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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Biokinetics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109415  Bachelor of Health Sciences in Biokinetics 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Rehabilitative Health/Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  480  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-05-29  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The qualification serves as a foundation and core knowledge base whereby the acquisition of professional abilities such as; understanding, skills, values and attitudes are ensured, as well as gaining applied competence to act as a specialist health care professional, namely a Biokineticist, should prove to be the end product.

The qualification focus is scientifically based on prescriptive exercise in the four domains of practice:
  • Wellness, disease/injury prevention and health promotion.
  • Optimal performance.
  • Final phase orthopaedic rehabilitation.
  • Management of chronic disease and disabilities, once the condition has been clinically stabilised, e.g. diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease and others.

    Rationale:
    This qualification provides learners with a sound scientific knowledge base in the field of human physiology, anatomy, kinesiology and human movement science as well as practical skills and appropriate attitudes and values to enhance health, optimise wellbeing and performance, and prevent the progression of certain ailments of individuals and communities.

    Competent and qualified Biokineticists are able to work in a variety of settings, including the public and private sector and in both urban and rural settings. Biokineticists primarily utilise their professional expertise in exercise, physical activity and health education to enhance/promote health in general, and specifically prevent dysfunction, restore and maintain an individual's compromised functional ability, particularly in respect of orthopaedic injury and chronic disease states.

    The qualification will provide all economic sectors with a pool of well-qualified people whose competence will be internationally recognised and who will be able to perform specialised biokinetic health care services within any community setting.

    Although there are similarities between Biokinetics and other qualifications, e.g. physiotherapy, this qualification is unique in that it primarily deals with the prescription of scientifically based exercise in the following four domains or scope of practice. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Access to this qualification may be possible through the recognition of relevant prior learning and through prior experience as a practitioner in the field of Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics. Providers are required to develop structured means for the assessment of individual learners against the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification on a case-by-case basis. The necessary evidence as required by the Exit Level Outcomes, and presented by the learner, should meet the following principles: currency of evidence, sufficiency of evidence, validity of evidence and authenticity of evidence.

    RPL must be in accordance with the policies and procedures of the individual providers and in agreement with procedures of the Statutory Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirements are:
  • Senior Certificate (SC) with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Bachelor's Degree admission.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV) granting access to Bachelor's Degree admission. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 480 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 156 Credits:
  • Human Anatomy I, 18 Credits.
  • Human Physiology I, 18 Credits.
  • Communication for academic purposes, 10 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy, 10 Credits.
  • Life Skills, 2 Credits.
  • Research Principles I, 6 Credits.
  • Nutrition I, 12 Credits.
  • Exercise Testing and Prescription I, 18 Credits.
  • Health Promotion I, 20 Credits.
  • Motor Learning and Human Development I, 6 Credits.
  • Biomechanics I, 18 Credits.
  • Adapted Physical Activity I, 6 Credits.
  • Pharmacology, 6 Credits.
  • Medical Law, Bio-ethics and Human Rights, 6 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 96 Credits:
  • Human Anatomy II, 18 Credits.
  • Human Physiology II, 18 Credits.
  • Research Principles II, 12 Credits.
  • Pathophysiology I, 12 Credits.
  • Exercise Testing and Prescription II, 12 Credits.
  • Orthopaedics I, 12 Credits.
  • Health Promotion II, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 108 Credits:
  • Health Care Administration and Management I, 12 Credits.
  • Data Analysis, 12 Credits.
  • Exercise-Physiology I, 12 Credits.
  • Exercise Testing and Prescription III, 18 Credits.
  • Orthopaedics II, 18 Credits.
  • Pathophysiology of Chronic Diseases II, 18 Credits.
  • Work-Integrated Learning I, 18 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Health Care Administration and Management II, 12 Credits.
  • Exercise Testing and prescription IV, 12 Credits.
  • Professional Standards and Ethics, 6 Credits.
  • Orthopaedics III, 12 Credits.
  • Pathophysiology and Chronic Diseases III, 12 Credits.
  • Research Project, 30 Credits.
  • Work-Integrated Learning II, 36 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes related to the structure and function of the human body systems.
    2. Demonstrate knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes related to the psychosocial aspects of health and human performance.
    3. Demonstrate knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes related to biomechanics.
    4. Demonstrate knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes related to exercise physiology and clinical exercise physiology for rehabilitation.
    5. Demonstrate specialised knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes related to human motor behaviour.
    6. Demonstrate adequate knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes related to exercise science.
    7. Plan and implement effective and efficient therapeutic and recreation programmes.
    8. Apply specialised knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes related to health promotion, health education and health related aspects of exercise and physical activity in individual, community and work context.
    9. Apply relevant and appropriate knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes related to the prevention and rehabilitation of musco-skeletal injuries.
    10. Apply relevant knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes in conducting scientific measurement and evaluation in biokinetic contexts.
    11. Apply relevant knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes to the management of chronic diseases and disabilities.
    12. Demonstrate an understanding of the research process and various methodologies as well as apply the relevant knowledge.
    13. Manage a private or public biokinetics practice or health care facility. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Describe the macroscopic and microscopic structure of each body system.
  • Explain the normal function of each of the body's system.
  • Understand system integration and the mechanisms responsible for homeostasis of the human body.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Analyse, interpret and apply foundational theories with regard to psychology and sociology in Biokinetics contexts.
  • Reflect on the effect of the human psyche on health behaviour, health promotion (wellness), human functioning and performance.
  • Apply appropriate motivational and interviewing skills in health care contexts.
  • Recognise the effects of negative psycho-social factors on the individual and environment.
  • Explain the impact of psycho-social stratification within the South African community in health care contexts.
  • Analyse and interpret the phases of grief after a catastrophic life event and apply such analyses and interpretations to health care contexts.
  • Inform and educate an individual on the meaning of pain and suggest or prescribe practical coping strategies.
  • Apply an understanding of the effects of distress on human physiology, health and behaviour to heath care contexts.
  • Explain and purpose of different relaxation techniques and coping strategies to individuals experiencing stress.
  • Apply appropriate motivational knowledge, skills and attitudes to cultural diversity in a Biokinetics practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Analyse, integrate and apply foundational theories in physics as they apply to human motion and exercise.
  • Analyse and integrate relevant knowledge and understanding of dynamic, muscle function, movement biomechanics, integrative functioning of the neuromuscular and musculo-skeletal systems in exercise and physical activity programmes.
  • Perform biomechanical analyses of different movement skills to identify possible dysfunctions.
  • Assess the kinetics and kinematic variables associated with posture, movement, injuries and general health.
  • Plan and implement bio-mechanically principled exercises or activities for specific population groups. Implementation in the context includes the improvement, adaption or modification of exercises and activities

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply an understanding of the effects of different types of exercise on the cardiovascular, pulmonary, neuromuscular, metabolic and endocrine systems to real and simulated cases.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationship between responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the influences of internal and external factors and the use of ergogenic aids and supplements on exercise and physical activity.
  • Apply and understanding of the differences in exercise capacity between genders and the different age groups.
  • Plan, conduct and interpret laboratory tests and experiments in the field of human exercise physiology.
  • Design appropriate exercise interventions to enhance exercise capacity.
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of nutrition and biochemistry as it relates to exercise physiology.
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of common pathological conditions such as diabetes mellitus and the effects of such conditions on exercise capacity.
  • Integrate and apply an understanding of clinical exercise physiology, nutrition, exercise metabolism and human performance to the effective and efficient implementation of health promotion, injury prevention and rehabilitation programmes.
  • Assess the physical abilities of people to perform their required jobs or tasks.
  • Design and prescribe applicable exercise programmes that would enable a person to perform a certain job or task.
  • Assess a person's level of disability to perform his/her daily tasks.
  • Design rehabilitation programmes to restore a person's function after suffering an injury or contracting a disease.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Analyse and integrate an understanding of the different components of fitness.
  • Apply relevant knowledge and understanding of appropriate training principles to injury prevention and optimal performance within different environments and for different populations, i.e. women, pregnant women, children, men, elderly, asthmatics, etc.
  • Demonstrate a good working knowledge of different forms of physical activity, exercise and sport in health care and health promotion contexts.
  • Apply a fundamental and basic understanding of psychological factors that may impact on physical activity and exercise science.
  • Plan, execute and interpret physical assessments for different individuals and groups.
  • Design appropriate and scientifically sound physical activities, physical fitness and exercise programmes for individuals and groups.
  • Implement appropriate and scientifically founded physical activity/exercise training programmes for different groups/populations.
  • Use biokinetic technology in professional and scientific manner when implementing activities and programmes.
  • Communicate effectively with individuals and groups in a variety of biokinetic contexts displaying patience, compassion and empathy.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Apply an understanding of recreation as a therapeutic intervention tool for different populations.
  • Analyse, integrate and apply knowledge of the pathology and psychology of people with disabilities and of those who suffer from long term conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes.
  • Plan, implement and interpret a variety of different evaluation protocols for different individuals and groups in therapeutic and recreational contexts.
  • Implement appropriate and scientifically based therapeutic recreation programmes for different groups/populations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Apply relevant knowledge and understanding of fundamental motor development and perceptual-motor development theories and concepts to a variety of contexts.
  • Apply knowledge and understanding of human growth, development, maturation and aging to a variety of biokinetic contexts.
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of the structure and function of the central nervous system as it relates to human functioning in biokinetic context.
  • Apply an understanding of normal and abnormal human movement patterns in relation to neuro-muscular functioning to real and simulated cases for rehabilitation of motor behaviour.
  • Apply an understanding of the interrelationship between physical activity, fitness, functional constraints and perceptual motor development and neurological aspects of motor control over the lifespan to rehabilitation of human motor behaviour.
  • Design and implement appropriate and effective rehabilitation and intervention programmes for individuals with functional constraints over the lifespan.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of common musculo-skeletal injuries and conditions, including, among others their incidence, symptoms, possible causes (aetiology) and treatment.
  • Conduct comprehensive medical and injury histories of a variety of patients.
  • Apply observation, palpation and specialised manual evaluation techniques in assessing an individual's injury.
  • Use advanced exercise testing equipment and techniques to assess individuals with different injuries.
  • Recognise possible signs and symptoms indicating emergency medical attention, further investigation or referral of the patient.
  • Interpret the findings of each evaluation/assessment and to communicate it effectively to the patient while displaying empathy, patience and understanding in interactions with the patient.
  • Design, demonstrate and implement evidence based individualised rehabilitation exercise programmes.
  • Demonstrate the understanding of a multi-disciplinary approach in rehabilitation.
  • Apply the criteria for successful discharge of a rehabilitated patient within the criteria for returning to optimal functioning.
  • Propose, prescribe and implement injury prevention strategies for different individual and groups.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of health and disease patterns (epidemiology) as a result of inactivity as observed in different parts of the world over the last few decades.
  • Explain the underlying causes and factors impacting on health and disease in different populations.
  • Analyse and interpret international and national trends in relation to health promotion, such as Millennium Development Goals and/or Human Immunodeficiency Viruses (HIV) Pandemic.
  • Apply an understanding of the benefits of regular exercise and physical activity on health to health promotion contexts.
  • Distinguish the components of health and wellness and apply such a distinction to health promotion contexts.
  • Illustrate an understanding of the different medical models and the Wellness Continuum by means of relevant real-life and simulated examples.
  • Apply an understanding of the causes of common diseases of lifestyle; risk factors related to diseases of lifestyle; signs, symptoms, incidence and causes of chronic diseases of lifestyle to real-life and simulated cases.
  • Implement lifestyle interventions as well as the management of the antecedence, adherence, and compliance of exercise and related behaviour thereof.
  • Communicate the role of biokinetics in health promotion and disease prevention effectively to individuals and communities. Communication is done with compassion, empathy and understanding of the individual/group or target population.
  • Apply specialised knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes in screening for a variety of diseases and conditions.
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups regarding health related information.
  • Implement appropriate exercise programme prescription strategies for a wide variety of clients/patients in promoting the health and wellness of the individual, companies and the community.
  • Design and implement behavioural change strategies used in health promotion and wellness.
  • Design and implement awareness, screening and education programmes to promote health and wellness in the community.
  • Apply appropriate knowledge, skills and values related to the role of mentoring and coaching in health promotion and wellness.
  • Plan, implement and manage wellness programmes in a variety of community contexts.
  • Implement and manage exercise testing and programme prescriptions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Apply a basic understanding of different research methodologies to biokinetic contexts.
  • Apply scientific approaches to measurement and evaluation in biokinetic contexts.
  • Apply basic statistical procedures for analysing results and findings in biokinetic contexts.
  • Design, plan, execute and interpret a variety of physical health and exercise physiological assessments, such as measuring body composition and flexibility.
  • Compile a feedback report communicate the findings and recommendations to clients with empathy, patience and understanding of their contexts.
  • Assess progress and make appropriate adjustments to exercise programmes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Apply an understanding of the interrelationship between the incidence, aetiology and patho-physiology of various chronic diseases and disabilities in managing these.
  • Apply knowledge and understanding of applicable clinical sciences to the pathology of disease and disabilities.
  • Plan, implement and perform individually based risk stratification.
  • Plan and implement effective and efficient techniques to assess the conditions of chronic disease or disability and comment on the findings and their implications for managing the relevant conditions by means of appropriate exercise interventions.
  • Apply special investigation methods and understand their clinical usefulness in chronic disease and disability management contexts.
  • Plan and implement effective and efficient exercise intervention programmes for various chronic diseases and disabilities.
  • Understand and apply an inter-disciplinary approach and use referrals in the management of chronic diseases and disabilities.
  • Understand and apply basic pharmacology in the application of exercise and physical activity as intervention modality for chronic diseases and disabilities.
  • Understand and apply relevant legal and ethical requirements related to the management of chronic diseases and disabilities.
  • Demonstrate basic proficiency of first aid principles (Level 2), emergency oxygen use and basic life support Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of and apply a broad and systematic knowledge-base of health and human movement science related research as well as associated research methods.
  • Apply the critical concepts of relevant theories, research methods and techniques to identify and resolve complex real-life problems.
  • Apply research skills to react to complex and real life problems and challenges using appropriate information and systematic data-analysis techniques.
  • Apply research methods, techniques, analysis and technology in an ethical and responsible way.
  • Communicate research findings to professional colleagues as well as to the general public and communities with compassion and sensitivity.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of and apply a broad and systematic knowledge-base of health and human movement science related research as well as associated research methods.
  • Apply the critical concepts of relevant theories, research methods and techniques to identify and resolve complex real-life problems.
  • Apply research skills to react to complex and real life problems and challenges using appropriate information and systematic data-analysis techniques.
  • Apply research methods, techniques, analysis and technology in an ethical and responsible way.
  • Communicate research findings to professional colleagues as well as to the general public and communities with compassion and sensitivity.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative and Summative Assessments will be integrated to provide a coherent indication of the candidates' ability, skill and experience. Formative Assessment practices will be implemented and may include formal and informal class tests, module or semester tests (where applicable), projects and practical assessments. Summative Assessment practices will be implemented at the end of each module to assess the achievement of outcomes and may include written examinations, practical examinations, and project assessments.

    Integrated Assessment approaches are required. These assessments are focused on assessing the achievement of the Exit Level Outcomes holistically, i.e. in groups rather than individually, and will be done where possible /manageable by means of written examinations, practical examinations, project evaluations and final examinations in each module, including project reports and presentation assessments. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification (Biokinetics) is unique to South Africa. Other foreign qualifications that compare to it include:
  • Athletic Training: United State of America (USA).
  • Kinesiology: USA and Canada.
  • Physical Rehabilitation or Rehabilitation Specialist: Europe.
  • Clinical Exercise Physiologist: USA.

    United Kingdom:
    University of Leeds offers a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Sciences (3 years), a qualification which specialises in the four core disciplines: exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control, and sport and exercise psychology. The qualification focusses on sports injuries and factors that motivates people to take part in sport.

    United States of America:
    Boston University offers a 4-year Bachelor of Science (Bachelor Degree) in Athletic Training and is registered with the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education. Athletic trainers work with physicians to treat and prevent medical conditions involving disabilities, impairment and functional limitations. Some of the duties of an athletic trainer include developing and implementing rehabilitation programs, recognising and evaluating injuries and providing emergency care or first aid. Athletic trainers work on patients of all ages and common employers include educational facilities, physicians' offices, fitness and recreational sports centres, the military and professional sports teams.

    Canada:
    The Bachelor of Kinesiology (4 years) offered by the University of Alberta, provides a multidisciplinary approach to the study of human movement that includes both the art (psychology, sociology, history) and science (physiology, motor learning and control, biomechanics) of human movement as it relates to exercise science, athletic performance and promotion of long term health outcomes.

    Similarities among the professions:
  • All professions have evolved from the philosophy "Exercise is Medicine".
  • All professions require a strong grounding in Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science and clinical final phase rehabilitation.
  • All professions have to complete mandatory professional internship under supervision.
  • All professionals need Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) competency.

    Differences among the professions:
  • The South African Biokineticist' and Canadian Clinical Physiologist are involved in the final phase rehabilitation of chronic diseases and disabled patients.
  • Both Clinical Exercise Physiology and Athletic Training Programmes can be completed either through full time at an accredited training institution or online; however, Biokinetics is a full time degree programme that can only be completed at an accredited training institution. There are no online programmes in Biokinetics.
  • The USA Clinical Exercise Physiology is not registered with government statutory council unlike Athletic training specialist who are registered with AMA (American Medical Association) and Biokineticist' registered with Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification offers the following horizontal and vertical articulation opportunities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • A Bachelor Honours Degree in other Kinesiotheraphy fields, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Health Sciences, Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.