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Unit of study_

EXSS1037: Introduction to Exercise Science

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This introductory unit will provide students with skills and understanding of measurement and analysis core to becoming a proficient exercise professional. Students will learn technical skills for exercise data collection, the data handling, calculations and analytical approaches to examining data, and research methods used to collect evidence. Critical thinking approaches will be used to develop skills for assessing quality of evidence in exercise science. A focus Introduction to Exercise Science is the development of discrete skills and understanding of their application for accuracy.

Unit details and rules

Unit code EXSS1037
Academic unit Movement Sciences
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
OLET1514
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Helen Parker, h.parker@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Michelle Hall, michelle.hall@sydney.edu.au
Troy Cross, troy.cross@sydney.edu.au
Helen Parker, h.parker@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Che Fornusek, che.fornusek@sydney.edu.au
Angelo Sabag, angelo.sabag@sydney.edu.au
Jeanette Thom, jeanette.thom@sydney.edu.au
Elizabeth Machan, elizabeth.cayanan@sydney.edu.au
Kate Edwards, kate.edwards@sydney.edu.au
Kieron Rooney, kieron.rooney@sydney.edu.au
Kotryna Fraser, kotryna.fraser@sydney.edu.au
Tim Davies, timothy.davies@sydney.edu.au
Chloe Trevor, chloe.trevor@sydney.edu.au
Timothy English, tim.english@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment group assignment Research report
Pair assignment; quality assessment of journal article.
30% Formal exam period
Due date: 03 Jun 2024 at 23:59
1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO6 LO7
Skills-based evaluation hurdle task IPL Introductory Workshop
Complete pre-work, all 3 activity stations + post-workshop peer evaluation.
0% Multiple weeks Approx. 4-5hr incl workshop + homework
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Online task Early Feedback Task
#earlyfeedbacktask MCQ online quiz in lecture class.
10% Week 04
Due date: 11 Mar 2024 at 11:00
30min
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Online task hurdle task Academic Honesty Education Module
Compulsory module to inform and assess academic integrity. Access in Canvas
0% Week 06
Due date: 31 Mar 2024 at 23:59
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO5
Online task hurdle task Assignment Consent Matters: Online Consent Education Module
Online module concerning sexual misconduct and gaining informed consent
0% Week 06
Due date: 31 Mar 2024 at 23:59
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO5
Skills-based evaluation hurdle task Accelerate Communication Excellence (ACE)
Accelerating development of communication skills. Wk5/6 (online)
0% Week 06
Due date: 31 Mar 2024 at 23:59
1-hour online module
Outcomes assessed: LO5
Supervised test
? 
hurdle task
Mid-semester examination
Written MCQ + SAQ exam.
30% Week 08
Due date: 15 Apr 2024 at 10:30
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Skills-based evaluation hurdle task Practical skills assessment
Assesses the performance of basic exercise science skills.
20% Week 08 15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Skills-based evaluation hurdle task Accelerate Communication Excellence (ACE)
Interview
0% Week 09
Due date: 28 Apr 2024 at 23:59
See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO5
Small test Excel tutorial assessment
Summary calculations, analysis, graphing, interpretation of data in Excel.
10% Week 11
Due date: 08 May 2024 at 18:00
Worksheet completed in tutorial class
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

***UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY BARRIER TASKS***

Barrier tasks are compulsory items of assessment. If not completed, you will not receive your grade for the unit of study. Successful completion of ALL barrier tasks is required to receive a grade for this unit of study.

Accelerate Communication Excellence (0%): See the Accelerate Communication Excellence (ACE) Canvas site for information about the ACE program. This task is a barrier task, students must complete this task to pass the unit. Hurdle Task Information: Your final grade for EXSS1037 will only be released if you have completed the ACE online modules.

Academic Integrity Online Module (0%): See the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) Canvas site for information about this compulsory module. Completion of the module is compulsory for all students commencing a new coursework degree, diploma or certificate, even if you have previously studied at university. Hurdle Task Information: Your final grade for EXSS1037 will only be released if you have completed the Academic Integrity Online Module.

Consent Matters (0%): See the Consent Matters Canvas site for information about this compulsory task. Hurdle Task Information: Your final grade for EXSS1037 will only be released if you have completed the Consent Matters online course.

Interprofessional Learning (IPL) Introductory Workshop (0%): See the Interprofessional Learning (IPL) Canvas site for information about this compulsory task. Hurdle Task Information: Your final grade for EXSS1037 will only be released if you have completed the IPL Workshop and associated assessment activities.

If you have completed any of these barrier tasks in your previous enrolment and wish to seek an exemption, please contact the Unit of Study Coordinator with appropriate evidence of your completion of the task(s).

 

***UNIT OF STUDY ASSESSMENT TASKS***

Early Feedback Task (in-class MCQ Test; 10%): a 30-minute multiple choice question (MCQ) quiz will be conducted in lecture class using Canvas Quizzes. Content examined in this quiz will be all theory content covered in weeks 1 to 3 inclusive, including theory of practical class. Students will need to bring a suitable device (laptop) on which to complete the test. If required, laptops can be borrowed from the vending machine in Susan Wakil Health Building and other locations across campus. Failure to attempt this quiz will not result in automatic Absent Fail (AF) grade for the unit of study.

Mid-semester theory examination (30%): a 60-minute paper-and-pen examination comprising of multiple-choice and short-answer questions completed in-person. The examination will be held during normal lecture time (i.e. Monday at 10am to 12pm), see your personal timetable for venue information. Students must achieve at least 40% in this written exam in order to be eligible to pass the unit of study. Failure to attempt the examination will result in an AF grade being awarded for this unit of study.

Mid-semester practical examination (20%): a 10-minute practical examination, completed individually, held during normal practical class time (students to self-allocate to a 2hr exam block using the central timetabling system, Allocate+). Students must obtain a satisfactory level of practical skills mastery to pass this unit. Students who do not demonstrate this may re-sit the examination in sessions provided in week 9/10 in order to demonstrate mastery of those skills and to remain eligible to pass this unit of study (note that the mark/score that is given on the first examination attempt will remain unchanged). Standard Special Consideration rules apply for both the practical exam and the re-sit where required - see the Special Considerations page for more information. Failure to attempt the practical examination (and the re-sit if required) will result in an AF grade being awarded for this unit of study.

Excel in-class worksheet (10%): an Excel worksheet will be completed individually during tutorial class in week 11. Students will be provided with data, and will be required to compute summary statistics, analyse and interpret the data, including creating appropriately labelled graphs in Excel. Students attend tutorial class to complete the worksheet; standard Special Consideration rules apply. Failure to attempt this task will not result in the automatic awarding of an AF grade for the unit of study.

Research report (30%): a group assignment completed in groups of 2 or 3 students. Students submit a written report which consists of a critical appraisal of the quality of evidence a journal article provides, including a study quality checklist, and providing an evidence-based judgement on whether or not the findings should be incorporated into their clinical practice. Standard late penalties apply. Part of the assignment mark will come from the completion of peer evaluations of group work. Individuals failing to contribute to the assignment in a meaningful way, or contributing markedly less than their group members, may have penalties imposed upon their mark, or may be considered as having not attempted the assessment if contribution was severely limited/absent. In these cases, individual circumstances will be investigated to ensure this is applied appropriately. Failure to submit this assignment will result in an AF grade being awarded for this unit of study.

Students must achieve a cumulative score of at least 50% over the whole unit of study in order to be eligible to pass the unit of study. This is in addition to the requirements noted above that students must attempt the mid-semester written and practical exams and research report, achieve at least 40% in the mid-semester theory exam, and demonstrate satisfactory mastery of practical skills in the practical exam (or practical exam re-sit if required).

Assessment criteria

Result name Mark range Description
High Distinction 85-100% Demonstrates extensive and thorough knowledge of exercise science principles and skills; demonstrates exceptional capacity to integrate complex concepts in exercise science; demonstrates high quality practical skills with ease and confidence.
Distinction 75-84% Demonstrates thorough knowledge of exercise science principles and skills; demonstrates very good capacity to integrate complex concepts in exercise science; demonstrates high quality basic exercise science practical skills.
Credit 65-74% Demonstrates good knowledge of exercise science principles and skills; demonstrates good capacity to integrate complex concepts in exercise science; demonstrates good capacity to perform basic exercise science practical skills.
Pass 50-64% Demonstrates satisfactory knowledge of exercise science principles and skills; demonstrates some capacity to integrate complex concepts in exercise science; demonstrates satisfactory quality basic exercise science practical skills.
Fail <50%

Does not demonstrate satisfactory knowledge of exercise science principles and skills; and/or, is not able to demonstrate capacity to integrate complex concepts in exercise science; is able to demonstrate satisfactory basic exercise science practical skills.

Absent Fail 0 to 49% Fails to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, or through failure to submit or attend compulsory assessment tasks. In cases where a student receives some marks but fails the unit through failure to attend or submit a compulsory task, or fails to achieve the minimum standard in applicable assessments (e.g. mid-semester written exam, practical exam), the mark entered shall be the marks awarded by the faculty up to a maximum of 49.

 

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

For submitted work: Standard late penalties apply for the group assignment. Late penalties are a mark deduction (from the mark that would have been awarded for the quality of the work submitted) of 5% per day late or part thereof, to a maximum of 10 days (50% marks deduction), after which a grade of zero is awarded for that submission. Special Consideration must be sought by any student unable to attend the written or practical exam on their allocated day/time. If applicable, Special Consideration can also be sought to extend the due date for submission of assignments, including the in-class test and in-class Excel worksheet. Please see https://sydney.edu.au/students/special-consideration.html for details on what events may constitute grounds for Special Consideration, and how to apply.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 How to learn and succeed at university; introduction to the unit; ESSA - the professional body for exercise professionals in Australia. Physical activity and health/mortality. Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Transition to university and exploring personal/professional values Tutorial (2 hr)  
Online Excel course (do in your own time) Online class (2 hr) LO5 LO7
Week 02 Introduction to epidemiology; Pre-exercise health screening. Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Health screening and understanding risk. Identifying similarities and differences between the roles of Exercise Scientists and Exercise Physiologists in practice. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO4
Week 03 Measuring physical activity; Quantifying exercise, work and power calculations. Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO5
Basic skills in anthropometry, measuring heart rate and blood pressure at rest Practical (2 hr) LO4
Week 04 In-class assessment (see Assessments for more information); introduction to and critical assessment of tools for measuring physical activity. Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Work and power calculations; preparation for assessments. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Measuring fitness, oxygen consumption, field and laboratory tests, ergometers, calibration of equipment Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO4
Ergometry, measuring heart rate and blood pressure during exercise Practical (2 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Measuring oxygen consumption - what, why and how; uses for oxygen consumption data; introduction to assessment of VO2max. Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Calculating rate of oxygen consumption from first principles; energy expenditure and mechanical efficiency. Tutorial (2 hr) LO5
Week 07 Assessing physical activity and fitness, quantitative and qualitative research designs Lecture (2 hr) LO2
Estimating maximal aerobic capacity using algorithms, field and laboratory tests. Practical (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Statistics I: measures of central tendency and hypothesis testing Lecture (2 hr) LO7
Using software to perform statistical tests I Tutorial (2 hr) LO7
Week 10 Statistics II: analysis of variance, correlation and regression Lecture (2 hr) LO7
Using software to perform statistical tests II Tutorial (2 hr) LO7
Week 11 Statistics III: Non-parametric tests, odds ratio, relative risk Lecture (2 hr) LO7
In-class Excel assessment and tutorial. See "Assessments" for further details. Tutorial (2 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 12 Evidence for exercise: quality of the evidence I: types and levels of evidence, introduction to evidence-based practice Lecture (2 hr) LO6
EBP I: introduction to, and searching primary databases Tutorial (2 hr) LO6
Week 13 Evidence for exercise: quality of the evidence II: critical appraisal of the literature, quality appraisal tools Lecture (2 hr) LO6
EBP II: critical appraisal of source material Tutorial (2 hr) LO6

Attendance and class requirements

While attendance at lectures, practical classes and tutorials is not compulsory, it is strongly recommended that students attend all allocated classes in order to keep up with the work, and to take the opportunity to ask questions of their teachers to clarify their understanding. 

Practical classes are very important to attend as these classes are where you will learn and practice the skills you need for your practical examination.

In every class, you will be learning the building blocks that you will use for the remainder of your degree and beyond, so it is important to take your learning seriously and attend and participate in class as best as you can.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

This unit of study has one prescribed textbook which coincides with the prescribed reading of EXSS1036, this textbook is:

  • Powers SK, Howley ET and Quindry J. Exercise physiology: Theory and application to fitness and performance. 11th edition. New York, NY: McGraw Hill LLC, 2021. NOTE: The 12th edition of this book has recently been released, and students may wish to obtain a copy of the more recent edition to support their future studies.

 

Recommended readings include: 

  • Vincent WJ. Statistics in Kinesiology 5th edition. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics 2021
  • American College of Sports Medicine. ACSM’s resource manual for guidelines for exercise testing and prescription. 7th edition. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams and Wilkins 2014
  • Dishman RK, Heath GW and Lee I-M. Physical activity epidemiology. 2nd edition. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics 2013
  • Critical appraisal checklist/readings: https://casp-uk.net

 

Remember the Library is an excellent resource and contains copies of all prescribed texts.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Explain the roles of exercise professionals, understand the rationale for, and be able to apply risk stratification criteria in pre-exercise screening, and identify when further guidance is required prior to conducting a test.
  • LO2. Identify different ways to conduct accurate health, exercise, sport and physical activity assessments and begin to develop a critical analysis of their strengths.
  • LO3. Demonstrate an understanding of the limitations, contraindications or considerations that may require the modification of assessments.
  • LO4. Demonstrate practical competency to conduct pre-assessment procedures, select and conduct appropriate protocols for safe and effective assessments, including instructing clients on the correct use of equipment and obtaining measurements.
  • LO5. Develop basic professional skills including the ability to communicate in oral form effectively and provide written and graphical summaries of information from assessments, their limitations, and the interpretation of the results.
  • LO6. Begin to understand the requirement for evidenced-based models of practise based on how to conduct a critical analysis of quality of evidence, including the applications of qualitative and quantitative research study designs.
  • LO7. Understand, select and perform statistical analyses and interpret the results most relevant to Exercise Science data sets.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9
LO1         
LO2         
LO3         
LO4         
LO5         
LO6         
LO7         

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards - ESSA
1.3.1. Illustrate the scope of practice of Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) and the scope of roles available for AEP practice.
1.3.3. Practise professional conduct that incorporates the principles, legislation, regulations, rights and responsibilities that underpin: the ESSA Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice; therapeutic and collegial relationships; and professional practice in a client centred, multi-disciplinary care environment.
3.3.3. Judge clients’ stratified exercise risk including when to refer onwards.
Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - ESSA
1.2.4. Practice with integrity within the scope of training for an Exercise Scientist and the ESSA Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice.
1.2.6. Identify risks and apply appropriate risk management strategies to the professional practice of exercise science.
4.2.6. Identify and explain the common contraindications for participation in exercise and the associated risks.
7.2.1. Select and apply appropriate assessment procedures, including screening of appropriate social determinants of health, goal setting, obtaining informed consent and a relevant medical history, and performing a pre-exercise risk assessment and understand when onward referrals are warranted.
LO2
Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards - ESSA
1.3.1. Illustrate the scope of practice of Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) and the scope of roles available for AEP practice.
Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - ESSA
7.2.2. Identify and use the common processes and equipment required to conduct accurate and safe health, physical activity and exercise assessments.
7.2.4. Explain the scientific rationale, reliability, validity, assumptions and limitations of common assessments.
LO3
Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards - ESSA
1.3.1. Illustrate the scope of practice of Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) and the scope of roles available for AEP practice.
3.3.3. Judge clients’ stratified exercise risk including when to refer onwards.
Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - ESSA
7.2.3. Identify and describe the limitations, contraindications or considerations that may require the modification of assessments and make appropriate adjustments for diverse individuals.
7.2.7. Identify the need for guidance or further information from an appropriate health professional and recognise when medical supervision is required before or during an assessment and when to cease a test.
LO4
Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards - ESSA
1.3.3. Practise professional conduct that incorporates the principles, legislation, regulations, rights and responsibilities that underpin: the ESSA Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice; therapeutic and collegial relationships; and professional practice in a client centred, multi-disciplinary care environment.
3.3.3. Judge clients’ stratified exercise risk including when to refer onwards.
Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - ESSA
2.2.1.3. Describe biomechanical principles and how they relate specifically to the analysis of various forms of human movement to demonstrate an understanding of the physical effects of human interaction with equipment and the environment.
7.2.5. Describe the principles and rationale for the calibration of equipment in commonly used in assessments and recognise and recalibrate equipment when required.
7.2.6. Select, develop and conduct appropriate protocols for safe, effective and culturally sensitive assessments including risk management and risk assessment concepts associated with the health and assessment of exercise science.
LO5
Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - ESSA
3.2.4. Analyse and interpret physiological data obtained during acute exercise, and compare such data between time points, individuals and populations.
7.2.8. Analyse, interpret, communicate and record information and results from assessments including the accuracy and limitations of the assessment with the client, and families, carers and other health and exercise professionals where appropriate.
LO6
Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - ESSA
14.2.1. Describe the primary types, applications and limitations of qualitative and quantitative research study designs.
14.2.2. Use research databases to access peer-reviewed scientific literature and conduct searches to identify relevant information.
14.2.3. Appraise research methods and reports, including statistical results to understand methodological and ethical aspects of research, and integrate this knowledge into all areas of exercise science practice.
14.2.4. Cite the research of others in written and oral communication
LO7
Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - ESSA
14.2.5. Select and apply basic data analysis techniques appropriate to exercise science subdisciplines.
Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.2.4 A Practice with integrity within the scope of training for an Exercise Scientist and the ESSA Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice.
1.2.6 A Identify risks and apply appropriate risk management strategies to the professional practice of exercise science.
14.2.1 A Describe the primary types, applications and limitations of qualitative and quantitative research study designs.
14.2.2 A Use research databases to access peer-reviewed scientific literature and conduct searches to identify relevant information.
14.2.3 A Appraise research methods and reports, including statistical results to understand methodological and ethical aspects of research, and integrate this knowledge into all areas of exercise science practice.
14.2.4 A Cite the research of others in written and oral communication
14.2.5 A Select and apply basic data analysis techniques appropriate to exercise science subdisciplines.
2.2.1.3 A Describe biomechanical principles and how they relate specifically to the analysis of various forms of human movement to demonstrate an understanding of the physical effects of human interaction with equipment and the environment.
3.2.4 A Analyse and interpret physiological data obtained during acute exercise, and compare such data between time points, individuals and populations.
4.2.6 A Identify and explain the common contraindications for participation in exercise and the associated risks.
7.2.2 A Identify and use the common processes and equipment required to conduct accurate and safe health, physical activity and exercise assessments.
7.2.4 A Explain the scientific rationale, reliability, validity, assumptions and limitations of common assessments.
7.2.5 A Describe the principles and rationale for the calibration of equipment in commonly used in assessments and recognise and recalibrate equipment when required.
7.2.6 A Select, develop and conduct appropriate protocols for safe, effective and culturally sensitive assessments including risk management and risk assessment concepts associated with the health and assessment of exercise science.
7.2.7 A Identify the need for guidance or further information from an appropriate health professional and recognise when medical supervision is required before or during an assessment and when to cease a test.
7.2.8 A Analyse, interpret, communicate and record information and results from assessments including the accuracy and limitations of the assessment with the client, and families, carers and other health and exercise professionals where appropriate.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Student feedback received from the 2023 edition of the unit has been considered in re-designing this unit for the 2024 edition, including changes to the assessment structure. This year, we are also implementing a new tutorial support model, including input from senior ES/EP students, and smaller tutorial class sizes to assist with the transition to university for first year students. The assessment re-design also aims to meet the University's responsibilities in seeking early provision of support to students who may require extra assistance in their studies.

Work, health and safety

Students must wear closed-in shoes (e.g. sneakers) to all practical classes. Students will be refused entry to practical class if closed-in shoes are not worn.

Students should come to practical class prepared to participate in [practical] learning activities and wear appropriate clothing accordingly. In addition, this may include the wearing of masks and other personal protective equipment as advised by the unit coordinator and tutors, according to the recommendations by NSW Health and University policies. Please practice good hand hygiene, and maintain physical distancing where possible during class. 

Students will complete a work, health and safety checklist before their first practical class. Any student who misses this WHS checklist must complete it before entering their first practical class. 

Students must complete a pre-exercise screener (link available on Canvas) prior to exercise. Students with existing medical conditions that may confer a risk during exercise must seek clearance from their medical practitioner prior to undertaking exercise.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.