Outline

Overview

This introductory unit will provide students with fundamental skills and understanding of strength and conditioning practice. Students will learn how to safely and effectively supervise strength and conditioning activities, and to design, implement and evaluate a basic strength and conditioning program.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Shane Ball, s.ball@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s)	Rene Ferdinands, edouard.ferdinands@sydney.edu.au
	Tom Gwinn, tom.gwinn@sydney.edu.au
	Suzie Mate, suzanne.mate@sydney.edu.au
	Jiuzhang Li, jiuzhang.li@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	End-semester Exam Written exam consisting of multiple-choice and short answer questions.	32%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Resistance Exercise Instruction Instruction of two resistance exercises across weeks 11 and 12.	35%	Multiple weeks Due date: 31 Oct 2025 at 23:59	15 min	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Mini-quiz MCQ based on lecture content from Weeks 1-3.	3%	Week 03 Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 23:59	15 multiple choice questions	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Sport Specific Profile Written report on an athlete and their sport.	15%	Week 06 Due date: 14 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 24 Sep 2025	1200 word limit.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Sport Specific Exercise Program Designing a strength and conditioning program for an athlete.	15%	Week 10 Due date: 19 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 Oct 2025	No more than 5 x A4 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

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

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 23:59 on the due date.

Failure to complete any of the following assessment tasks will result in a grade of Absent Fail (AF):

- Sport Specific Profile

- Sport Specific Exercise Program

- Resistance Exercise Instruction

- End-Semester Exam

Further details for each assessment will be provided on Canvas.

Evidence of non-contribution to the group assessments will result in a grade of Absent Fail (AF). More information on group assessment expectations can be found in Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard.

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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:

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.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

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 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. 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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	The Strength and Conditioning Coach	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Exercise Instruction (3 lifts)	Practical (2 hr)
Week 02	Physiological Profile of Sports and Attributes of Successful Performances	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Physiological Profile of Sports and Attributes of Successful Performances	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Assessment and Interpretation of Muscle Strength and Power	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Exercise Instruction (3 lifts)	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	Assessment and Interpretation of Anaerobic and Aerobic Capacity	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Muscle Strength and Power Assessments	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	Goal Setting and Training Theory	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Assessment Interpretation and Goal Setting	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Exercise Prescription for Development of Muscle Strength and Power	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Exercise Instruction Competency	Practical (2 hr)
Week 07	Exercise Prescription for Development of Anaerobic and Aerobic Capacity	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Anaerobic and Aerobic Assessment and Prescription	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	Introduction to Periodisation	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Introduction to Periodisation and Prescription	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Flexibility, Mobility, Warm Up and Cool Down	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Flexibility, Mobility, Warm Up and Cool Down; Exercise Instruction Assessment (practice)	Practical (2 hr)
Week 10	Recovery Techniques for Athletes	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Recovery Techniques for Athletes; Exercise Instruction Assessment (practice)	Practical (2 hr)
Week 11	Long-Term Athletic Development	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Testing and Prescription for Diverse Populations	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Professional S&C Coach Panel	Lecture (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

While attendance at lectures, practical classes, and tutorials are 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 to help prepare you for the Resistance Exercise Instruction assessment.

In every class, you will be learning essential information for becoming a Strength and Conditioning coach. Additionally, the information covered will be beneficial for anyone wanting to work as an Exercise Physiologist or Exercise Scientist.

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.

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Identify the needs and requirements of an athlete and team. (a) Ability to analyse the strength and conditioning needs and requirements of an activity and sport. (b) Develop profiles for an athlete participating in a strength and conditioning program using appropriate assessment measures. (c) Develop short and long-term goals for a strength and conditioning program.
LO2. Plan a strength and conditioning training program to meet identified needs. (a) Explain strategies used to identify needs and requirements of an athlete. (b) Be able to select core exercises and lifts commonly used in strength and conditioning to address identified needs and requirements of an athlete. (c) Develop a program schedule to meet the identified needs, requirements and objectives of an athlete. (d) Manipulate exercise prescription variables to maximise conditioning outcomes throughout a program. (e) Identify equipment and resource requirements for a session within the program. (f) Describe evaluation methods to monitor the program prior to implementation.
LO3. Implement strength and conditioning training programs. (a) Demonstrate the correct use of equipment, set-up, and performance of core exercises and lifts commonly used in strength and conditioning programs. (b) Instruct core exercises and lifts commonly used in strength and conditioning programs in accordance with accepted best practices. (c) Understand the liaison required between coaches and specialists when working with athletes throughout strength and conditioning programs.
LO4. Monitor, evaluate and modify strength and conditioning programs. (a) Understand how to evaluate a strength and conditioning program. (b) Understand the importance of reviewing training records to monitor ongoing progress. (c) Describe assessment measures that can be used to assess the ongoing progress of an athlete. (d) Explain the importance of feedback from participating athletes, teams and support personnel. (e) Demonstrate the ability to make modifications to a program, where relevant, to meet identified needs.

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

Feedback from the 2024 USS for this unit of study has been considered for the 2025 iteration. Practical and tutorial groups have been aligned to allow students to work together in their assessment groups throughout the semester. Assessment instructions have been updated to ensure clarity in student expectations and marking criteria.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

At the beginning of the first practical session (week 1), a Work, Health, and Safety (WHS) Induction will be conducted. Students will be required to attend this induction and sign off on the WHS induction checklist prior to participating in the practical sessions in EXSS1040.

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

EXSS1040: Introduction to Strength and Conditioning

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links