SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science in Biokinetics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99603  Bachelor of Science in Biokinetics 
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda 
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  480  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 is to provide learners with sound scientific knowledge in Biokinetics so they can be equipped with the necessary skills for preventive health care, the maintenance of physical abilities in clients and final phase rehabilitation, by means of scientifically-based physical activity programmes.

Thus a learner will be able to:
  • Understand and apply exercise in clinical settings to minimise the risk of chronic diseases associated with physical inactivity.
  • Apply Biokinetic practices in community, corporate, commercial and institutional settings.
  • Develop exercise prescriptions, instructions for training techniques and supervise a safe and effective exercise programme.
  • Understand Pathophysiology and how functional capacity and responses to exercise may be affected by different disease states.
  • Assess an affected limb or body part to determine its functional limitations.
  • Understand the research process and various methodologies as well as apply the relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes in conducting a research project on a Biokinetics or related topic.
    The aim of this qualification is to equip learners with knowledge and skills that will enable them to become competent professionals in the management and rehabilitation of dysfunctional individuals towards their social upliftment, health and welfare.

    Rationale:
    Given the health problems in our communities today, the Biokinetic programme can provide three major services, namely:
  • Preventative health, meaning taking responsibility of one's health and wellness (by being physically active, use of proper diet and proper medical care).
  • Preventive health where prevention is better than cure, meaning the ability to use one's fingers and hands and limbs needed for a good quality of life and to prevent illness and physical debilitation.
  • Rehabilitation, meaning the use of physical activity and physical conditioning and primary therapeutic modalities.

    One of the major problems afflicting today's societies is Hypokinetism - abnormally diminished muscular function or mobility. Generally, there is keen interest on how to achieve a good quality of life and individuals are looking for assistance to achieve an optimum level of health and wellness. Governments are also shifting their focus from the treatment of illness to prevention of illness and promotion of wellness not only for economic benefits but also for health benefits.

    With increased prevalence of hypokinetic problems and sedentariness or low level mobility in today's population or society, participation in exercise and physical activities has been suggested as an effective tool in both primary and secondary prevention programmes. Thus the Bachelor of Science in Biokinetics is designed to provide learners with the knowledge of Biokinetics and to enable learners to be engaged with solving related problems.

    Upon qualifying graduates will be able to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Biokineticist, provided the South African Association for Biokinetics approves the internship of the learner.

    Qualified Biokineticists will be 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. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL is applied for learners who do not have formal academic achievement and want to gain access to a particular qualification, but with proven expertise and competency they will be considered for admission. Candidates may apply for exemption from certain modules on grounds of prior qualification of study concerned.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting admission to Degree studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), Level 4 granting admission to Degree studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 530 Credits.

    NQF Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Orientation to Programme-Based Learning and Biokinetics programmes, 20 Credits.
  • Foundations of Human Movement Science and Human Movement Behaviour, 20 Credits.
  • Outdoor education, 20 Credits.
  • Sport Skills and Physical Performance, 20 Credits.
  • English Communication Skills, 10 Credits.
  • English Communication Skills, 10 Credits.
  • Physical Conditioning Sport, 20 Credits.

    NQF Level 6, 120 Credits:
  • Neuromuscular and Skeletal systems in Sports and Exercise, 20 Credits.
  • Adapted Movement and Neuromuscular Disorders, 20 Credits.
  • Physical activity, Health and Lifestyle, 20 Credits.
  • Exercise and Physical activity for Diverse (Special) Population, 20 Credits.
  • Therapeutic Recreation, Planning and Design, 20 Credits.
  • Motor Learning, Motor Behaviour and Performance, 20 Credits.

    NQF Level 7, 130 Credits:
  • Cardiorespiratory Systems in exercise and Physical Activity, 20 Credits.
  • Biokinetics: Practice and Profession, 20 Credits.
  • Exercise (Applied) Physiology, 20 Credits.
  • Assessment and Evaluation Techniques in Exercise and Physical activity, 30 Credits.
  • Applied Kinesiology and Biomechanics, 20 Credits.
  • Research Methods and Biostatistics, 20 Credits.

    NQF Level 8, 160 Credits:
  • Sports Medicine, Injury Assessment and Rehabilitation, 20 Credits.
  • Exercise and Sport Psychology, 20 Credits.
  • Seminar in Biokinetics, 20 Credits.
  • Research Project and Date Collection, 40 Credits.
  • Biokinetics Practicum, Internship and Integrated Community Biokinetics Practice, 40 Credits.
  • Clinical Exercise Physiology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Understand and apply exercise in clinical settings to minimise the risk of chronic diseases associated with physical inactivity.
    2. Apply Biokinetic practices in community, corporate, commercial and institutional settings.
    3. Develop exercise prescriptions, instructions for training techniques and supervise a safe and effective exercise programme.
    4. Understand Pathophysiology and how functional capacity and responses to exercise may be affected by different disease states.
    5. Assess an affected limb or body part to determine its functional limitations.
    6. Understand the research process and various methodologies as well as apply the relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes in conducting a research project on a Biokinetics or related topic. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The clinical exercise physiology, nutrition, exercise metabolism and human performance are understood.
  • Effective and efficient implementation of health promotion, injury prevention and rehabilitation programmes are integrated and applied.
  • The common pathological conditions such as Diabetes Mellitus and the effects of such conditions on exercise capacity are understood.
  • 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.
  • Knowledge of different forms of physical activity, exercise and sport in health care and health promotion contexts is discussed.
  • Fundamental understanding of psychological factors that may impact the physical activity and exercise science is understood and applied.
  • 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 is applied.
  • Understanding of the different components of fitness is analysed and integrated.
  • Understanding of the interrelationship between responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Appropriate and scientifically founded physical activity/exercise training programmes for different groups/populations are implemented.
  • Specific and individual-oriented physical training programmes based on the individual's physical condition are compiled and supervised.
  • Physical assessments for different individuals and groups are planned, executed and interpreted.
  • Appropriate and scientifically sound physical activities, physical fitness and exercise programmes for individuals and groups are designed.
  • Biokinetics technology is used in a professional and scientific manner when implementing activities and programmes.
  • Patience, compassion and empathy are demonstrated when communicating with individuals and groups in a variety of Biokinetics contexts.
  • A variety of different evaluation protocols for different individuals and groups in therapeutic and recreational contexts are planned, implemented and interpreted.
  • Understanding of the differences in exercise capacity between genders and the different age groups is applied.
  • Understanding of the influences of internal and external factors and the use of ergogenic aids and supplements on exercise and physical activity are demonstrated.
  • The physical abilities required of people to perform their jobs or tasks are assessed.
  • Applicable exercise programmes that would enable a person to perform a certain job or task are designed and prescribed.
  • A person's level of disability to perform his/her daily tasks is assessed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The general history is recorded with a view to determining the risks of exercise (if any) for the individual.
  • Exercise programme prescription for special groups and professions are evaluated.
  • The physical work capacity of an individual is determined with the aid of a cycle ergometer or treadmill, monitoring equipment and available associated equipment.
  • An effective and safe exercise level for an exercise programme prescription is determined using the following tests: Monitoring of heart rate with an electrocardiograph or heart rate monitor during multistage workloads; measuring of blood pressure and other physiological responses before, during and after work; measuring of range of motion and muscle strength; evaluating of body posture and body composition.
  • Prescription, follow-up of and guidance of specific excercise programmes are conducted.
  • An Orthopaedic final phase rehabilitation programme prescription is planned and implemented.
  • A Rehabilitation session on specialised equipment such as the electronic-hydraulic isokinetic systems is conducted.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Laboratory tests and experiments in the field of human exercise physiology are planned, conducted and interpreted.
  • Understanding of Nutrition and Biochemistry as it relates to Exercise Physiology is demonstrated.
  • Understanding of the effects of different types of exercise on the Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Neuromuscular, Metabolic and Endocrine Systems to real and simulated cases is applied.
  • Rehabilitation programmes to restore a person's function after suffering an injury or contracting a disease are designed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Specific history of the condition and previous treatment, and a general medical history are recorded and understood.
  • Specific assessment of the affected limb or body part is conducted.
  • Manual determination of the range of motion; muscle strength; and flexibility is conducted.
  • The posture is analysed and specialised tests for muscle strength, muscle exhaustion and range of motion of joints are assessed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Research problems are identified, formulated, prepare and solved.
  • A research project is executed at the appropriate level.
  • Literature for a review is collected, organised, checked and evaluated and the appropriate information is organised in an understandable and logical manner.
  • Learning abilities are acquired in the research context including the assessment of Scientific Literature, execution of research methodologies including the gathering of data and evaluating the information obtained.
  • Conclusions, suggestions and recommendations based on the data collected that are logical and justifiable are made.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learning and assessment are integrated. Continual formative assessment is required so that learners are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of specific exit level outcomes. Summative assessment is concerned with the judgment of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such judgment will include 'Integrated Assessment(s)' which will assess the learners' ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are represented by the exit-level outcomes as a whole.

    The learner will be assessed in the following manner:
  • Supervisor s(registered/qualified Biokineticists) will assess the learner at the site.
  • Learners will submit a report based on their activities (including Clinical and Orthopaedic).
  • The staff (registered Biokineticist) will assess the learner and submit a report.
  • The final assessment will be conducted by external assessors in the last month of internship (usually on campus and during the last month of year 4. The report will then be forwarded to Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) for the learner to be registered as a Biokineticist.

    The following Formative Assessment methods will be used:
  • Tutorial Sessions.
  • Presentations.
  • Contributions to discussions.
  • Demonstrations.
  • Role playing (Session Chair, Scriber).
  • Group work/participation.
  • Participation and contribution.
  • Facilitation.
  • Portfolios.
  • Skills Training.
  • Analysis.
  • Evaluation of Biokinetic procedures.
  • Work-based learning/clinical practice.
  • Use of the technologies.

    The following Summative Assessment methods will be used:
  • Block evaluation.
  • Feedback forms/questionnaire.
  • Feedback and evaluation of meetings (including tutorials, skills training).
  • Feedback on students' progress.
  • Evaluation of module objectives.
  • Written/practical examination.
  • Reports/Portfolios of internship from an accredited Biokinetics Practice/Centre. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Kingston University:
    The Kingston University in the United Kingdom offers a Bachelor of Science Honours Sports Science. This qualification provides learners with knowledge of Physiology and enables learners to examine the effects of exercise on a range of physiological systems, equipping them with the scientific skills to monitor and assess health, fitness and performance. It also enables learners to develop understanding of Sport and Exercise Psychology and covers topics in Biomechanics, Nutrition and analysis in sport and exercise. Learners will conduct research, preparing them for final-year research project. Learners will also undertake one year of industry-related work experience.

    University of Calgary:
    The University of Calgary in Canada offers a Bachelor of Kinesiology (General).

    Learners will be exposed to:
  • The study of various activities and movement patterns and the fundamental factors that influence the activities people choose and the way people move.
  • An introduction to research in Kinesiology to enable the learner to understand the research process, including basic statistical knowledge, and its relationship to critical thinking.
  • The practical application of concepts through direct involvement in individual and group projects.
  • 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).
  • An examination of current methodologies in the study of Cultural Meanings of Sport, Leisure, and Physical Education.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with the qualifications offered in the United Kingdom and Canada. All qualifications provide learners with skills and knowledge necessary to assist in facilitating health and wellness of the society. Their intention is to create awareness of health related matters. Learners are also introduced to research in order to enhance their critical and analytical skills. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers specific articulation opportunities with the following qualification offered by the University of Venda:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Health Measurements, Level 8 (ID 16736).

    The qualification also offers systemic articulation with the following qualifications offered by other institutions, provided the learner meets the minimum entry requirements:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Human Movement Science Honours, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Sport Science, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Sports Science in Biokinetics, Level 9.
  • Master of Movement and Sport Science, 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.
     
    1. University of Venda 


    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.