercise prescription 3	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Functional anatomy of the trunk	Lecture (2 hr)
	Trunk anatomy revision	Independent study (2 hr)
	Trunk exercise prescription	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Core stability 1	Lecture (2 hr)
	Revision	Lecture (2 hr)
	Core stability exercise prescription	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Revision	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

It is expected that students will attend all in-person learning activities including lecture and practical classes.
If students are not able to attend, they are expected to keep up to date with the content in their own time.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Possess a deep & comprehensive understanding of functional musculoskeletal anatomy & its relation to body movement
LO2. Implement knowledge of functional musculoskeletal anatomical principles to identify muscle recruitment patterns during movement/exercise scenarios
LO3. Apply functional musculoskeletal anatomical principles & relevant research to evaluate exercises designed to strengthen specific muscle groups, lengthen specific muscle groups & improve muscle co-ordination & dynamic joint stability
LO4. Design functionally specific exercise programs for various client groups
LO5. Appreciate the importance & assess the safety risk of exercise programs for various client groups
LO6. Respond creatively to challenges encountered during exercise prescription
LO7. Communicate clearly & effectively with specialist & lay audiences
LO8. Work autonomously & independently & assume responsibility for their learning

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) - 2.2.1. Integrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and other determinants of health and function and apply these to inform safe and effective movement, physical activity, and exercise-based interventions for individuals and population groups throughout all stages of their life.
	Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) - 2.2.1. Integrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and other determinants of health and function and apply these to inform safe and effective movement, physical activity, and exercise-based interventions for individuals and population groups throughout all stages of their life.
	Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) - 2.2.1. Integrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and other determinants of health and function and apply these to inform safe and effective movement, physical activity, and exercise-based interventions for individuals and population groups throughout all stages of their life. 4.2.1. Formulate evidence-based exercise prescription, interventions, and recommendations that address health and treatment related client needs, preferences, goals, and abilities, assessment findings, and social and cultural determinants of health.
	Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) - 4.1. Guiding principle: An AEP is able to practise person-centred care and partner with individuals and population groups across the full health spectrum to prescribe, deliver, adapt, and evaluate safe and effective evidence-based movement, physical activity, and exercise-based interventions that optimises health status, function, recovery, independence, and participation in activities at home, school, work and in the community. 4.2.1. Formulate evidence-based exercise prescription, interventions, and recommendations that address health and treatment related client needs, preferences, goals, and abilities, assessment findings, and social and cultural determinants of health.
	Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) - 4.1. Guiding principle: An AEP is able to practise person-centred care and partner with individuals and population groups across the full health spectrum to prescribe, deliver, adapt, and evaluate safe and effective evidence-based movement, physical activity, and exercise-based interventions that optimises health status, function, recovery, independence, and participation in activities at home, school, work and in the community. 4.2.2. Design, prescribe, deliver, and monitor safe and effective movement, physical activity, and exercise-based interventions for clients with complex presentations, including those with acute and chronic health conditions and multiple comorbidities.
	Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) - 1.2.3. Differentiate and select verbal and non-verbal communication strategies that are contextually appropriate, timely, accessible, and respectful to clients, population groups, and relevant others.

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

In response to student feedback from 2024, we have kept the structure of the unit to include both in-person and online video-based lectures. We have also reduced the amount of time for the in-semester test to align with the University's Assessment policy.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BIOS3065: Anatomical Analysis of Exercise

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links