Outline

Overview

This unit examines the muscle metabolic and cardiovascular (CV) adaptations to endurance training (also known as aerobic training) in clinical populations and in healthy adults. To understand these adaptations the fundamental cardiorespiratory responses to exercise are first examined with an emphasis on the determinants of submaximal and maximal oxygen consumption, i.e. VO2, and VO2max. This forms the basis to understand the CV adaptations to endurance training and causes of increase in VO2max in healthy females and males of different ages, and in clinical conditions. In addition the metabolic adaptations to training are examined with an emphasis on how training decreases muscle lactate concentrations during submaximal exercise, and so reduces perceived exertion during exercise, increasing exercise capacity. The unit combines this biological approach with a parallel evidence-based development of practical guidelines for endurance training prescription, and examines the outcomes of endurance training in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses of RCTs in clinical conditions. Students gain skills a range of different methods to predict VO2max in practical sessions.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	EXSS1036 or EXSS2032
Assumed knowledge ?	BIOS1170 or BIOS2170
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jasmine Yee, jasmine.yee@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s)	Suzie Mate, suzanne.mate@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Jasmine Yee, jasmine.yee@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Glen Davis, glen.davis@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	End of semester exam Written exam: Format - short answer questions and MCQs	55%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 1 Online Quiz	5%	Week 03 Due date: 09 Mar 2026 at 23:59	15 min approx - Open for 7 days	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 2 Online quiz	5%	Week 05 Due date: 23 Mar 2026 at 23:59	15 min approx - Open for 7 days	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 3 Online quiz	5%	Week 08 Due date: 20 Apr 2026 at 23:59	15 min approx - Open for 7 days	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Data analysis	Practical report Data analysis and interpretation from incremental exercise tests	15%	Week 09 Due date: 01 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 11 May 2026	Graphs/calculations/1000 word discussion	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 4 Online quiz	5%	Week 11 Due date: 11 May 2026 at 23:55	15 min approx - Open for 7 days	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Exercise prescription Written aerobic exercise prescription	10%	Week 12 Due date: 22 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 01 Jun 2026	2x A4 pages including tables	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

4 x Online Quizzes. Each quiz will examine the previous two weeks lecture and tutorial content. Each quiz will allow one attempt and take approximately 15 min or less to complete. Value: 5% each. Non-compulsory.

Practical report: This report will involve data presentation (graphs, tables) calculations and analysis of the responses to exercise from Practical 3. A detailed rubric will be available on Canvas. This is a group assessment: the groups are defined by the 4-5 students who formed a sub-group to collect data in Practical 3. Value: 15%.

Exercise prescription: Students will write an aerobic exercise prescription based on aerobic fitness testing data . Length: 2 x A4 pages. A detailed rubric will be available on Canvas. This is a a group assessment. Value: 10%.

For the practical report and exercise prescription assessments, non-submission will result in an absent fail. All group members are expected to make a significant contribution to the assessment, and each review the entire assessment before submission. If some members of a group feel there has been substantial differences in contributions, they should contact the unit coordinator. Students are responsible for keeping a record of their work, including contributions to a groupwork assessment, for 12 months after submission. Students may be requested to submit these materials in response to an allegation of an academic integrity breach (Academic Integrity Policy 2022, Part 3 (7)). Demonstrated non-contribution may result in an absent fail for that individual.

Final exam: The exam will cover all material in the unit from both lectures and tutorial classes. The exam will have a mixture of multiple choice questions and short answer questions.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Student performance in assessment tasks demonstrates mastery of the learning outcomes at a very high standard
Distinction	75 - 84	Student performance in assessment tasks demonstrates mastery of the learning outcomes at a high standard
Credit	65 - 74	Student performance in assessment tasks demonstrates mastery of the learning outcomes at a good standard
Pass	50 - 64	Student performance in assessment tasks demonstrates mastery of the learning outcomes at an acceptable standard
Fail	0 - 49	When the student doesn’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

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

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

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

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

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties for the practical report and written exercise prescription: Assessments submitted after 11:59 pm on the due date will be penalised by 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. If the assessment is submitted more than ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

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

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

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

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

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Unit overview / Oxygen delivery and oxygen consumption I	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Oxygen delivery and consumption II and III	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Screening for exercise risk / Assessment of exercise capacity I	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Practical 1: Introduction to exercise testing	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	Assessment of exercise capacity II / Gas exchange and transport	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Practical 2: Exercise testing protocols	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	Ventilatory responses to exercise / Cardiovascular responses to exercise I	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Practical 3 (Group A) Exercise testing in practice	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	Cardiovascular responses to exercise II and III	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Practical 3 (Group B): Exercise testing in practice	Practical (2 hr)
Week 07	Training adaptations I and II	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Tutorial 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Exercise prescription I and II	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Exercise prescription III and IV	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Tutorial 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Exercise training in clinical pops / Deconditioning and detraining	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Metabolic responses to exercise I and II	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Metabolic responses to exercise III / Fatigue	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Tutorial 3	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Review and revision	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

While attendance is not mandatory, students are strongly encouraged to attend to maximise their learning.

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

Recommended textbook for background reading. (Not recommended for purchase): McArdle W.D., Katch F.I., Katch V.L. Exercise Physiology: Nutrition, Energy, and Human Performance. 9th Edition. Publisher: Wolters Kluwer Health. 2022

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. Understand considerations for safe cardiorespiratory fitness assessment for a variety of client groups
LO2. Describe and explain the individual and integrated physiological responses of the cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic systems to acute exercise of differing intensities
LO3. Describe and explain combinations of dosage variable for effective exercise prescription to increase endurance capacity
LO4. Describe and explain the adaptations in cardiovascular and metabolic systems responsible for increased endurance capacity, and associated health benefits, following exercise training in young adult and elderly healthy individuals and in individuals with a variety of chronic medical conditions.
LO5. Describe and explain the adaptations in cardiovascular and metabolic systems responsible for decreased endurance capacity following disuse, bed rest and aging.
LO6. Perform cardiorespiratory fitness assessments and interpret the physiological responses of an individual during exercise
LO7. Evaluate the evidence-base for endurance training for clinical populations in terms of positive performance and health outcomes through review of published randomised-controlled trials and meta-analyses.

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.

In 2025 USS feedback students requested more practice questions for the final exam. In 2026 practice exam questions will be available, with model answers.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Students must wear closed-in shoes (e.g. sneakers) to all practical classes. Students will be refused entry to practical class if closed-in shoes are not worn.

Students should come to practical class prepared to participate in [practical] learning activities and wear appropriate clothing accordingly. In addition, this may include the wearing of masks and other personal protective equipment as advised by the unit coordinator and tutors, according to the recommendations by NSW Health and University policies. Please practice good hand hygiene during class.

Students will complete a work, health and safety checklist before their first practical class. Any student who misses this WHS checklist must complete it before entering their first practical class.

Students must complete a pre-exercise screener (link available on Canvas) prior to exercise. Students with existing medical conditions that may confer a risk during exercise must seek clearance from their medical practitioner prior to undertaking exercise.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

EXSS3061: Exercise Responses and Programming

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links