Outline

Overview

This unit of study will introduce the student to the principles of pharmacology and immunology as well as the effect and influence of exercise on the respective fields. Students will gain an understanding of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic action of drugs in the body. Students will be able to describe the site and mechanism of action of selected drug groups, to identify the therapeutic use of the drug and its adverse effects, to examine the effect of the exercise and disease on drug action, and the effect of the drug on the exercise response. Special emphasis will be given to drugs used for therapeutic medication, for recreational purposes and for performance enhancement in sport. The nature of immunity, the immune response, pathological disorders of the immune system and its response to exercise and ageing will be examined.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	EXSS3037
Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	BIOS1170 and (EXSS2028 or EXSS2032)
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rhonda Orr, rhonda.orr@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Kate Edwards, kate.edwards@sydney.edu.au
	Rhonda Orr, rhonda.orr@sydney.edu.au
	Maree Cassimatis, maree.cassimatis@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam (Record+)	Final exam Short answer and MCQ	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	In-class assessment quiz 1 Short answer and MCQ	10%	Week 04 Due date: 22 Aug 2022 at 12:00 Closing date: 01 Sep 2022	30 min
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	In-class assessment quiz 2 Short answer and MCQ	20%	Week 07 Due date: 12 Sep 2022 at 12:00 Closing date: 22 Sep 2022	30 min
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Infographic Case study infographic	20%	Week 09 Due date: 07 Oct 2022 at 23:59 Closing date: 17 Oct 2022	1 page
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = Type B final exam ?

Assessment summary

In-class assessments: The questions in these quizzes will be based on the content of the lectures, self-directed readings, case studies and tutorials in the weeks leading up to each quiz: Quiz 1, weeks 1-2 inclusive; Quiz 2, weeks 3-5 inclusive. A mark of at least 40% in each quiz is required to be eligible for a pass in this unit. An understanding of the basic principles of pharmacology is required.
Drug infographic: Students will work in pairs to produce an information poster on a selected drug.
Final exam: The questions in this exam will be based on the content of the lectures, self-directed readings case studies and tutorials. A mark of at least 40% in this exam is required to be eligible for a pass in this unit.

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.

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:

Standard late penalties apply.

Academic integrity

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

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

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

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

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	1. Principles of pharmacology; 2. Pharmacokinetics; 3. Pharmacodynamics; 4. Drug Action during Exercise Ageing and Disease	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	1. Autonomic pharmacology; 2. Cholinergic drugs; 3. Sympathomimetic Drugs	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Tutorial 1	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	1. Drugs in sport; 2. CNS stimulants	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Tutorial 2	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	1. Beta 2 agonists; 2. Beta blockers	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	1. Anabolic androgenic steroids; 2. Peptide hormones (growth hormone, EPO)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Tutorial 3	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	1. Opioid analgesics; 2. NSAID analgesics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	1. Diuretics; 2. Communication skills: Developing an infographic.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Tutorial 4	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	1. Cardiovascular drugs	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Drug Testing Procedure in Athletes	Independent study (1 hr)
Week 10	1. Lipid lowering drugs; 2. Hypoglycaemics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Tutorial 5	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	1. Asthma drugs; 2. Benzodiazepines; 3. Antidepressants; 4. Antipsychotics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Tutorial 6 Inflammation	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	1. Immunology overview; 2. Innate immune system; 3. Adaptive immune system	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	1. Immune function and acute exercise; 2. Immune function and chronic exercise	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: On-campus attendance is expected. Content will be delivered in lecture and tutorial format as well as online activities. Students are encouraged to attend tutorials to engage in discussion and gain a deeper understanding of the material.

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.

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

LO1. gain an understanding of basic actions and use of drugs in a sporting and therapeutic context
LO2. explain the action of a drug on body and body on a drug: understand the interaction of drug action with exercise, disease and ageing
LO3. understand how particular drugs are postulated to improve sporting performance
LO4. understand the drug testing procedure in elite athletes
LO5. understand the use of particular medications in therapeutic medications in the treatment of common diseases and disorders
LO6. understand the function of the immune system and immune responses
LO7. understand the interaction of the immune system with exercise, disease and ageing
LO8. communicate pharmacological and immunological knowledge in plain language English
LO9. search, critically evaluate, interpret and integrate information
LO10. provide evidence-based approach to clinical decision making
LO11. rationalise decision making
LO12. explain the underlying theory and principles guiding nutritional and pharmacological practice
LO13. communicate information clearly and appropriately in oral, written and graphical presentations
LO14. work in groups and contribute constructively to discussions
LO15. demonstrate ethically and professionally responsible behaviour.

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 Physiologist Professional Standards - 2.3.2. Distinguish common diagnostic procedures, medical, surgical and other interventions, and commonly prescribed medications for a broad range of target conditions across all AEP pathology domains. 3.3.2. Formulate comprehensive client histories that consider clinical risk and clinical safety factors and reasons for exercise.
	Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards - 2.3.2. Distinguish common diagnostic procedures, medical, surgical and other interventions, and commonly prescribed medications for a broad range of target conditions across all AEP pathology domains.
	Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards - 10.4.3. Consider medications, surgical, medical and allied health interventions/treatments, clinical and safety risks including hypo/hyperglycaemia and their implications on clinical status, exercise and functional capacity, and the design and delivery of safe and effective exercise for individual clients. 10.4.4. Recognise adverse clinical signs and symptoms including hypoglycaemic signs and symptoms; and identify and respond to changes in clinical status, co-morbidities, exercise and functional capacity, inter and intra session. 11.4.7. Consider medications, surgical, medical and allied health interventions/treatments, clinical and safety risks, co-morbidities, indications, contraindications, exercise setting, treatment objectives and their implications on clinical status, exercise and functional capacity, and the design and delivery of safe and effective exercise and intervention plans for individual musculoskeletal, rehabilitation and pre-employment clients. 12.4.3. Consider medications, surgical, medical and allied health interventions/treatments, clinical and safety risks and their implications on clinical status, exercise and functional capacity, acute and chronic exercise response in the design and delivery of safe and effective exercise for individual neurological clients. 13.4.5. Consider medications, surgical, medical and allied health interventions/treatments, clinical and safety risks, treatment goals and their implications on clinical status, exercise and functional capacity in the design and delivery of safe and effective exercise for individual respiratory/pulmonary clients. 2.3.2. Distinguish common diagnostic procedures, medical, surgical and other interventions, and commonly prescribed medications for a broad range of target conditions across all AEP pathology domains. 3.3.2. Formulate comprehensive client histories that consider clinical risk and clinical safety factors and reasons for exercise. 5.3.3. Relay medicines information including purpose and importance of compliance and exercise related side effects; and nutrition information aligned to nationally endorsed guidelines to clients considering clinical status and other influencing factors for client comprehension. 7.4.7. Consider medications, surgical and medical treatments/complications, allied health interventions/treatments, and clinical and safety risks and their implications on clinical status, exercise and functional capacity in the design and delivery of safe and effective exercise for individual cardiovascular clients. 8.4.3. Consider medications; surgical, medical and allied health interventions/treatments including transplant and dialysis; clinical and safety risks and their implications on clinical status; and exercise and functional capacity in particular mobility in the design and delivery of safe and effective exercise for individual chronic kidney disease clients. 9.4.3. Consider medications, medical and allied health interventions/treatments, clinical and safety risks and their implications on clinical status, exercise and functional capacity, and the design and delivery of safe and effective exercise for individual clients.
	Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards - 1.3.1. Illustrate the scope of practice of Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) and the scope of roles available for AEP practice. 1.3.4. Employ evidence-based practice and professional clinical practice principles in the practice of the profession of an AEP. 3.3.2. Formulate comprehensive client histories that consider clinical risk and clinical safety factors and reasons for exercise.
	Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards - 10.4.3. Consider medications, surgical, medical and allied health interventions/treatments, clinical and safety risks including hypo/hyperglycaemia and their implications on clinical status, exercise and functional capacity, and the design and delivery of safe and effective exercise for individual clients. 11.4.7. Consider medications, surgical, medical and allied health interventions/treatments, clinical and safety risks, co-morbidities, indications, contraindications, exercise setting, treatment objectives and their implications on clinical status, exercise and functional capacity, and the design and delivery of safe and effective exercise and intervention plans for individual musculoskeletal, rehabilitation and pre-employment clients. 12.4.3. Consider medications, surgical, medical and allied health interventions/treatments, clinical and safety risks and their implications on clinical status, exercise and functional capacity, acute and chronic exercise response in the design and delivery of safe and effective exercise for individual neurological clients. 13.4.5. Consider medications, surgical, medical and allied health interventions/treatments, clinical and safety risks, treatment goals and their implications on clinical status, exercise and functional capacity in the design and delivery of safe and effective exercise for individual respiratory/pulmonary clients. 5.3.3. Relay medicines information including purpose and importance of compliance and exercise related side effects; and nutrition information aligned to nationally endorsed guidelines to clients considering clinical status and other influencing factors for client comprehension. 7.4.7. Consider medications, surgical and medical treatments/complications, allied health interventions/treatments, and clinical and safety risks and their implications on clinical status, exercise and functional capacity in the design and delivery of safe and effective exercise for individual cardiovascular clients. 8.4.3. Consider medications; surgical, medical and allied health interventions/treatments including transplant and dialysis; clinical and safety risks and their implications on clinical status; and exercise and functional capacity in particular mobility in the design and delivery of safe and effective exercise for individual chronic kidney disease clients. 9.4.3. Consider medications, medical and allied health interventions/treatments, clinical and safety risks and their implications on clinical status, exercise and functional capacity, and the design and delivery of safe and effective exercise for individual clients.
	Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards - 10.4.3. Consider medications, surgical, medical and allied health interventions/treatments, clinical and safety risks including hypo/hyperglycaemia and their implications on clinical status, exercise and functional capacity, and the design and delivery of safe and effective exercise for individual clients. 10.4.4. Recognise adverse clinical signs and symptoms including hypoglycaemic signs and symptoms; and identify and respond to changes in clinical status, co-morbidities, exercise and functional capacity, inter and intra session. 11.4.7. Consider medications, surgical, medical and allied health interventions/treatments, clinical and safety risks, co-morbidities, indications, contraindications, exercise setting, treatment objectives and their implications on clinical status, exercise and functional capacity, and the design and delivery of safe and effective exercise and intervention plans for individual musculoskeletal, rehabilitation and pre-employment clients. 12.4.3. Consider medications, surgical, medical and allied health interventions/treatments, clinical and safety risks and their implications on clinical status, exercise and functional capacity, acute and chronic exercise response in the design and delivery of safe and effective exercise for individual neurological clients. 13.4.5. Consider medications, surgical, medical and allied health interventions/treatments, clinical and safety risks, treatment goals and their implications on clinical status, exercise and functional capacity in the design and delivery of safe and effective exercise for individual respiratory/pulmonary clients. 2.3.2. Distinguish common diagnostic procedures, medical, surgical and other interventions, and commonly prescribed medications for a broad range of target conditions across all AEP pathology domains. 3.3.2. Formulate comprehensive client histories that consider clinical risk and clinical safety factors and reasons for exercise. 5.3.3. Relay medicines information including purpose and importance of compliance and exercise related side effects; and nutrition information aligned to nationally endorsed guidelines to clients considering clinical status and other influencing factors for client comprehension. 7.4.7. Consider medications, surgical and medical treatments/complications, allied health interventions/treatments, and clinical and safety risks and their implications on clinical status, exercise and functional capacity in the design and delivery of safe and effective exercise for individual cardiovascular clients. 8.4.3. Consider medications; surgical, medical and allied health interventions/treatments including transplant and dialysis; clinical and safety risks and their implications on clinical status; and exercise and functional capacity in particular mobility in the design and delivery of safe and effective exercise for individual chronic kidney disease clients. 9.4.3. Consider medications, medical and allied health interventions/treatments, clinical and safety risks and their implications on clinical status, exercise and functional capacity, and the design and delivery of safe and effective exercise for individual clients.
	Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards - 5.3.3. Relay medicines information including purpose and importance of compliance and exercise related side effects; and nutrition information aligned to nationally endorsed guidelines to clients considering clinical status and other influencing factors for client comprehension.
	Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards - 5.3.3. Relay medicines information including purpose and importance of compliance and exercise related side effects; and nutrition information aligned to nationally endorsed guidelines to clients considering clinical status and other influencing factors for client comprehension.
	Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards - 1.3.1. Illustrate the scope of practice of Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) and the scope of roles available for AEP practice. 5.3.3. Relay medicines information including purpose and importance of compliance and exercise related side effects; and nutrition information aligned to nationally endorsed guidelines to clients considering clinical status and other influencing factors for client comprehension.

Responding to student feedback

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

Mid-semester exam has been split into two smaller assessments (quizzes) spaced throughout semester.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Students should follow COVID-19 directions from staff or the University for on-campus attendance.

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

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

EXSS3037: Exercise Pharmacology and Immunology

Semester 2, 2022 [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

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