Course coordinator
Dr Lucas Orssatto
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Human Movement & Nutrition Sci
Knowledge and understanding of the anatomy, biomechanics and physiology as it applies to the human body and its application to sports performance, training and injury. Application of principles and skills in understanding and assessing human performance in sports settings.
This sports science course provides coaches with a foundational understanding of sports science concepts essential for optimising athlete performance and injury prevention. Through three core modules—anatomy, biomechanics, and physiology—coaches gain insights into anatomical structures, biomechanical principles, and physiological adaptations relevant to coaching practice. Emphasising interdisciplinary teamwork, the course bridges the gap between coaching and sports science, preparing coaches to collaborate effectively with various high-performance unit professionals. The goal is to empower coaches with the knowledge and skills to integrate sports science into coaching practices for improved athlete outcomes.
Course requirements
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ANAT1005, ANAT2029, BIOL2630, HMST2730, HMST7386, NEUR3733, PHYL2730, PHYL7009, SPCG7009
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Lucas Orssatto
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to provide sports coaches and other paraprofessionals with basic scientific foundationﾠtoﾠcomplement theirﾠcoaching practice. In this course, opportunities will be provided for coaches and otherﾠparaprofessionalsﾠto discuss and become familiar with anatomy, sports biomechanics and exercise physiology concepts in ways thatﾠhelp them to develop a deeper understanding of the scientific concepts that underpin athletic performance in their chosen sport.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand and apply bisic principles of human training
LO2.
Understand the relevant anatomy of the musculoskeletal system and its general function.
LO3.
Understand how the physical structure of the musculoskeletal system is closely linked to the physical function.
LO4.
Understand basic kinematics as they apply to sporting movements.
LO5.
Understand basic kinetics as they apply to performance and injury in sport.
LO6.
Understand how kinematic and kinetic information enables more in-depth analysis of sporting movements.
LO7.
Develop and apply anatomical and biomechanical knowledge to analyse technique, training or injury mechanics associated with a particular sport.
LO8.
Apply physiological principles to understand methods that are typically used to assess fitness and performance in athletes.
LO9.
Apply physiological principles to develop and evaluate appropriate training programs for athletes in specific sports.
LO10.
Apply training and periodization principles to improve sport and exercise performance
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Online Quiz Series
|
30% (3 x quizzes worth 10% each) |
Anatomy Quiz: Opens 10:00 am 17/03/2025, due by 5:00 pm 21/03/2025 (Week 4) Biomechanics Quiz: Opens 10:00 am 14/04/2025, due by 5:00 pm 17/04/2025 (Week 8) Physiology Quiz: Opens 10:00 am 19/05/2025, due by 5:00 pm 23/05/2025 (Week 12) |
| Essay/ Critique |
Anatomy and Biomechanics Assignment
|
35% |
28/04/2025 5:00 pm |
| Reflection |
Discussion Board Interaction
|
10% |
26/05/2025 5:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique |
Physiology Assignment
|
25% |
26/05/2025 5:00 pm |
Assessment details
Online Quiz Series
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 30% (3 x quizzes worth 10% each)
- Due date
Anatomy Quiz: Opens 10:00 am 17/03/2025, due by 5:00 pm 21/03/2025 (Week 4)
Biomechanics Quiz: Opens 10:00 am 14/04/2025, due by 5:00 pm 17/04/2025 (Week 8)
Physiology Quiz: Opens 10:00 am 19/05/2025, due by 5:00 pm 23/05/2025 (Week 12)
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10
Task description
Students are required to complete 3 quizzes corresponding to the 3 module topics. The purpose of each quiz is to ensure an adequate recall and understanding of core material from the seminars, selected readings, and associated discussions on Blackboard.
Students may complete each quiz at any time during the scheduled week. However, once started, each quiz must be completed in one sitting.
Submission guidelines
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.
Where an online quiz that is available to students for a period of more than 24 hours, and you are unable to complete the quiz during the period the quiz is available, you may apply for an extension of the online quiz. All supporting documentation or information for an extension to the online quiz should cover the entire period the quiz is open.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Anatomy and Biomechanics Assignment
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
28/04/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
The anatomy and biomechanics assignment includes short-answer questions assessing knowledge and a short essay on applying anatomy and biomechanics to analyse sports performance and prevent injuries.
Submission guidelines
To be submitted via the relevant Turnitin submission portal on the course Blackboard site.
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.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Discussion Board Interaction
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
26/05/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10
Task description
Throughout each module, students are required to actively participate in discussion board interactions on Blackboard. They will be asked to respond to stimulus material posted on the discussion board site, fostering engagement and collaborative discussions with fellow students.
Submission guidelines
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.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Physiology Assignment
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
26/05/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L08, L09, L10
Task description
The physiology assignment includes short-answer questions assessing knowledge and a short essay on applying physiological components to improve sports performance.
Submission guidelines
To be submitted via the relevant Turnitin submission portal on the course Blackboard site.
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.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
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. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
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
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
The assessment tasks in this course have been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment items 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.
ASSIGNMNENT SUBMISSION
When submitting an assignment, remember to include a cover sheet, for example -ﾠ
Assessment Task:
Course Title:
Course Code:
Student Name:
Student Number: 4xxxxxxxx
If students experience difficulties submitting assessment tasks, they should (by the due date/time):
- Email a copy of the assessment task to the Course Coordinator. For contact details refer to Course Contact section of the Course Profile.
- Include a screenshot of the error message.
What is Turnitin
Turnitin is an electronic assignment submission tool. The tool provides your Course Coordinator with:
· a record of the exact submission time of an assignment
· an originality report indicating the percentage of your work that is an exact match of existing materials within the Turnitin database.
Instructions on how to submit an assignment using Turnitin are located on the UQ Library website
Submit your Turnitin assignment - Library Guide
Note:
When submitting, to check that you have chosen the correct file on the Preview Submission page and click on the Submit to Turnitin button. ﾠ
Remember to download your digital receipt in your Assignment inbox to confirm successful submission.
If a submission cannot be successfully completed, email a copy of the assessment task to the Course Administrator. For contact details refer to Course Contact section of the Course Profile.
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.
Additional learning resources information
Reading is major part of the learning process in this course and each seminar has required reading.ﾠ Extensive reading is needed for students to understand, apply and discuss the relevant concepts, and analyse and evaluate information appropriately. You are also encouraged to read from other sources while completing this course. Some additional reading is provided for students who want to gain a more in-depth understanding in a specific topic or for those who want to broaden their knowledge in a field. Which material is mandatory (to be able to successfully pass the quizzes and assignments) and which is optional will be clearly stated in the learning resources. Reading of the optional resources is not needed to pass the assignments but may help in getting a better understanding.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Lecture |
Sports Science and Coaching This introduction explores the role of sports science in enhancing coaching practices. Coaches will gain an overview of key sports science principles, prompting reflection on how integrating these principles can shape their coaching practices. Through interactive activities, coaches will deepen their understanding of how sports science can help optimise athlete development and performance. Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Lecture |
Anatomy The anatomy module encompasses an exploration of fundamental anatomical concepts crucial for coaches in understanding athlete movement and injury prevention. Beginning with anatomical terminology and the skeletal system, coaches will delve into bones, joints, and range of motion. Subsequently, the focus shifts to the muscular system, dissecting muscle types, actions, and their roles in movement patterns. Practical application is emphasised through applied anatomy in sports, where coaches analyse specific movements and injuries in their respective sports, equipping them with the anatomical expertise needed to collaborate effectively with other professionals to optimise athlete performance and reduce injury risks. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
|
Lecture |
Biomechanics The biomechanics module explores motion and force analysis, essential for coaches in analysing sports movements. Covering fundamentals like linear and angular kinetics and kinematics, coaches analyse real-world applications in sport. Throughout the module, coaches will explore topics such as how technology integration can optimise performance and reduce injury risks. Through the learning activities, coaches apply biomechanical principles to analyse sports techniques, emphasising the intersection of functional anatomy and biomechanics in enhancing athletic performance. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
|
Lecture |
Physiology The physiology module provides an overview of energy systems, training, and adaptations for endurance, repeat effort, and speed-based sports. Through an examination of dominant energy systems in various sports activities, coaches gain insights into tailoring training regimens. The module also explores acute and chronic responses to various types of exercise and training, focusing on principles to enhance endurance-based, repeat-effort, and speed-based sports performance. Learning outcomes: L08, L09, L10 |
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 - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: