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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Biokinetics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96057  Bachelor of Health Sciences in Biokinetics 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Preventive Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  531  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2034-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification in Biokinetics is to provide 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.

The main focus of this qualification is to provide professional training in respect of scientifically based prescriptive exercise in the following four domains of practice:
  • Wellness, disease/injury prevention and health promotion.
  • Optimal performance.
  • Final phase orthopaedic rehabilitation.
  • Management of chronic disease and disabilities.
    The practice of the four domains will be conducted once the conditions in the patient has been clinically stabilised e.g. diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease etc.

    Rationale:
    Biokinetics is the profession concerned with health promotion, prevention of diseases of lifestyle, the final phase rehabilitation of orthopaedic injuries and the management of chronic diseases and disabilities by means of individualised, scientifically based exercise programme prescription, physical activity intervention programmes and/or health education. Biokinetics thus forms part of the holistic and multidisciplinary approach to health care, thus fitting appropriately within the Health Sciences Faculty at the university.

    At present, in order to qualify as a biokineticist the university learner has to complete a formal three year learning program (BHMS or BSc (HMS and Biochemistry)) followed by a Bachelor Administration Honours (HMS-Biokinetics), followed by a one-year internship (3 + 1 + internship). This implies that the learner takes five years to qualify as a professional biokineticist, and the university currently has no control over the external internships of our learners (those not accepted into internship at the university). This four-year professional Biokinetics qualification will allow the university to have complete control over the quality of training of Biokineticists who complete the Bachelor of Health Science in Biokinetics at the university. The four-year professional qualification will require learners to register with the Health Professions Council South Africa as from year one of the four year Biokinetics qualification, which will add to the credibility of the Bachelor of Health Science in Biokinetics Degree.

    Reducing the number of years to qualify as a registered biokineticist from five to four years aligns the qualification more competitively with similar four-year professional health qualifications like physiotherapy and occupational therapy. The new qualification will specifically focused on biokinetics related subject matter. In addition, the professional internship which will be spread over two years will allow the learners earlier, extended and higher quality exposure to the generic biokinetics skills required by the profession and broadly the health sector. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Applicants who do not meet the admission criteria as stipulated, but who can demonstrate competence and relevant experience in biokinetics may be considered for RPL in terms of the university's RPL Policy.

    Entry Requirements:
    Admission requirements:
  • National Senior Certificate granting access to a Bachelor's Degree studies.
  • Senior Certificate with endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 and 6 with electives at NQF Levels 5 and 8 all totalling 531 Credits.

    Modules:
    Compulsory Modules NQF Level 5, 123 Credits:
  • Anatomy 1, 8 Credits.
  • Sport and Exercise Psychology 1, 8 Credits.
  • Motor Control and Learning 1, 8 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Anatomy and Human Physiology 1, 12 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Anatomy and Human Physiology 11, 12 Credits.
  • Exercise Science 1, 8 Credits.
  • Sport Management 1, 8 Credits.
  • Computer Fundamentals 1, 8 Credits.
  • Recreation 1, 8 Credits.
  • Evaluation Methods 1, 8 Credits.
  • Coaching Science 1, 8 Credits.
  • Foundations of Human Movement Science, 10 Credits.
  • Foundation Phase Movement Education, 10 Credits.
  • Statistical Methods in Behavioural Sciences, 7 Credits.
    Elective Modules at NQF Level 5, 10 Credits:
    Learners must select 1 module:
  • Aquatics, 10 Credits.
  • Athletics, 10 Credits.
  • Implement Sports, 10 Credits.
  • Team Sports, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 6, 64 Credits:
  • Coaching Science 11, 8 Credits.
  • Principles of Human Physiology and Control Systems, 20 Credits.
  • Human Systemic Physiology, 20 Credits.
  • Biomechanics 1, 8 Credits.
  • Exercise Physiology 1, 8 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 7, 164 Credits:
  • Anatomy 11, 8 Credits.
  • Exercise Science 11, 8 Credits.
  • Recreation 11, 8 Credits.
  • Biomechanics 11, 8 Credits.
  • Sport and Exercise Psychology 11, 8 Credits.
  • Motor Control and Learning 11, 8 Credits.
  • Evaluation Methods 11, 8 Credits.
  • Exercise Physiology 11, 8 Credits.
  • Human Growth and Development, 8 Credits.
  • Health Care Ethics and Management, 10 Credits.
  • Exercise Science Practice Specialisation, 16 Credits.
  • Clinical Biokinetics 1, 20 Credits.
  • Professional Internship 1, 40 Credits.
  • Applied Statistics, 6 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 8, 150 Credits:
  • Research Methodology, 10 Credits.
  • Anatomy 111, 10 Credits.
  • Treatise, 30 Credits.
  • Biomechanics 111, 10 Credits.
  • Exercise Physiology 111, 10 Credits.
  • Motor Control and Learning 111, 10 Credits.
  • Clinical Biokinetics 11, 20 Credits.
  • Professional Internship 11, 40 Credits.
  • Psychosocial Aspects of Exercise and Sport, 10 Credits.
    Elective Modules at NQF Level 8, 20 Credits:
    Learners must select 1 module:
  • Specialisation in Children, 20 Credits.
  • Specialisation in Sport Science, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes related to the structure, function and psycho-socio aspects of the human body systems.
    2. Plan and implement effective and efficient therapeutic and recreation programmes.
    3. Apply relevant and appropriate knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes to the prevention and rehabilitation of musculo-skeletal injuries.
    4. Apply relevant knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes in conducting scientifically sound/based measurement and evaluation in biokinetics contexts.
    5. Integrate and apply relevant knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes to biokinetics related research.
    6. Manage a private or public biokinetics practice or health care facility effectively and efficiently. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The macroscopic and microscopic structure of each body system is described.
  • The normal function of each of the body's systems is explained.
  • The mechanisms responsible for homeostasis of the human body system is understood and integrated.
  • Foundational theories with regard to psychology and sociology in biokinetics contexts are analysed, interpreted and applied.
  • The effect of the human psyche on health behaviour, health promotion (wellness), human functioning and performance is reflected on.
  • Appropriate motivational and interviewing skills in health care contexts are applied.
  • Effects of negative psycho-social factors on the individual and environment are recognised.
  • The psycho-social stratification impact within the South African community in health care contexts is explained.
  • Foundational theories in physics as they apply to human motion and exercise are analysed, integrated and applied.
  • 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 are analysed and integrated.
  • Different movement skills to identify possible dysfunctions of biomechanical analyses are performed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Understanding of recreation as a therapeutic intervention tool for different populations is applied.
  • 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 is analysed, integrated and applied.
  • Plan, implement and interpret a variety of different evaluation protocols for different individuals and groups in therapeutic and recreational contexts are planned, implemented and interpreted.
  • Appropriate and scientifically based therapeutic recreation programmes for different groups/populations are implemented.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Understanding of common musculo-skeletal injuries and conditions, including, among others their incidence, symptoms, possible causes (aetiology) and treatment is demonstrated.
  • Comprehensive medical and injury histories of a variety of patients are conducted.
  • Observation, palpation and specialised manual evaluation techniques in assessing an individual's injury are applied.
  • Advanced exercise testing equipment and techniques to assess individuals with different injuries is utilised.
  • Possible signs and symptoms indicating emergency medical attention, further investigation or referral of the patient are recognised.
  • 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 are interpreted.
  • Design, demonstrate and implement evidence based individualised rehabilitation exercise programmes are designed, demonstrated and implemented.
  • Understanding of a multi-disciplinary approach in rehabilitation is demonstrated.
  • Criteria for successful discharge of a rehabilitated patient within the criteria for returning to optimal functioning are applied.
  • Propose, prescribe and implement injury prevention strategies for different individual and groups are proposed, prescribed and implemented.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Basic understanding of different research methodologies to biokinetics contexts is applied.
  • Scientific approaches to measurement and evaluation in biokinetics contexts are applied.
  • Basic statistical procedures for analysing results and findings in biokinetics contexts are applied.
  • Variety of physical health and exercise physiological assessments, such as measuring body composition and flexibility are designed, planned, executed and interpreted.
  • Feedback report and communicate the findings and recommendations to clients with empathy, patience and understanding of their contexts is compiled.
  • Progress and make appropriate adjustments to exercise programmes are assessed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Understanding of and apply a broad and systematic knowledge-base of health and human movement science related research as well as associated research methods is demonstrated.
  • Critical concepts of relevant theories, research methods and techniques to identify and resolve complex real-life problems are applied.
  • Research skills to react to complex and real life problems and challenges using appropriate information and systematic data-analysis techniques are applied.
  • Research methods, techniques, analysis and technology in an ethical and responsible way are applied.
  • Research findings to professional colleagues as well as to the general public and communities with compassion and sensitivity are communicated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Relevant knowledge and understanding of the scope of practice and ethical rules concerning biokinetics is applied.
  • Apply and adapt different economic models as used in other countries to contexts in South Africa are adapted and applied.
  • Basic management functions and competencies in private and public biokinetics practice/health care facility contexts are applied.
  • Entrepreneurial skills in establishing and managing a biokinetics practice are applied.
  • Health policy, health systems and structures, capacity building and interdisciplinary healthcare as required in South African legislation are managed and implemented.
  • Specialised theoretical and practical knowledge, understanding and values for the implementation of Biokinetics acts to enhance health, wellness and optimal performance in the community is demonstrated.
  • Communicate in a professional way with relevant stakeholders, individuals, companies etc. by applying effective communication skills and techniques.
  • Systematic knowledge-base and implementation skills of health related ethical and legal aspects within the profession of Biokinetics are demonstrated.
  • Human resources and supervise programmes, individuals, teams and subordinates within the value system of the profession are managed.
  • Relevant materials, equipment and assets according to generally accepted financial management principles and practices are maintained and managed.
  • Implement public health policies, relevant legislative obligations, general practices according to human rights principles and the constitution are implemented.
  • Practice/facility with due consideration for and in collaboration/conjunction with policy makers is managed.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Examples of formative and summative assessment strategies that will be used throughout the qualification include:
    Formative assessment:
  • Written assignments.
  • Practical assignments.
  • Literature reviews.
  • Tests.
  • Reports.
  • Case studies.
  • Class presentations.
  • Seminars.
  • Peer evaluations.
  • Simulations in structured learning environments.
  • Portfolios of evidence.

    Summative assessment:
  • Oral examinations.
  • Written examinations.
  • Practical examinations.
  • Supervisors' reports.
  • Report on research project.
  • Presentation of research results.
  • Portfolios of evidence.

    Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the Exit-Level Outcomes, and where applicable by written examinations, practical examinations, project evaluations and final examination in each module, project reports and presentation evaluations. The theoretical aspects will be applied practically and learners will be required to apply their knowledge and skills gained from the various sub-disciplines of Human Movement Science to solve real-life problems within a biokinetics context and to design appropriate preventative and rehabilitative exercise programs for patients/clients. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The 4-year Biokinetics professional qualification is compared with other international qualifications with the same basic minimum requirements of course work and practical work. Various titles are used internationally, for example, Physical Therapist, Athletic Trainer, Kinesiologist, and Exercise and Sport Scientist. The following are examples of similar international qualifications in relevant countries:
    Physical Therapist (Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training) at Boston University: College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College (USA).

    The requirement for the Degree is that the CAATE-accredited program that will prepare the learner for a variety of entry-level positions in athletic training. In addition to academic studies and clinical training in the sciences and health-related disciplines, and it includes course work that will help learners develop their ability to think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively. After completing this qualification, learners will be eligible to take the Board of Certification examination to become a certified athlete trainer. In addition, learners will be prepared to become a health care professional and will receive through the clinical experiences incorporated into the Degree program.

    Bachelor of Kinesiology (General) at the University of Calgary (Canada):
    The qualification will enable learners to develop skills in various activities and movement patterns and through the study of the fundamental factors that influence the activities learners will know the different movements. Learners will be introduced to research in kinesiology with an emphasis on understanding the research process, including basic statistical knowledge, and its relationship to critical thinking. They will also be able to apply the concepts through direct involvement in individual and group projects. Learners will also attain a socio-cultural foundation for kinesiology that examines the historical relationship between physical culture (emphasis on sport) and medical sciences (antiquity to the twentieth century).

    Bachelor of Arts in Applied Science (Exercise Physiology) at University of Sydney (Australia):
    The Bachelor of Applied Science is a dynamic qualification which will provide learners with both academic and professional training in a specialised area of health care. The qualification may be undertaken in the areas of diagnostic radiography, exercise and sport science, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or speech pathology.

    The Bachelor of Applied Science qualification incorporates extensive clinical and professional fieldwork opportunities, providing hands-on experience with real clients in a supervised environment. This allows learners to combine the academic components of the course with the practical abilities required of their chosen profession.

    Conclusion:
    The results of the comparability studies conducted revealed that this qualification is comparable with some of the best qualifications in biokinetics in sports science and human movement psychology qualifications in the world. This qualification compares very well with the qualification in terms of the practical exposure, research methodology component and purpose. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification is designed to articulate within and across the sub-frameworks of the NQF.
    This qualification articulates horizontally with the following:
  • Bachelor of Psychology (Sport Psychology), at NQF Level 8.

    This qualification articulates vertically with the following:
  • Master of Human Movement Science, at NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Sports Science in Biokinetics, at NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Biokinetics, at NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    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.
     
    1. Nelson Mandela University 


    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.