4B082E - Foundations of Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Kinesiology and Clinical Assessment 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 4B082E
Module Title: Foundations of Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Kinesiology and Clinical Assessment
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Sport
Faculty Sub Group:
Module Leader: Sara Gray
Module Team: Leighanne Kelly
First Intended Intake: SEP 2027 Final Year of Intake: 2032
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 30 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh:
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes:
HECOS Code Weighting:

Document Version Information

Version 0
Valid From 01 Sep 2027
Valid To 31 Aug 2033

Module Aims

The main aims of the module are: 

  • To develop students’ foundational understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and pathology relevant to musculoskeletal assessment. 

  • To enable students to apply this knowledge to conduct and interpret basic subjective and objective clinical assessments safely and effectively. 

  • To support students’ learning and skill development through integrated theory and practical sessions that promote clinical reasoning and safe practice. 

Content Summary

By the end of this module, you will have developed a strong foundation in human anatomy and physiology and understand how this knowledge applies to clinical practice. You will explore the structure and function of key body systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, nervous, integumentary, and sensory/proprioceptive systems. 

Throughout the module, you will begin to recognise common tissue-specific patterns and behaviours that help inform clinical assessment and decision-making. You will learn how to carry out the key stages of a subjective assessment using effective communication and questioning techniques, while also developing the ability to identify potential red flags and safety concerns to support safe, ethical practice. 

You will also gain practical experience in basic objective assessment skills, including observation, palpation, range of motion testing, strength assessment, and selected special tests, all performed under direct supervision. 

Learning will take place through a blend of theory-based and practical sessions designed to build both your understanding and your clinical confidence.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Scheduled Teaching 72
Asynchronous activity (guided digital learning) 10.5
Summative Assessment 60
independent self-directed study 157.5
Total Hours Selected 300

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Apply foundational knowledge of human anatomy and kinesiology to musculoskeletal (MSK) clinical examination and assessment.
LO2 Conduct and interpret basic subjective and objective assessments to formulate initial clinical hypotheses and identify red flags.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Written Work The OSPE assesses students’ ability to apply foundational anatomy and kinesiology knowledge to musculoskeletal assessment tasks, including ROM testing, palpation, MMT, special tests, and identification of muscle origin, insertion, and action. This authentic, skills-based approach reflects professional practice and supports progression by developing core clinical competencies within a structured, inclusive, and feedback-driven environment. 30 N/A 50 No 40
Synchronous Online Assessment Time-constrained assessment (Online) Asynchronous, Individual 90 N/A 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Practical Written Work ✔ ✔
Time-constrained assessment (Online) ✔ ✔

Reading List

Week 1  

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2023) Musculoskeletal conditions: assessment and management guidelines. London: NICE. 

 Magee, D.J. (2021) Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 7th edn. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.  

Palastanga, N., & Soames, R. (2018). Anatomy and human movement, structure and function with PAGEBURST access, 7: anatomy and human movement. Elsevier Health Sciences. 

Week 2  

Neumann, D. A. (2016). Kinesiology of the musculoskeletal system-e-book: foundations for rehabilitation. Elsevier Health Sciences. 

Kapandji, I. A. (2019). The Physiology of Joints. Volume 2, The Lower Limb. Edinburgh, Churchill Livingstone. 

Week 3 

Kapandji, I. A. (2019). The Physiology of Joints. Volume 2, The Lower Limb. Edinburgh, Churchill Livingstone. 

Week 4 

Kapandji, I. A. (2019). The Physiology of Joints. Volume 1, The Upper Limb. Edinburgh, Churchill Livingstone.  

Kapandji, I. A. (2019). The Physiology of Joints. Volume 2, The Lower Limb. Edinburgh, Churchill Livingstone. 

Week 5 

Kapandji, I. A. (2019). The Physiology of Joints. Volume 1, The Upper Limb. Edinburgh, Churchill Livingstone.  

Palastanga, N., & Soames, R. (2018). Anatomy and human movement, structure and function with PAGEBURST access, 7: anatomy and human movement. Elsevier Health Sciences. 

Week 6  

Kapandji, I. A. (2019). The Physiology of Joints. Volume 3, The Spine. Edinburgh, Churchill Livingstone. 

Supplementary Reading 

  • Drake, R.L., Vogl, W. and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2020) Gray’s Anatomy for Students. 4th edn. Philadelphia: Elsevier.  

  • Brukner, P., Clarsen, B., Cook, J., Cools, A., Crossley, K., Hutchinson, M. & Khan, K. (2018). Brukner & Khan's Clinical Sports Medicine. McGraw-Hill Education.  

  • Biel, A. (2019) Trail Guide to the Body: A Hands-On Guide to Locating Muscles, Bones and More. 6th edn. Boulder, CO: Books of Discovery.  

  • Neumann, D.A. (2017) Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd edn. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.  

  • Magee, D.J. (2021) Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 7th edn. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.  

  • Petty, N.J. and Moore, A.P. (2011) Neuromusculoskeletal Examination and Assessment: A Handbook for Therapists. 4th edn. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.  

  • Buckup, K. (2008) Clinical Tests for the Musculoskeletal System: Examinations, Signs, Phenomena. 2nd edn. Stuttgart: Thieme.  

  • Brody, L.T. and Hall, C.M. (2018) Therapeutic Exercise: Moving Toward Function. 4th edn. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer. 

  • Magill, R. A., & Anderson, D. I. (2007). Motor Learning and Control: Concepts and Applications (Vol. 11). New York: McGraw-Hill. 

  • Arvinen-Barrow, M., & Walker, N. (Eds.). (2013). The Psychology of Sport Injury and Rehabilitation. Routledge. 

  • McArdle, W.D., Katch, F.I. and Katch, V.L. (2014) Exercise Physiology, Energy, Nutrition and Human Performance. 8th edition. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins. 

  • Weinberg, R.S., & Gould, D. (2014). Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology (6th Ed). Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics. 

Optional (Digital Resource) 

  • 3D4Medical (2024) Complete Anatomy [Mobile app]. Available via iOS and Android.