| Overview and Aims of the Program |
This major is designed for students who wish to gain a wide range of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in movement science. It includes studies in human anatomy, human physiology, psychology, research methods and human movement.
Students in other courses will only be able to access this major if they include the two introductory psychology units (PSYC104 and PSYC105) in their program as additional units. |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
1. identify and apply disciplinary knowledge that underpins policy and practice in the health and human movement field (K)
2. demonstrate a sound foundational knowledge of the anatomical, biomechanical, physiological and neuroscience knowledge and professional skills required for careers in health and human movement field (K)
3. examine and evaluate key concepts and practices in the health and human movement fields by evaluating information from a range of sources (T, P)
4. examine, analyse and integrate scientific information related to human movement from a variety of primary and secondary sources (T, P)
5. identify, analyse and solve problems related to human health and movement that are evidence-based and practical (I, T, P, J)
6. apply technical, communication and personal skills related to enhancing human movement, in professional and workplace settings that do not require professional accreditation (C, J, P)
7. communicate effectively to a variety of audiences and stakeholders (eg co-workers, clients) using a variety of modalities and technologies (C, E)
8. employ a sound ethical framework with a demonstrated capacity to work with a variety of groups in socially, ethically and environmentally responsible ways (A, C, E, L). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
Students will be encouraged to engage with and acquire knowledge of the anatomical, physiological, psychological, socio-cultural and environmental elements of human movement, in wellness and in ill health.
In the required study units graduates will use a mixture of lecture, tutorial, practical, laboratory, self-guided and peer-supported learning to develop understanding of the complexity of human movement. Computer assisted learning and modelling support the practical elements of the program.
The program uses this range of methods to develop student understanding of human movement from the detailed anatomical, physiological and psychological levels to a broader biosphere context for health and illness.
In the early stages of the program students will be introduced to concepts, theories and methods that are foundational to understanding the complex nature of human movement. Formal lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, practical projects and private study will help students acquire this foundational knowledge.
The program develops to allow students to research, analyse and critique academic and other contributions to the discipline of human movement within its social and environmental settings. For this the student will engage in seminar style learning, computer assisted modelling as well as more traditional essay work.
The later part of the program has a focus on in-depth group work where students are able to learn about team work, organisational communication, project design and evaluation. Toward the end of their studies, students are expected to apply and articulate analytical thinking to complex human movement problems. These learning methods are supported through interaction with peers, research based work, discussion forums and practical tasks.
Toward the end of the program students explore, analyse and apply advanced knowledge to complex problems at the clinical and experimental levels. Students will have opportunities to bring together learning and skills from almost three years' of study in the capstone study unit which focuses on biomechanics. Further, students will be able to complete a Professional and Community Engagement study unit which allows them to apply their learning and skills to a project or other initiative in a workplace or on campus for a workplace partner organisation.
Program learning outcomes are applied and demonstrated through the design and completion of assessment tasks that allow students to monitor and to demonstrate their intellectual and program specific learning in increasingly complex tasks. |
| Assessment |
The assessment tasks are designed to reflect the complexity of human movement and the wider influences found in the socio-cultural and environmental settings. The assessment tasks are designed to (in the higher level study units) to help prepare the students to make a valuable contribution in a range of work options after graduation, including possible further studies in areas such as physiotherapy.
Assessment criteria provide detailed descriptions of what is required at each band of achievement. Detailed guides to the study units provide information about each assessment tasks, suggested readings or other materials and the specific learning outcomes to which each assessment task relate. Assistance with study, writing and presentation tasks are available to the students either in the program or through campus wide initiatives.
Assessment tasks are designed to provide students with early opportunities to monitor their intellectual and discipline specific progress in the study units. Staff and sometimes peer feedback (either written or verbal) allow students to diagnose and remedy areas for improvement. Later assessment tasks allow the students to research, conduct experiments, analyse and critique discipline specific writings and initiatives and ask them also to apply this learning to specific issues or challenges in the discipline of human movement. As such, the assessment of learning and for learning take place across the program.
Students may be asked to complete quizzes and short answer tasks to monitor stages of learning. Experiments (conducted individually or in groups) assist students to understand the principles of scientific inquiry in relation to human movement and explore and analyse their topics. Essays permit the students a deeper intellectual engagement with the material as do reflective pieces where students may analyse their discipline specific and personal learning curve. Group work is used to support student learning about team approaches to complex problems and to develop project management skills that support future work in the field. The mix of assessments enable students to receive both formative and summative feedback. Some assessment tasks specifically guide students through a gradual process of gathering their data, analysing it and presenting it in writing or verbally in front of peers.
Toward the end of the program students have the opportunity to research, design, present and evaluate major initiatives either in their capstone study unit and/or in the Professional and Community Engagement study units. Supervisors other than university staff may have the opportunity to evaluate student projects and add their workplace expertise to student engagement and learning. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. For recognition of prior informal and non-formal learning, please refer to the relevant RPL Plan, which describes the evidential requirements and approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit in this program.
For undergraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For postgraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
The career opportunities are many and varied. Broadly defined, graduates may work in the sport, fitness and health industries, in work health and safety. Job opportunities include working as therapy assistants, community personal care workers, pre-professional health workers.
For graduates seeking further career development or professional accreditation, the Bachelor of Human Sciences with a major in Human Movement meets the prerequisite academic studies for postgraduate studies in Physiotherapy at Macquarie University. |
| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
