Course coordinator
Dr Georgia Black
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Human Movement & Nutrition Sci
Biophysical Development, Measurement and Assessment (BIOL1900) is an introductory course that aims to provide understanding and analysis of how humans grow and develop with a focus on exercise, health and sport. In particular, four main sub-disciplines of human movement will be examined: anatomy, exercise physiology, psychology and motor learning. In conjunction with learning the basic knowledge through online modules, throughout the course students will also measure and then assess their own biophysical data from these four areas in workshops. As such, this course will allow students to develop their theoretical understanding of growth and development in exercise, sport and health while also allowing opportunities to develop practical skills.
Course requirements
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
HMST1900
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Georgia Black
Guest lecturer
Dr Aisling Mulvihill
Professor John Cairney
Professor Jeff Coombes
Dr Kai Wheeler
Professor Timothy Carroll
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to enable you to:
1.ﾠDevelop knowledge of important principlesﾠacross the range of biophysical disciplines within the field ofﾠhuman movement studies, with an emphasis on changes through the lifespan.
2. Develop basic skills in measurement and assessment of biophysical data.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Explain the key basic principles of the various biophysical sub-disciplines of human movement studies
LO2.
Measure and analyse biophysical data across a range of biophysical disciplines using appropriate laboratory and statistical techniques
LO3.
Describe the relationships between sedentary behaviours and ill-health, and the physiological and psychological factors that influence people to engage in regular physical activity.
LO4.
Apply knowledge of how development and aging affect anatomy, physiology, psychology, motor control, cognitive and social development and physical activity - to predict changes in exercise capacity with disuse, overuse, nutrition, ageing, and motivation to engage in physical activity.
LO5.
Apply knowledge about common injuries or conditions associated with specific developmental and lifespan stages to the prescription and promotion of safe exercise and physical activity for children, adolescents and older adults.
LO6.
Work effectively within a student team in order to develop communication, process management skills and facilitate peer-assisted collaborative learning.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Workshop Tasks
|
10% (5 x workshop tasks @ 2% each) |
Task 1 3/03/2026 - 13/03/2026 Task 2 17/03/2026 - 27/03/2026 Task 3 30/03/2026 Task 4 21/04/2026 - 1/05/2026 Task 5 5/05/2026 - 15/05/2026
Tasks 1-2 and 4-5 completed during timetabled workshop. Task 3 completed during timetabled lecture due to public holiday. |
| Examination |
In-Semester Examination
|
30% |
In-semester Saturday 27/03/2026 - 3/05/2026 |
| Presentation |
Workshop Group Presentation
|
30% |
19/05/2026 - 29/05/2026
During timetabled workshops. |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
30% |
End of Semester Exam Period 6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026 |
Assessment details
Workshop Tasks
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 10% (5 x workshop tasks @ 2% each)
- Due date
Task 1 3/03/2026 - 13/03/2026
Task 2 17/03/2026 - 27/03/2026
Task 3 30/03/2026
Task 4 21/04/2026 - 1/05/2026
Task 5 5/05/2026 - 15/05/2026
Tasks 1-2 and 4-5 completed during timetabled workshop.
Task 3 completed during timetabled lecture due to public holiday.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
The 5 workshops require in-person attendance and active participation to complete the associated workshop task.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
To be submitted via Microsoft Forms at the end of each workshop.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Please refer to Additional Assessment Information for instructions on what to do if you are absent from a compulsory workshop.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
In-Semester Examination
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
In-semester Saturday
27/03/2026 - 3/05/2026
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The examination will assess weeks 1-7 of the course. It will be multiple choice. Further details will be provided throughout the course.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Workshop Group Presentation
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
19/05/2026 - 29/05/2026
During timetabled workshops.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L05, L06
Task description
In groups of ~four, you will deliver a 15-minute presentation on ONE of the five workshop topics completed during the semester. This assignment allows you to demonstrate your understanding of practical exercise science methodologies, data collection, interpretation, and their relevance to the field. More information will be provided during the semester
Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT)
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Recording of Assessment:
When a student is required to complete an oral or practical assessment item worth 20% or more, the performance will be recorded and retained per Appendix 1.
Recordings must be stored in a secure manner and should only be accessed for the purposes of:
i. moderation of marking
ii. provision of feedback to the student(s) recorded; and/or
iii. re-marking following a successful re-mark application.
Submission guidelines
Presentation slides (with one slide of references) to be submitted via the relevant Turnitin submission portal on the course Blackboard site. Each group member must submit.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extensions for group work assessment may be available and will require a single request submitted with agreement from at least 50% of the members of the group, and recognition of potential impacts on the other group members. Download and complete the form below, and attach this form to your extension request: Extension of Group Assessment - Group Member Acknowledgement (PDF, 144.9 KB)
Student Access Plans for an individual student do not guarantee an extension for the assessment item. Extension Verification Letters cannot be used for group-based assessments and activities.
Dysfunctional group dynamics, poor performance by individual group members, or illness or other issues of a group member are generally not considered sufficient grounds for an extension on submission of a group assessment item. These issues should be actively managed by the group and the Course Coordinator as appropriate, during semester.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
End of Semester Exam
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The examination will assess weeks 8-13 of the course. It will be multiple choice. Further details will be provided throughout the course.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: This grade is awarded when the summation of all marks from all assessment items completed gives a percentage of the maximum score that is between 0 and 24%. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: This grade is awarded when the summation of all marks from all assessment items completed gives a percentage of the maximum score that is between 25ﾠand 44%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: This grade is awarded when the summation of all marks from all assessment items completed gives a percentage of the maximum score that is betweenﾠ45 and 49%. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: This grade is awarded when the summation of all marks from all assessment items completed gives a percentage of the maximum score that is between 50 and 64%. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: This grade is awarded when the summation of all marks from all assessment items completed gives a percentage of the maximum score that is betweenﾠ65 and 74%. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: This grade is awarded when the summation of all marks from all assessment items completed gives a percentage of the maximum score that is betweenﾠ75 and 84%. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: This grade is awarded when the summation of all marks from all assessment items completed gives a percentage of the maximum score that is between 85 and 100%. |
Additional course grading information
A final percentage mark will be rounded to the nearest whole number (e.g. 64.50 and above will be rounded to 65 and 64.49 and below will be rounded down to 64).
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
What to do if you are absent from a compulsory workshop
Students are permitted to miss zero workshops for BIOL1900 without receiving approval as there is assessment completed in the workshop sessions.
Please follow the process for absences (below) as soon as you possibly know that you will be absent from a Workshop. The earlier we are made aware, the easier it is to make alternative arrangements.
If you are unable to attend a workshop for medical or extenuating circumstances, you are required to complete an absentee form and email the form as soon as possible to he School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences Student Administration Team (hmns@enquire.uq.edu.au) and no later than two (2) calendar days after the date of the original class was held. You must submit supporting evidence along with your request.
With approval, you will be permitted to attend a make-up session as arranged in consultation with the Course Coordinator.
Failure to attend a make-up session, complete alternative assessment or non-approved absences will result in a mark of zero (0) for the associated Workshop Task.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 3 |
Not Timetabled |
Online Module: Developmental Psychology Online UQ Extend platform Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Week 1 (23 Feb - 01 Mar) |
Lecture |
Introduction Lecture Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 3 |
Workshop |
Online Module: Assessing Fundamental Movement Skills in children Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Week 2 (02 Mar - 08 Mar) |
Lecture |
Employability Session In the Week 2 timetabled lecture, we will be running an Employability Session. As first-year students, this session will introduce some fundamental processes and behaviours that you can start implementing now. These strategies are designed to set you up for success throughout your university journey and help you build a strong foundation for long-term career development. Learning outcomes: L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 5 |
Workshop |
Workshop: Functional use of anthropometry in human movement Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Not Timetabled |
Online Module: Growth and Development Online UQ Extend platform Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 7 |
Not Timetabled |
Module: Physical Activity and Health Online UQ Extend platform Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Week 7 (13 Apr - 19 Apr) |
Lecture |
Workshop: Evaluation of physical activity in health Workshop will occur in timetabled lecture time Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 9 |
Workshop |
Workshop: Assessment of aerobic capacity in health Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Not Timetabled |
Online Module: Developmental Exercise Physiology Online UQ Extend platform Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 10 To Week 11 |
Workshop |
Workshop: The role of perception in skill acquisition Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05 |
Not Timetabled |
Online Module: Motor Control, Learning and Development Online UQ Extend platform Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 12 To Week 13 |
Not Timetabled |
Online Module: Kinanthropometry through the Lifecycle Online UQ Extend platform Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: