Overview
Topic of Discussion
Given what you learned about the musculoskeletal system last week, I would like for each of you to step back from the computer for a bit, get active, and try something new. Try a new class (e.g., yoga, salsa dancing, kickboxing, spinning) or a new activity. Then let's connect anatomy and physiology concepts to your workouts.
General Weekly Discussion Guidelines – Must Read!
Required Reading
- Carefully review the assignment instructions AND the GE-BIOL Discussion Grading Rubric linked below for details on how you will be graded.
- Guidelines for Avoiding Plagiarism
- Course AI Guidance
Key Expectations: Evidence-Based, Originality, Attribution, and Academic Integrity
- Evidence-Based: Incorporate accurate scientific terms and concepts from our course materials or credible outside sources.
- Originality: Explain concepts in your own words (paraphrase); avoid weak paraphrasing and limit direct quotes to no more than 10%.
- Attribution: This means telling your reader where your information came from by sharing a direct link (URL) to the source. You should do this anytime you use someone else’s ideas, whether you quote, paraphrase, or summarize them. Unlike the larger, written assignments in our course, which require formal APA citations, our discussion boards only require simple, informal credit called attribution, such as providing a DOI/URL for any sources used, which must be:
- Accessible: Provide working, direct DOIs/URLs so anyone can click them and be taken straight to the content supporting your posts. No broken/dead links or page accessibility errors accepted.
- Accurate and Verifiable: Link directly to the exact spot (e.g., webpage on a website, book chapter, journal article) where your quote, fact, or idea appears, so readers can locate your paraphrased, summarized, or quoted content. No homepage/main website URLs; must reach the exact webpage of the full article.
- Academic Integrity:
- Be mindful, credit will not be earned for affected discussion content when informal attributions are missing, inaccessible, inaccurate, or unverifiable. Missing, falsified, or misrepresented sources are considered reportable academic misconduct and may result in a zero for the entire discussion.
- Follow the university's policies and course guidelines regarding the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence tools in academic work.
Ask your instructor if you have any questions.
Instructions
A. Main Post Instructions
Step 1: Title Your Post
Use the workout/activity you performed and the single muscle you are evaluating to title your post (e.g., Yoga - Rectus Abdominis). Do not select a muscle already chosen by a classmate, or you will not receive credit.
Step 2: Share Your Personal Connection (Keep It Simple)
NOTE: Select an activity that is safe and appropriate for your physical abilities. If you have medical or physical limitations, you may discuss an activity you currently do (such as physical therapy), one you have done in the past, or one you would like to try in the future.
- Which activity did you choose, and why did you choose it?
Step 3: Discuss ONE Muscle Movement from Your Workout/Activity
Choose ONE specific movement from your workout/activity that demonstrates an isotonic contraction (i.e., a muscle changing length to create movement at a joint). Do not choose a static position or hold involving isometric contractions.
- What is the single movement you performed (e.g., flexion of the knee while jogging)?
- Name one primary muscle responsible for that movement and provide an image using only OpenStax or KenHub's Atlas of Human Anatomy: https://www.kenhub.com/en/get/human-anatomy-atlas (free registration required).
- Name one antagonist muscle that performs the opposite action.
- Identify one synovial joint involved (e.g., radiocarpal joint) in this movement and specify its joint type (e.g., ball-and-socket)
Use accurate anatomical terminology from our lessons, and keep your post focused, concise, and easy to follow.
B. Reply Post Instructions
This week, connect your responses to the importance of musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology in exercise.
General Guidance: Reply to classmates and your instructor, aiming to further the discussion in three to five sentences; do not reiterate points already made. Your goal is to add to, expand on, or respectfully provide counterpoints. Provide clear, succinct, focused responses, and support your ideas with credible academic or scientific sources (e.g., course eBook chapters, reputable websites, or journal articles). These sources must be properly credited with informal attribution in your posts in the form of accessible DOIs/URLs.
Evaluation
Please carefully review the GE-BIOL Discussion Grading Rubric and the assignment instructions, which describe how your Discussion will be graded.
How Rubric Grading Works
- Each rubric cell (where a row and column meet) lists specific expectations for that performance level (e.g., Exemplary, Accomplished).
- To earn the points for a cell, you must meet ALL expectations listed in that cell.
- You'll only receive points for a cell if you complete every single requirement it describes.
- Use the rubric as a checklist before submitting to ensure every requirement has been met.
Important Note: Once your work has been graded, resubmissions should not be expected. Ensure your final submission meets all assignment expectations and represents your highest-quality effort.