Outline

Overview

The aim of this unit is to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to design and implement exercise programs for healthy adults focussing on gym-based settings. This unit will cover pre-exercise health screening, physical assessments (e.g. anthropometry, flexibility, posture testing, cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness), interpretation of test results, goal setting, prescription and implementation of cardiorespiratory and resistance exercise. A focus of Exercise Programming and Delivery is the development of practical skills required to conduct exercise assessments and training sessions in a professional manner. Additionally, acquiring the ability to accurately monitor and evaluate a client's response to exercise, make appropriate modifications to an exercise program, reflect on their own performance, and write client reports and case notes.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	EXSS2034
Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	EXSS1036 and EXSS1037 and EXSS2032
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Timothy English, tim.english@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Angelo Sabag, angelo.sabag@sydney.edu.au
	Jeanette Thom, jeanette.thom@sydney.edu.au
	Timothy English, tim.english@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Che Fornusek, che.fornusek@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Assessment 1: Initial pre-training report and 6-week exercise program Initial pre-training report and 6-week exercise program	30%	Week 08 Due date: 24 Sep 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 25 Sep 2023	Report (500 words) Program (2 pages)
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Assessment 2: Part A - Aerobic fitness testing Safely & effectively implement an aerobic fitness test (hurdle task)	15%	Week 12	15 min
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Assessment 2: Part B - Muscular fitness testing Safely & effectively implement a muscular fitness test (hurdle task)	15%	Week 13	15 min
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assessment 3: Final client report, case notes, exercise instruction competency checklist and reflective passage Report (GRP) Case notes (GRP) Competency (IND) Reflection (IND)	40%	Week 13 Due date: 05 Nov 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 06 Nov 2023	Report-2pg Case notes-1pg Reflection-1pg
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Assessment 1: Initial pre-training report (15%) and 6-week exercise program (15%) (Total 30%)

Assessment 2: Part A – aerobic fitness testing (15%), Part B – muscular fitness testing (15%) (Total 30%)

Assessment 3: Final client report (15%), case notes (15%), exercise instruction competency checklist (5%) and reflective passage (5%) (Total 40%)

All assessment tasks are compulsory and failure to complete and submit an assessment task will results in an absent fail (AF) grade for this unit.

Assessment 2 in week 12 (aerobic fitness testing) and week 13 (muscular fitness testing) is a hurdle task. This means if students fail the assessment they will be required to re-do it until they pass, with the top grade capped at 50%.

Assessment 3: Student contribution to assessing and training the ‘client’ and the final group report and case notes will be assessed via peer evaluation and review of student participation. If a student does not complete the peer evaluation they will receive a 10% reduction to their individual mark for the group components of the assessment. There will be a 20% reduction for a student’s individual assessment mark if it is identified that they had ‘lesser contribution’ compared to other group members for the group components of the assessment. A student will receive 0% for the group components of the assessment if it is identified they had ‘minimal contribution’ or ‘no contribution’. The identification of any unsatisfactory level of contribution will be determined by the consistent evaluations offered by the majority of group members (e.g. two group members score another group member poorly). If a student is identified as having ‘minimal contribution’ or ‘no contribution’ they will be asked to meet with the unit coordinator and their tutor on suspected breaches of academic honesty and plagiarism.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction (HD)	85-100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction (DI)	75-84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit (CR)	65-74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass (PS)	50-64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail (FA)	0-49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.
Absent fail (AF)	0-49	When you haven’t completed all assessment tasks or met the attendance requirements.

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	Introduction to unit; Pre-exercise health screening review and anthropometry, flexibility/ROM and posture testing	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Initial client visit: Pre-screening, goals, barriers, facilitators, anthropometry, flexibility/ROM and posture tests	Practical (2 hr)
Week 02	Submaximal and maximal tests for cardiorespiratory fitness	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Client visit 2: Submaximal cardiorespiratory testing	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	Strength, power, and endurance testing for the assessment of muscular fitness	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Client visit 3: Maximal cardiorespiratory testing	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	Interpretation of test results and goal setting	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Client visit 4: 1RM testing	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	PART 1 Design and implementation of resistance and cardiorespiratory training programs	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Tutorial: Case study (develop goals and design a concurrent training program)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Modelling, feedback and movement cues in exercise instruction	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Client visit 5: Training session 1	Practical (2 hr)
Week 07	PART 2 Design and implementation of resistance and cardiorespiratory training programs.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Client visit 6: Training session 2	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	Monitoring, evaluation, and modification of resistance and cardiorespiratory training programs.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Client visit 7: Training session 3	Practical (2 hr)
Week 09	Training program summary documentation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Client visit 8: Training session 4	Practical (2 hr)
Week 10	Introduction to reflective practice	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Client visit 9: Training session 5	Practical (2 hr)
Week 11	Client visit 10: Training session 6 / re-testing session	Practical (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Student attendance at the practicals and tutorials is crucial because without attending students will not be able to complete all three assessments in the unit. Student contribution to assessing and training the ‘client’ and the final group report and case notes will be assessed via peer evaluation and review of student participation. Student competency at instructing exercises will be assessed via the exercise instruction competency checklist throughout the training sessions in practical classes.

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

Required Textbook

ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 11th Edition. Baltimore: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2021.

Recommended textbooks for further learning

Coombes and Skinner: ESSA’s Student Manual for Health, Exercise and Sport Assessment. 2nd Edition. Elsevier, 2022.

Gibson AL, Wagner DR, Heyward VH: 2018, Advanced fitness assessment and exercise prescription, 8th ed. Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL.

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. Select, perform, and evaluate cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness assessments
LO2. Communicate, using appropriate terminology, the results of cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness assessment and training outcomes to both lay persons and clinicians
LO3. Design an exercise program for cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness with consideration of best-practice guidelines and exercise capacity of an individual
LO4. Apply knowledge of the adaptations to chronic exercise to justify the provision of exercise programs
LO5. Demonstrate professional conduct that is consistent with the ESSA Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice

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) - 3.2.4. Analyse and interpret physiological data obtained during acute exercise, and compare such data between time points, individuals and populations. 4.2.1. Select and apply a range of evidence-based tools and methods to prescribe monitor and evaluate exercise load and progress based on the needs of individuals. 4.2.2. Interpret data obtained during a client assessment to prescribe, deliver and monitor physical activity and exercise-based interventions. 4.2.4. Apply the principles of motor control and learning, functional anatomy and biomechanics to assess movement and to recognise dysfunctional movement patterns and unsafe exercise technique. 4.2.5. Select and apply learning cues and movement progressions for teaching and correcting movement and exercise technique. 4.2.7. Identify, interpret, report and take appropriate action regarding adverse signs and symptoms that may arise during exercise, sport and recovery. 5.2.4. Describe the impact of body proportions on body composition and function. 5.2.6. Analyse and evaluate results from static and dynamic assessments and provide recommendations for exercise prescription. 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. 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. 7.2.4. Explain the scientific rationale, reliability, validity, assumptions and limitations of common assessments. 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. 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. 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) - 1.2.2. Support clients to meet their goals through the integration and application of the exercise science sub-discipline standards. 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. 13.2.6. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and respond appropriately to assist clients from diverse populations to change their health and physical activity behaviours. 4.2.6. Identify and explain the common contraindications for participation in exercise and the associated risks. 4.2.9. Evaluate and record client progress during an exercise-based intervention and communicate with the client, and families, carers and other health and exercise professionals where appropriate. 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) - 1.2.2. Support clients to meet their goals through the integration and application of the exercise science sub-discipline standards. 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. 4.2.1. Select and apply a range of evidence-based tools and methods to prescribe monitor and evaluate exercise load and progress based on the needs of individuals. 4.2.10. Design and deliver evidence-based, exercise-based interventions and apply behavioural strategies that meet the needs and preferences of clients. 4.2.2. Interpret data obtained during a client assessment to prescribe, deliver and monitor physical activity and exercise-based interventions. 4.2.3. Analyse a broad range of exercise modalities and select appropriate exercises and equipment to suit the needs and abilities of clients including consideration of social determinants of health. 4.2.6. Identify and explain the common contraindications for participation in exercise and the associated risks. 4.2.8. Evaluate and monitor exercise-based interventions to ensure client safety. 5.2.6. Analyse and evaluate results from static and dynamic assessments and provide recommendations for exercise prescription. 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.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 3.2.4. Analyse and interpret physiological data obtained during acute exercise, and compare such data between time points, individuals and populations. 5.2.4. Describe the impact of body proportions on body composition and function.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 1.2.2. Support clients to meet their goals through the integration and application of the exercise science sub-discipline standards. 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. 13.2.6. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and respond appropriately to assist clients from diverse populations to change their health and physical activity behaviours. 4.2.6. Identify and explain the common contraindications for participation in exercise and the associated risks. 4.2.9. Evaluate and record client progress during an exercise-based intervention and communicate with the client, and families, carers and other health and exercise professionals where appropriate. 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. 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. 7.2.5. 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. 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.

Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1.3.2		Employ core principles of case management and appropriate clinical reporting in the delivery of clinical, health and wellness, work conditioning and rehabilitation services within the boundaries of the ESSA AEP scope of practice and the healthcare system framework.
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.
3.3.7		Formulate and demonstrate measurement, evaluation and reporting of exercise capacity including verbal and written communication with clients, referrer and other relevant stakeholders.
4.3.2		Design safe and effective exercise plans that consider available scientific evidence, client treatment goals, medical history, clinical status, screening and assessments information and other influencing factors.

Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1.2.2		Support clients to meet their goals through the integration and application of the exercise science sub-discipline standards.
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.
13.2.6		Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and respond appropriately to assist clients from diverse populations to change their health and physical activity behaviours.
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.
4.2.1		Select and apply a range of evidence-based tools and methods to prescribe monitor and evaluate exercise load and progress based on the needs of individuals.
4.2.10		Design and deliver evidence-based, exercise-based interventions and apply behavioural strategies that meet the needs and preferences of clients.
4.2.2		Interpret data obtained during a client assessment to prescribe, deliver and monitor physical activity and exercise-based interventions.
4.2.3		Analyse a broad range of exercise modalities and select appropriate exercises and equipment to suit the needs and abilities of clients including consideration of social determinants of health.
4.2.4		Apply the principles of motor control and learning, functional anatomy and biomechanics to assess movement and to recognise dysfunctional movement patterns and unsafe exercise technique.
4.2.5		Select and apply learning cues and movement progressions for teaching and correcting movement and exercise technique.
4.2.6		Identify and explain the common contraindications for participation in exercise and the associated risks.
4.2.7		Identify, interpret, report and take appropriate action regarding adverse signs and symptoms that may arise during exercise, sport and recovery.
4.2.8		Evaluate and monitor exercise-based interventions to ensure client safety.
4.2.9		Evaluate and record client progress during an exercise-based intervention and communicate with the client, and families, carers and other health and exercise professionals where appropriate.
5.2.4		Describe the impact of body proportions on body composition and function.
5.2.6		Analyse and evaluate results from static and dynamic assessments and provide recommendations for exercise prescription.
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.
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.
7.2.4		Explain the scientific rationale, reliability, validity, assumptions and limitations of common assessments.
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.
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.
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.

Responding to student feedback

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

This unit was delivered for the first time in a face-to-face format in 2022. We learnt from reflection and student feedback that more guidance and resources could be provided to help students with the instruction of exercise testing and coaching new movement patterns. The team will endeavour to record exercise testing and instructional videos for improved student learning.

Additional information

This unit of study may require you to attend a teaching activity timetabled in teaching venues installed with the University’s Clinical Recording and Observation System (CROS) in the Susan Wakil Health Building. Students should be aware of the privacy and information management implications of this system. For more information, please refer to the University’s Privacy Statement.

Work, health and safety

Please complete the “WHS Practical Induction Checklist (EXSS and EP)” in the “Quizzes” section on Canvas in your first practical class with your tutor with special consideration to the COVID-19 precautions.

Students are required to wear appropriate exercise clothing for all practical classes including closed in shoes.

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

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

EXSS2034: Exercise Programming and Delivery

Semester 2, 2023 [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

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect