Outline

Overview

This unit provides an introduction to key psychological factors and explanatory frameworks accounting for the participation and adherence to Exercise and Physical Activity (PA) behaviour. The unit focuses on the main themes of behaviour change, mental-health and well-being. The unit aims to develop understanding of how psychology informs the design of interventions at the individual level with practical implications emphasised for health practitioners including exercise physiologists.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	EXSS2033
Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Stephen Cobley, stephen.cobley@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Maria Fiatarone Singh, maria.fiataronesingh@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Kylie Moulds, kylie.moulds@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Bonnie Tran, bonnie.tran@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam (Take-home extended release)	Knowledge Dissemination Task Written task (1000-1200 words)	30%	Formal exam period	48 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Lecture Quizzes (Weeks 2 - 6) Lecture quizzes will be completed within tutorial sessions.	5%	Multiple weeks	To be completed in tutorials (Weeks 2-6)
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Knowledge & Understanding Check Written assessment	15%	Week 06	1 hour 15 mins
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Facilitating Exercise Behaviour Change (Part A & B) Written task The group assignment contains two components: Part A & Part B.	50%	Week 11	2500 words
Outcomes assessed:
= Type E final exam ?

Assessment summary

Lecture Quizzes: The assessment contains 5 quizzes (1/week) examining accumulating knowledge and understanding of lecture content across Weeks 2-6 (inclusive). Each attempted quiz completed contributes 1% to a total of 5%. Quizzes are completed within tutorial sessions. Submission attempts in this assessment are required for student progression.
In-class ‘Knowledge Check’ assessment: The assessment consists of three questions (worth 5 marks each), requiring fully structured and written answers. Questions will be based on topics/themes covered within unit content during the initial weeks of the semester. Answers may need to include explanations of presented frameworks for understanding (non-) exericse/PA behaviour and use of case/examples to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of unit content covered. The exam will be set out against the learning objectives identified from ESSA guidelines. A submission attempt in this assessment is required for student progression
Facilitating Exercise/PA Behaviour Change: The assessment involves an attempt to facilitate and support exercise/PA behaviour change with a member of the local community. The assessment is completed across multiple weeks of the semester in paired groupings, and contains two components (i.e., Part A & B). Part A involves gathering client background information and planning an intervention, while Part B involves examining results and evaluating the relative success of intervention with the client. A submission attempt in this assessment is required for student progression.
Knowledge Dissemination Task: The assessment aims for individual candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of unit material presented on specific topics within the second half of the semester. The assessment task aims to help students understand how to synthesise and organise knowledge in a particular topic area, and be able to communicate/disseminate such knowledge to educate a target audience (i.e., become knowledgeable about their degree field and educate others). A submission attempt in the assessment is required for student progression.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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.

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.

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	The Big Health Problem: Low exercise/physical activity, High sedentary behaviour, & High energy intake.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	1. The Intention-Behaviour Gap; 2. How knowledge & understanding is gathered in sport & exercise psychology.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	1. The Intention-Behaviour Gap; 2. An overview of the Facilitating Behaviour Change Project.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	1. Individual correlates of Exercise/PA behaviour - Attitudes, Beliefs, & Intention; 2. Social & Environmental correlates of Exercise/PA behaviour - Social/Environment Barriers & Facilitators.	Lecture (2 hr)
	1) Identifying correlates of Exercise/PA: Examination of video on initial background information gathering: 2) Preparing for client interview.	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Individual Factors in Exercise/PA behaviour adoption and maintenance: Motivational Self-Determination.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Psychological approaches to Exercise/PA behaviour change: The Trans-Theoretical Model (TTM)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	1. Identifying motivational self-determination types. 2. Using self-determination to understand exercise/PA behaviour and how behaviour can be changed.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Supporting Exercise/PA Behaviour Change: Exercise/PA & Sedentary Behaviour Measurement.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Gathering Background Information & Supporting Exercise/PA Behaviour Change: Applying the Trans-Theoretical Model (TTM).	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Assessment 1: 'Knowledge Check' exam.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Scaffolding & Supporting Exercise/PA behaviour change: Application to client case contexts.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Supporting Exercise/PA Behaviour Change: Application of Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs).	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	1. Group work opportunity to plan & discuss Exercise/PA Behaviour Change Project; 2. Meet with tutor to discuss Assessment 2 Part A content; 3. Opportunity to meet with tutor in regard to overall Exercise/PA Behaviour Change Project (Parts A & B).	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Supporting Exercise/PA Behaviour Change: Understanding the Individual, Social & Environmental context via Motivational Interviewing.	Online class (2 hr)
Week 09	Supporting Exercise/PA Behaviour Change: The role of habit breaking and re-formation.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Exercise/PA & Mental Health: Getting the psychological ‘feel-good’ and sense of well-being effect.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Exercise/PA & Mental Health: Exercise/PA can help treat stress and anxiety.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	1. Evaluating Exercise/PA Behaviour Change Project; 2. Presenting Behaviour Change Project Results (Q & A); 3. Preparation checks for Behaviour Change Project submission.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Exercise/PA & Mental Health: Issues and challenges related to exercise dependence.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Assessment 3: Knowledge Dissemination Task - Assessment briefing & preparation.	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Tutorial Attendance: Tutorial attendance and participation are compulsory in this unit, all tutorials need to be attended. Tutorial attendance is necessary to complete the respective lecture quizzes (i.e., Weeks 2-6). Failure to attend a tutorial, without the satisfaction of standard requirements for special consideration, will mean non-completion of the lecture quiz. Thus, the opportunity to attain 1% (per week) will be missed. See below for further information on Assessment Submission Requirements.

Assessment Submission Requirements: Please note an attempt and submission at each assessment listed is required to attain an overall unit percentage and grade. If an assessment is not attempted, and there is no evidence/information related to special consideration, then an ‘Absent Fail’ grade for the assessment and overall ‘Fail’ grade for the unit will be attained. Candidates cannot attain an overall percentage and attainment grade if they have not submitted in any one of the unit assessments.

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

See Reading List within the EXSS2033 Canvas site.

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 individual psychological, social, & environmental barriers (& facilitators) that hinder (& support) support exercise & physical activity participation & adherence.
LO2. Demonstrate an understanding of ecological and individual frameworks used to understand exercise and PA behaviour, as well as assess, design and evaluate health promotion interventions based on such frameworks.
LO3. Explain the potential role of exercise & physical activity in facets of mental health, including cognitive functioning and well-being.
LO4. Understand, interpret and apply evidence-based behaviour change approaches to exercise & physical activity with individuals in ecological settings.
LO5. Design and apply a short-term behavioural intervention specific to an individual and their social-ecological setting.
LO6. As part of a short-term intervention, apply psycho-social measures, behaviour change strategies and use methods of exercise/physical activity tracking to evaluate behaviour change, participation and adherence.
LO7. Demonstrate the ability to compile and synthesise research evidence related to psychology, exercise & physical activity; and, effectively communicate such information to the broader public.

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.

No changes based on closing the loop. EXSS2033 is a new unit.

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

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

EXSS2033: Psychology of Exercise and Physical Activity

Semester 2, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect