Outline

Overview

The aim of this unit is to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental principles of exercise training adaptations. Specifically, students will be introduced to the basic principles of training including overload, reversibility and specificity as well as the concept of fatigue and training to enhance fatigue resistance. This unit will cover the different physiological systems including the cardiovascular and respiratory system, endocrine system and metabolic pathways pertaining to energy regulation and their related adaptations to training. Finally, how these adaptations may be impacted by various environmental stimuli or pharmacological treatments will be explored. During practical classes and tutorials, students will develop skills required for assessing readiness to train; implementation of training programs; and data collection for assessing success of a training program.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	EXSS1036
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Kieron Rooney, kieron.rooney@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Ollie Jay, ollie.jay@sydney.edu.au
	Kate Edwards, kate.edwards@sydney.edu.au
	Troy Cross, troy.cross@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Rhiannon Dowla, rhiannon.dowla@sydney.edu.au
	Christopher Hanbury-Brown, christopher.hanbury-brown@sydney.edu.au
	Molly McCausland, molly.mccausland@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final Exam The final exam will be a mix of Multiple Choice Questions and Short Answer Questions that cover content from through the semester.	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Practical Class Data Upload Upload of raw data collected in week 2 practical class.	0%	Week 03 Due date: 10 Mar 2025 at 23:59	1 Excel Sheet
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Quiz 1 A mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions covering lecture material in weeks 1 and 2 as well as tutorial content in week 1 and practical content in week 2.	10%	Week 03 Due date: 11 Mar 2025 at 14:00	40 mins
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Final Report 1 - Data and Interpretation Assessment of practical class data in graphical and written formats	10%	Week 04 Due date: 21 Mar 2025 at 23:59	500-750 words not incl. graphs / tables
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Practical Class data Upload Upload of raw data collected in week 4 practical class	0%	Week 06 Due date: 31 Mar 2025 at 23:59	1 Excel Sheet
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Quiz 2 A mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions covering weeks 4-5 (lectures); week 3 tutorial and week 5 practical.	10%	Week 06 Due date: 01 Apr 2025 at 14:00	40 mins
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Final Report 2 - Data and interpretation Assessment of practical class data in graphical and written formats.	10%	Week 08 Due date: 17 Apr 2025 at 23:59	500-750 words not incl. graphs / tables
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Practical class data Upload Upload of raw data collected in week 8 practical class	0%	Week 10 Due date: 05 May 2025 at 23:59	1 Excel Sheet
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Quiz 3 A mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions covering weeks 7-9 (lectures); weeks 6-8 (tutorial) and week 9 practical	10%	Week 10 Due date: 06 May 2025 at 14:00	40 mins
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Final Report 3 - Data and interpretation Assessment of practical class data in graphical and written formats.	10%	Week 13 Due date: 28 May 2025 at 23:59	1000-1500 Words not incl. graphs / table
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = AI allowed ? = 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

Assessment Item: Quiz 1 (Week 3)

Task description

A series of multiple-choice questions and short answer questions that cover material delivered in lectures, tutorials and practicals across weeks 1-2.

Quizzes will be completed online via CANVAS quiz within the lecture time. Students are to attend the class with their laptops for access to CANVAS. The quiz will be timed to release within the timetabled lecture time.

Students will be allowed to bring in one single sided page of hand written notes.

Assessment Item: Quiz 2 (Week 6)

Task description

A series of multiple-choice questions and short answer questions that cover material delivered in lectures, tutorials and practicals across weeks 3-5.

Students will be allowed to bring in one single sided page of hand written notes.

Assessment Item: Quiz 3 (Week 10)

Task description

A series of multiple-choice questions and short answer questions that cover material delivered in lectures, tutorials and practicals across weeks 6-9.

Students will be allowed to bring in one single sided page of hand written notes.

Assessment Item: Final Exam

Task description

A series of multiple-choice questions and short answer questions that cover material delivered in lectures, tutorials and practicals across all weeks of semester.

This exam will be administered by the examinations office in the formal exam period. The final exam will be 2 hours plus 10 mins reading time.

Assessment Item: Practical Data Upload (weeks 3, 6 and 10)

Task description

The Practical reports for this unit will require students to analyse de-identified data obtained in class.

To ensure as much data as possible all groups will need to submit their data to unit coordinators who will de-identify raw data, collate all submissions, and release whole of class data for use in practical reports.

If students do not complete this task, then the completion of the report for all students will be difficult. As such these 0 weighted tasks are essential.

Workload should be minimal as all data will be collected in practical classes and submission should require very little other than a file upload to canvas.

Assessment Item: Final Report 1 – Data and Interpretation

Task description

A Written report that presents data obtained during the practical class in week 2.

Students will need to have provided a copy of their raw data collected in class in week 3.

Students will then be asked to present graphical and tabulated data based on the data they collected in their small groups.

Students will also be asked to present graphical and tabulated data of all class data obtained from all groups.

Short answer questions will also require students to provide some basic interpretation of the data that they have presented.

Assessment Item: Final Report 2 – Data and Interpretation

Task description

A Written report that presents data obtained during the practical class in week 5.

Students will need to have provided a copy of their raw data collected in class in week 6.

Students will then be asked to present graphical and tabulated data based on the data they collected in their small groups.

Students will also be asked to present graphical and tabulated data of all class data obtained from all groups.

Short answer questions will also require students to provide some basic interpretation of the data that they have presented.

Assessment Item: Final Report 3 – Data and Interpretation

Task description

A Written report that presents data obtained during the practical class in week 9.

Students will need to have provided a copy of their raw data collected in class in week 10.

Students will then be asked to present graphical and tabulated data based on the data they collected in their small groups.

Students will also be asked to present graphical and tabulated data of all class data obtained from all groups.

Short answer questions will also require students to provide some basic interpretation of the data that they have presented.

Furthermore, long answer questions will require students interpret their data with consideration to content from lectures and tutorials.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

Any student that does not attempt at least 2 small tests or the final exam will be awarded an Absent Fail. Non-contribution to a group submission will be considered non-submission of a compulsory assessment. The contribution of an individual to a group submission will be managed by the group members. Group membership is coordinated through groups in canvas and renewed after each submission to allow groups to expel non-contributing members from subsequent submissions. Any student that is not part of a group at the time of submission will be awarded 0 for that assessment.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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:

In accordance with University of Sydney, 2011 Assessment procedures section 7A subsections 3, 4 and 5: (3) Written work submitted electronically after 11.59 pm on the due date will be considered to have been submitted late. (4) For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. (a) The penalty will be calculated by first marking the work, and then subtracting 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. (5) For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero will be awarded. The marker may elect to, but is not required to, provide feedback on such work.

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.

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	Exercise Training and Fatigability: Re-visiting the concept of “fatigue” in relation to performance; Identifying Physiological and Cognitive indicators of fatigue development	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Tutorial 1: Year 1 in review: Identifying the key parameters in power development – neuromuscular and metabolic – (EXSS1036) and their relationship to fatigability (EXSS2032) Students will be asked to demonstrate competence in three tasks selected from first year classes that are relevant to the practical skills required in this unit.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Fuel Systems in the development of power and their relationship not indicators of fatigue. (Glycogen; lactate and lactate shuttles; Protons and non-metabolic CO2, ammonia, glutamine and alanine)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Practical 1: Predicting VO2 max from a submaximal test. Working in groups of 4-5 students will complete a YMCA test on 2 group members with ventilatory gas analysis. Data collected will be used for the group report.	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	QUIZ 1 Early Feedback Task (First hour) / PLACEMENT Information session (Second Hour)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Tutorial 2:Introduction to protein synthesis and fundamental mechanisms of adaptation; Predicting VO2max from submaximal data – calculations	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Skeletal Muscle Adaptations to Training resulting in enhanced fatigability (Hypertrophy; Mitochondria; Fat Oxidation and Glycogen; neuromuscular Adaptations)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems Adaptations to Training resulting in enhanced VO2max, stroke volume, av difference and blood volume	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Practical 2:Assessing Anaerobic threshold. Working in the same groups as the week 2 practical class, students will complete an anaerobic threshold test with the same participants that completed the week 2 YMCA test. Data collected will be used for the group report.	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	QUIZ 2 First hour; Introduction to cell receptors and hormonal signalling (Second Hour)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Tutorial 3: Introduction to cell receptors and hormonal signalling (first 1.5 hrs) Determining Anaerobic Threshold – calculations (0.5hrs)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Hormonal signals of stress – Epinephrine, glucagon and cortisol and recovery – Insulin	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Environment dependent interactions with endurance training – Altitude Physical laws of altitude, physiological and metabolic responses to natural and simulated altitude training (and at rest)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Tutorial 4: Hormone signalling week 7 (cell receptor binding)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Environment dependent interactions with endurance Training – Hot and Cold Fundamental heat balance, autonomic responses to hot and cold, risks and consequences of hyperthermia and hypothermia (Second Hour)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Practical 3: Assessment of FATMAX and Maximal Fat Oxidation. Working in the same groups as week 2 and week 4 students will determine the shift in fuel utilisation as intensity increases using real time ventilatory gas analysis. Only 1 test will be completed per group of 4-5 students and this must be one of the participants that completed testing in weeks 2 and 4. Data collected will be used for the practical report.	Practical (2 hr)
Week 10	QUIZ 3 First hour / Exercise and the Immune System: The innate and acquired immune response to exercise and training effects on measures of immune function (second hour)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Tutorial 5: Exercise Immunology The inflammatory response and interaction with exercise training; Calculating FATMAX and MFO data calculations	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Exercise and the Immune System: The innate and acquired immune response to exercise and training effects on measures of immune function (First Hour) / Introduction to pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics (KR) (second Hour)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Introduction to exercise drug interactions in special cases 1 (Diabetes; Hypertension; CVD, Asthma, COPD)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Tutorial 6:Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and drug interactions1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Introduction to exercise drug interactions in special cases 2 (Diabetes; Hypertension; CVD, Asthma, COPD)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Tutorial 7: Exercise and drug interactions 2	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture content is delivered in live, contact lectures. Student feedback in this unit has highlighted the challenges of presenting this material online. Lectures will be recorded and made available on CANVAS after delivery. Students however may find attending the live original presentation an engaging and more thorough learning experience on campus.

Attendance at tutorial classes in person is not mandatory however in this unit, Tutorials will provide the most immediate opportunity to ask teaching staff questions you may have on lecture content. And as such provide the most rich environment in which to engage with staff.

Attendance at practical classes is not mandatory, however fundamental skills on client interaction, screening and data collection that will be examined in later units of study are taught and as such you may find yourself performing poorly on future competency assessments if you do not attend in this unit.

Further, all assessments pertaining to practical classes are completed in groups. If your group chooses not to include you on submissions because you have not attended classes or contributed to the assessment, they will be supported by staff to do so. Attendance at class will be recorded and at the time of submission groups will also submit a statement of contribution for each team member.

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

For generic Exercise Physiology content students may wish to purchase the following book as it contains content common across multiple units of study.

Powers, SK and Howley, ET. Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance. 10th ed New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Education LLC. 2018

However, specific modules will require more bespoke reading lists. The following of which are recommended:

Coffey VG and Hawley JA. The Molecular Bases of Training Adaptation. Sports Medicine. September 2007, Volume 37, Issue 9, pp 737–763

Hoppeler H; Baum O; Lurman G; Mueller M. Molecular mechanisms of muscle plasticity with exercise. Comprehensive Physiology. 1(3):1383-412, 2011,

Kenney WL; Wilmore JH; Costill DL. Physiology of Sport and Exercise. 6th Edition, Human Kinetics. Ed. 2018

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.

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

LO1. Be able to identify key components and role of the cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, endocrine and immune systems in the response to acute exercise and subsequent adaptations with training
LO2. Be able to describe how specific systems respond to acute changes in metabolic demand and explain fundamental mechanisms underscoring changes in fuel utilisation, macronutrient storage and mechanisms of fatigue following training
LO3. Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the interaction between physiological responses to exercise in variable environmental conditions as well as relevant examples of nutritional and technological ergogenic aids
LO4. Be able to describe the role of relevant systems underpinning common pathologies with consideration of contraindications to training as well as the interaction of pharmacological treatments in the context of training
LO5. Demonstrate competency in the measurement, analysis and interpretation of data pertaining to physiological measurements at rest, during acute exercise and following a training program.
LO6. Demonstrate a fundamental capacity to evaluate and communicate in written form the reporting of physiological assessments to either clients and/or other relevant stakeholders

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 3.2.1. Describe the function, regulation and interaction of physiological systems relating to exercise. 3.2.2. Describe the individual and integrated physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise under normal conditions, in different environments, and by external influences (e.g. ergogenic aids or technologies). 5.2.5. Describe the adaptations that can occur within the neuro-musculoskeletal system as a result of deconditioning, ageing and injury, and the role of physical activity and exercise for preventing functional decline. 9.2.1. Describe the function and relationship of physiological systems. 9.2.2. Describe the physiological functions of the broad range of human cells in signal transduction, regulation of gene expression, transport, excitability, transmission and homeostasis. 9.2.3. Describe the interaction effects of different physiological systems.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 3.2.1. Describe the function, regulation and interaction of physiological systems relating to exercise. 3.2.2. Describe the individual and integrated physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise under normal conditions, in different environments, and by external influences (e.g. ergogenic aids or technologies). 9.2.1. Describe the function and relationship of physiological systems. 9.2.2. Describe the physiological functions of the broad range of human cells in signal transduction, regulation of gene expression, transport, excitability, transmission and homeostasis. 9.2.3. Describe the interaction effects of different physiological systems.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 3.2.1. Describe the function, regulation and interaction of physiological systems relating to exercise. 3.2.2. Describe the individual and integrated physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise under normal conditions, in different environments, and by external influences (e.g. ergogenic aids or technologies). 9.2.1. Describe the function and relationship of physiological systems. 9.2.2. Describe the physiological functions of the broad range of human cells in signal transduction, regulation of gene expression, transport, excitability, transmission and homeostasis. 9.2.3. Describe the interaction effects of different physiological systems.
	Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) - 2.2.1. Integrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and other determinants of health and function and apply these to inform safe and effective movement, physical activity, and exercise-based interventions for individuals and population groups throughout all stages of their life. 2.2.4. Evaluate the effect of commonly prescribed medications, diagnostic procedures, medical, surgical, and other interventions on both resting and exercise-related physiological responses across the full health spectrum.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 1.2.3. Choose and apply a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication methods appropriate to the client and/or population, carers and other health and exercise professionals. 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. 14.2.5. Select and apply basic data analysis techniques appropriate to exercise science subdisciplines. 3.2.1. Describe the function, regulation and interaction of physiological systems relating to exercise. 3.2.2. Describe the individual and integrated physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise under normal conditions, in different environments, and by external influences (e.g. ergogenic aids or technologies). 3.2.4. Analyse and interpret physiological data obtained during acute exercise, and compare such data between time points, individuals and populations. 7.2.2. Identify and use the common processes and equipment required to conduct accurate and safe health, physical activity and exercise assessments. 7.2.8. 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.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 1.2.3. Choose and apply a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication methods appropriate to the client and/or population, carers and other health and exercise professionals. 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. 14.2.5. Select and apply basic data analysis techniques appropriate to exercise science subdisciplines. 3.2.1. Describe the function, regulation and interaction of physiological systems relating to exercise. 3.2.2. Describe the individual and integrated physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise under normal conditions, in different environments, and by external influences (e.g. ergogenic aids or technologies). 3.2.4. Analyse and interpret physiological data obtained during acute exercise, and compare such data between time points, individuals and populations. 7.2.2. Identify and use the common processes and equipment required to conduct accurate and safe health, physical activity and exercise assessments. 7.2.8. 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.

Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
2.2.1		Integrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and other determinants of health and function and apply these to inform safe and effective movement, physical activity, and exercise-based interventions for individuals and population groups throughout all stages of their life.
2.2.4		Evaluate the effect of commonly prescribed medications, diagnostic procedures, medical, surgical, and other interventions on both resting and exercise-related physiological responses across the full health spectrum.

Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
3.2.1		Describe the function, regulation and interaction of physiological systems relating to exercise.
3.2.2		Describe the individual and integrated physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise under normal conditions, in different environments, and by external influences (e.g. ergogenic aids or technologies).
3.2.3		Design exercise-based interventions to maintain and/or improve health and fitness, wellbeing and performance that consider the physiological responses to acute exercise, and the adaptations to chronic exercise.
3.2.4		Analyse and interpret physiological data obtained during acute exercise, and compare such data between time points, individuals and populations.
5.2.5		Describe the adaptations that can occur within the neuro-musculoskeletal system as a result of deconditioning, ageing and injury, and the role of physical activity and exercise for preventing functional decline.
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.
7.2.2		Identify and use the common processes and equipment required to conduct accurate and safe health, physical activity and exercise assessments.
9.2.1		Describe the function and relationship of physiological systems.
9.2.2		Describe the physiological functions of the broad range of human cells in signal transduction, regulation of gene expression, transport, excitability, transmission and homeostasis.
9.2.3		Describe the interaction effects of different physiological systems.

Responding to student feedback

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

This unit has now run for 4 consecutive years, commencing in the COVID years when we attempted to teach practical skills in an isolated world. During this time we have received valuable feedback from students regarding assessment structure and tutorials. The overall satisfaction scores for this unit then have increased steadily 3.88/5 (2021); 4.13/5 (2022) and 4.39/5 (2023). In 2025, the unit has undergone a significant overhaul in the assessment structure. Specifically, the quizzes that make up a small in class continuous assessment will be run in person, during lecture times, and are of a shorter duration and lower weighting. This is in direct response to enhancing timely feedback and more importantly an early feedback task. Further the unit will now include a final exam. This is in direct response to the changes in the small quizzes necessitating a more comprehensive assessment to ensure adequate knowledge of the unit content Following student comments in 2024, we have once again refined the delivery of some of the material in what we hope is a new and exciting way for enhancing student satisfaction.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

During the practical classes, students will be required to operate exercise equipment for which there is a low level of injury risk. However, to ensure any risk is mitigated, students will be inducted and assessed on their competency to use the equipment. Teaching staff have completed an extensive risk assessment prior to semester and will have developed safe work procedures for student inductions during class.

Further, during the practical classes students will be required to show competency in the collection of finger prick blood samples as part of their learning in aid of assessing blood glucose and lactate levels.

This procedure will expose students and staff to a biological hazard. For this purpose students and staff are recommended to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B at a minimum and may also want to consider Hepatitis A. Teaching staff have completed an extensive risk assessment prior to semester and will have developed safe work procedures for student inductions during class including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment and aseptic techniques.

If any of this information causes concern for you, please contact the unit coordinator to discuss how the practical classes may be completed in the safest possible way for you without compromising your learning experience.

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) and automated writing tools

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

EXSS2032: Exercise Training Physiology and Biochemistry

Semester 1, 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) and automated writing tools

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links