Outline

Overview

In this unit, students will participate in a practicum experience designed for students to work towards competency in exercise assessment, prescription and delivery for a range of clients for whom participation in an exercise intervention is considered to be of low risk of an adverse event occurring. This practical experience will reinforce the theoretical knowledge and skills acquired through university studies. As part of their placement experiences, students will compile evidence of professional competency via a personal portfolio.

Unit details and rules

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

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Karla Horlyck, karla.horlyck@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 7 April 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	On-Campus Placement (Simulation) Low-fidelity simulated placement experience with proof of engagement tasks	0%	Ongoing	N/A	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Student Placement Assessment Competency-based assessment of student performance across the placement	0%	Ongoing	N/A	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Placement Attendance Placement attendance	0%	Ongoing	N/A	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical or creative task	Work, Health and Safety Checklist Submission of a Work, Health and Safety Checklist of the site.	0%	Week 01 Due date: 29 Mar 2026 at 23:59	N/A	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical or creative task	Placement Schedule Completion of a pre-defined form outlining your weekly schedule on-site.	0%	Week 01 Due date: 29 Mar 2026 at 23:59	N/A	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical or creative task	Paperwork Submission of required paperwork to document placement experience	0%	Week 12 Due date: 14 Jun 2026 at 23:59	N/A	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Placement Portfolio Completion of a group of tasks encompassing a placement portfolio	0%	Week 12 Due date: 14 Jun 2026 at 23:59	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

On-Campus Placement (Simulation): Successful completion of a low-fidelity simulation placement prior to the first allocated placement with proof of engagement tasks supplied to an appropriate standard.
- Note: The On-Campus Placement (Simulation) and First Nations Simulation component smust be completed before the first placement experience can be attended. 
Work Health and Safety Checklist and Placement Schedule: Students must submit a checklist to assess their understanding of the site’s Work, Health and Safety requirements. This university requirement ensures students understand the site’s risks and are appropriately inducted. The Work, Health and Safety Checklist is managed and housed within the Sonia database. The Placement Schedule is a necessary document to determine a placement student’s weekly schedule of days and times at the site. The submitted schedule must match the total number of hours allocated on Sonia and is managed through SRES and housed on Canvas.
Student Placement Assessment: Placement educators will use the Student Placement Assessment (SPA) tool to assess student’s performance against the placement learning outcomes via observation of student interactions with clients and co-workers, the performance of work tasks, and assessment of their knowledge and skills.
Attendance while on placement: Students must attend their scheduled sessions to accumulate the desired number of hours for this placement within the 10-week block (~100 hours). A minimum attendance of  >90% of the allocated time is required to successfully complete this assessment. Note that the On-Campus Placement (Simulation) is part of the placement activities. As such, the attendance criteria also apply to this activity.
Completion of required paperwork: Students are required to submit their logbook through the online logbook system, a completed SPA tool showcasing performance on each learning outcome of the unit of study at the mid-point and final assessment periods, and a Placement Portfolio of documented placement experience whilst at the site. The logbook is managed through the Student Relationship Engagement System (SRES) whilst the SPA and Placement Portfolio assessments are managed through Canvas.
- Note, this assessment is strictly referring to the submission of tasks and not the standard of the actual tasks themselves.
Placement Portfolio: Students are required to submit a series of tasks that provide a record of how placement experiences contributed to developing the competencies that are being assessed in the SPA. These tasks include:
1. Learning Goals: Provide learning outcome-specific goals detailing your understanding of the minimum expectations of performance and a plan for satisfactory completion.
2. Reflection task: Provide written reflections completed at week 5 and week 10 of your placement. Reflections on strengths and areas of improvements are to be based on your placement experience in the areas of application of knowledge and communication skills.
3. Client documentation package. For one client, upload a documentation package including:
  - Initial Client Report
  - Exercise Management Plan
  - 3 x treatment (SOAP) notes -one each from weeks 1-2, 4-6, and 9-10.
  - Final Client Report
  - Written client handover notes.

All documents submitted above must be de-identified. Remove all identifying details about your client before submission.

All assessment tasks must be completed to a satisfactory standard to fulfil the requirements of this unit of study.

All unsecured assessment tasks will require a Declaration of AI use prior to submission outlining how AI was used in the formulation of the assessment task.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
Satisfied requirements (SR)	No mark	When you meet the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard, for units that are marked as either Satisfied requirements or Failed requirements.
Failed requirements (FR)	No mark	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard, for units that are marked as either Satisfied requirements or Failed requirements.
Results Incomplete (RI)	No mark	Temporarily used in cases where a result will remain incomplete for a longer period than the IC (Incomplete) result. You will be able to re-enroll with an RI result.
Unit of Study Continuing (UC)	No mark	When a unit continues in the following session. You will be able to re-enrol with a UC result.

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 submission of assessments may delay the awarded grade for the unit or lead to the award of an Absent Fail (AF) grade.

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
Multiple weeks	Multiple briefings from the previous year outlining the nature of the unit of study	Lecture (5 hr)
Ongoing	Placement experience as allocated by the Placements team	Placement (100 hr)
Pre-semester	On-Campus Placement (Simulation) and First Nations Simulation	Workshop (20 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance at preparation lectures and/or tutorials: Students are expected to attend, in their entirety, all briefing and preparation sessions scheduled in the semesters before placements commence. All sessions are mandatory. These sessions will be scheduled into students’ timetables, and reminder notices will be posted via the learning management system. Failure to attend may result in a student not commencing placement.

Attendance at the placement site: Learning in a professional environment is a key feature of this unit of study. You will be required to work a variety of hours during your placement, including early morning and/or evenings. This is to be expected because these types of hours are standard for some sectors of the industry. The total hours of placement will be in the range of 85-100 hours. Students are expected to attend all scheduled placement days and make up any days missed due to leave (sick, religious observance requirements, bereavement or other forms of leave, public holidays, or staff leave). The timing of make-up days is to be organised by the relevant placement academic. Students must attend >90% of the allocated placement hours to meet the requirements of the "Attendance" assessment task. Failure to meet attendance requirements will prevent students from satisfactorily completing this unit of study.

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

N/A

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. Demonstrate appropriate professional and socially responsible behaviour in a professional practice setting
LO2. Demonstrate effective communication with clients, colleagues and others
LO3. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills
LO4. Function effectively as part of a team
LO5. Conduct an effective client assessment
LO6. Interpret the findings of a client assessment
LO7. Design a safe and effective, client-centred exercise or physical activity intervention
LO8. Deliver a safe and effective, client-centred exercise or physical activity intervention

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 - 2024 - 1.2.1. Develop reflective practices through critically evaluating service delivery and outcomes and commit to ongoing learning. 1.2.2. Practice with integrity within the AES scope of practice and the ESSA Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice, promote professional capabilities, and judge when to refer onwards. 1.2.3. Practice in line with relevant legislation and regulations including Australian Privacy Legislation, confidentiality, data security, informed consent, record-keeping, note taking and documentation. 1.2.4. Practice inclusively, respecting diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, gender and sexually diverse persons, persons of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those living with a disability.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards - 2024 - 1.2.3. Practice in line with relevant legislation and regulations including Australian Privacy Legislation, confidentiality, data security, informed consent, record-keeping, note taking and documentation. 1.2.5. Select and apply contextually appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication strategies in a timely and respectful manner to engage effectively with clients, service users, colleagues, and relevant others. 3.2.8. Health and Behaviour. Formulate effective communication strategies and respond appropriately to assist clients and service users from diverse populations to develop and maintain appropriate health and physical activity behaviours. 4.2.2. Apply informed consent procedures, gather relevant medical and activity history, and conduct a pre-exercise risk assessment to ensure safety and suitability for activity. 4.2.5. Evaluate, document, report, and respond to evolving risk factors and adverse signs and symptoms throughout assessments and approaches. 4.2.6. Develop achievable goals with clients and service users and apply evidence-based behavioural strategies according to their needs and preferences to meet their goals. 4.2.7. Select effective communication strategies, including interpreting or explaining normative data where appropriate, to support clients and service users from diverse populations in understanding assessment outcomes. 5.2.3. Interpret and communicate assessment data to inform physical activity and exercise-based approaches, selecting appropriate exercises and equipment based on individual needs and abilities.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards - 2024 - 1.2.2. Practice with integrity within the AES scope of practice and the ESSA Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice, promote professional capabilities, and judge when to refer onwards. 2.2.16. Research Methods and Data Analysis. Apply evidence-based practice that considers research evidence, emerging research, professional judgement, and client and service user preference. 2.2.18. Research Methods and Data Analysis. Compare and contrast research and data with professional judgment to inform decision-making within the practice of exercise science. 3.2.4. Exercise Physiology. Differentiate between the individual and integrated physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise under normal conditions, in different environments, and by external influences. 3.2.7. Health and Behaviour. Examine socioecological determinants and apply theories of physical activity and exercise to support behaviour change and maintenance. 4.2.1. Explain the scientific rationale, reliability, validity, assumptions, and limitations of common health and exercise assessments and select appropriate equipment and digital practices based on individual needs. 4.2.4. Analyse and interpret information and results from assessments, including the accuracy and limitations of the assessments. 4.2.6. Develop achievable goals with clients and service users and apply evidence-based behavioural strategies according to their needs and preferences to meet their goals. 4.2.7. Select effective communication strategies, including interpreting or explaining normative data where appropriate, to support clients and service users from diverse populations in understanding assessment outcomes. 5.2.3. Interpret and communicate assessment data to inform physical activity and exercise-based approaches, selecting appropriate exercises and equipment based on individual needs and abilities. 5.2.7. Evaluate and modify coaching methods to improve exercise or movement performance by clients and service users.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards - 2024 - 1.2.2. Practice with integrity within the AES scope of practice and the ESSA Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice, promote professional capabilities, and judge when to refer onwards. 1.2.5. Select and apply contextually appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication strategies in a timely and respectful manner to engage effectively with clients, service users, colleagues, and relevant others.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards - 2024 - 1.2.2. Practice with integrity within the AES scope of practice and the ESSA Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice, promote professional capabilities, and judge when to refer onwards. 1.2.3. Practice in line with relevant legislation and regulations including Australian Privacy Legislation, confidentiality, data security, informed consent, record-keeping, note taking and documentation. 1.2.5. Select and apply contextually appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication strategies in a timely and respectful manner to engage effectively with clients, service users, colleagues, and relevant others. 2.2.16. Research Methods and Data Analysis. Apply evidence-based practice that considers research evidence, emerging research, professional judgement, and client and service user preference. 2.2.17. Research Methods and Data Analysis. Examine research designs, their applications, and constraints, and apply data analysis methods as appropriate to evaluate outcomes within the context of exercise science settings. 3.2.11. Motor Learning and Control. Apply theoretical perspectives and principles of motor learning and control to design or choose evidence based assessments for the evaluation of motor abilities and performance. 4.2.1. Explain the scientific rationale, reliability, validity, assumptions, and limitations of common health and exercise assessments and select appropriate equipment and digital practices based on individual needs. 4.2.2. Apply informed consent procedures, gather relevant medical and activity history, and conduct a pre-exercise risk assessment to ensure safety and suitability for activity. 4.2.3. Design and apply appropriate, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based assessments, including screening and management of risk, and identification of socio-ecological determinants of health. 4.2.5. Evaluate, document, report, and respond to evolving risk factors and adverse signs and symptoms throughout assessments and approaches. 4.2.6. Develop achievable goals with clients and service users and apply evidence-based behavioural strategies according to their needs and preferences to meet their goals. 5.2.4. Identify and manage adverse signs and symptoms during activities, taking appropriate actions to manage them. 5.2.6. Select and apply appropriate digital practices and equipment for both in-person and remote service delivery, including telepractice. 5.2.7. Evaluate and modify coaching methods to improve exercise or movement performance by clients and service users.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards - 2024 - 2.2.11. Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Nutrition 2.2.11 Identify and use current Australian guidelines to provide appropriate general advice on physical activity and nutrition in the context of health, performance, and recovery. 2.2.16. Research Methods and Data Analysis. Apply evidence-based practice that considers research evidence, emerging research, professional judgement, and client and service user preference. 2.2.18. Research Methods and Data Analysis. Compare and contrast research and data with professional judgment to inform decision-making within the practice of exercise science. 3.2.5. Exercise Physiology. Analyse and interpret physiological data obtained during acute exercise, and compare that data between time points, individuals, populations and environments. 4.2.4. Analyse and interpret information and results from assessments, including the accuracy and limitations of the assessments. 4.2.5. Evaluate, document, report, and respond to evolving risk factors and adverse signs and symptoms throughout assessments and approaches. 4.2.7. Select effective communication strategies, including interpreting or explaining normative data where appropriate, to support clients and service users from diverse populations in understanding assessment outcomes. 5.2.3. Interpret and communicate assessment data to inform physical activity and exercise-based approaches, selecting appropriate exercises and equipment based on individual needs and abilities. 5.2.6. Select and apply appropriate digital practices and equipment for both in-person and remote service delivery, including telepractice. 5.2.7. Evaluate and modify coaching methods to improve exercise or movement performance by clients and service users.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards - 2024 - 1.2.2. Practice with integrity within the AES scope of practice and the ESSA Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice, promote professional capabilities, and judge when to refer onwards. 2.2.16. Research Methods and Data Analysis. Apply evidence-based practice that considers research evidence, emerging research, professional judgement, and client and service user preference. 3.2.11. Motor Learning and Control. Apply theoretical perspectives and principles of motor learning and control to design or choose evidence based assessments for the evaluation of motor abilities and performance. 3.2.12. Motor Learning and Control. Apply motor learning principles to design appropriate approaches and deliver plans to facilitate the learning process for both individuals and groups across diverse population groups. 3.2.4. Exercise Physiology. Differentiate between the individual and integrated physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise under normal conditions, in different environments, and by external influences. 3.2.7. Health and Behaviour. Examine socioecological determinants and apply theories of physical activity and exercise to support behaviour change and maintenance. 3.2.8. Health and Behaviour. Formulate effective communication strategies and respond appropriately to assist clients and service users from diverse populations to develop and maintain appropriate health and physical activity behaviours. 4.2.6. Develop achievable goals with clients and service users and apply evidence-based behavioural strategies according to their needs and preferences to meet their goals. 5.2.1. Apply evidence-based approaches to prescribe, monitor, manage, progress and regress exercise programs based on individual needs, including principles related to growth, development, pregnancy, disability, and ageing. 5.2.3. Interpret and communicate assessment data to inform physical activity and exercise-based approaches, selecting appropriate exercises and equipment based on individual needs and abilities. 5.2.5. Design and manage exercise-based approaches using person-centred behavioural strategies to empower self-management and achieve goals for clients, service users, and relevant others. 5.2.6. Select and apply appropriate digital practices and equipment for both in-person and remote service delivery, including telepractice.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards - 2024 - 1.2.2. Practice with integrity within the AES scope of practice and the ESSA Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice, promote professional capabilities, and judge when to refer onwards. 2.2.16. Research Methods and Data Analysis. Apply evidence-based practice that considers research evidence, emerging research, professional judgement, and client and service user preference. 3.2.12. Motor Learning and Control. Apply motor learning principles to design appropriate approaches and deliver plans to facilitate the learning process for both individuals and groups across diverse population groups. 3.2.8. Health and Behaviour. Formulate effective communication strategies and respond appropriately to assist clients and service users from diverse populations to develop and maintain appropriate health and physical activity behaviours. 4.2.5. Evaluate, document, report, and respond to evolving risk factors and adverse signs and symptoms throughout assessments and approaches. 5.2.1. Apply evidence-based approaches to prescribe, monitor, manage, progress and regress exercise programs based on individual needs, including principles related to growth, development, pregnancy, disability, and ageing. 5.2.4. Identify and manage adverse signs and symptoms during activities, taking appropriate actions to manage them. 5.2.5. Design and manage exercise-based approaches using person-centred behavioural strategies to empower self-management and achieve goals for clients, service users, and relevant others. 5.2.6. Select and apply appropriate digital practices and equipment for both in-person and remote service delivery, including telepractice.

Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards - 2024 -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1.2.1		Develop reflective practices through critically evaluating service delivery and outcomes and commit to ongoing learning.
1.2.2		Practice with integrity within the AES scope of practice and the ESSA Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice, promote professional capabilities, and judge when to refer onwards.
1.2.3		Practice in line with relevant legislation and regulations including Australian Privacy Legislation, confidentiality, data security, informed consent, record-keeping, note taking and documentation.
1.2.4		Practice inclusively, respecting diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, gender and sexually diverse persons, persons of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those living with a disability.
1.2.5		Select and apply contextually appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication strategies in a timely and respectful manner to engage effectively with clients, service users, colleagues, and relevant others.
2.2.11		Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Nutrition 2.2.11 Identify and use current Australian guidelines to provide appropriate general advice on physical activity and nutrition in the context of health, performance, and recovery.
2.2.16		Research Methods and Data Analysis. Apply evidence-based practice that considers research evidence, emerging research, professional judgement, and client and service user preference.
2.2.17		Research Methods and Data Analysis. Examine research designs, their applications, and constraints, and apply data analysis methods as appropriate to evaluate outcomes within the context of exercise science settings.
2.2.18		Research Methods and Data Analysis. Compare and contrast research and data with professional judgment to inform decision-making within the practice of exercise science.
3.2.11		Motor Learning and Control. Apply theoretical perspectives and principles of motor learning and control to design or choose evidence based assessments for the evaluation of motor abilities and performance.
3.2.4		Exercise Physiology. Differentiate between the individual and integrated physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise under normal conditions, in different environments, and by external influences.
3.2.5		Exercise Physiology. Analyse and interpret physiological data obtained during acute exercise, and compare that data between time points, individuals, populations and environments.
3.2.7		Health and Behaviour. Examine socioecological determinants and apply theories of physical activity and exercise to support behaviour change and maintenance.
3.2.8		Health and Behaviour. Formulate effective communication strategies and respond appropriately to assist clients and service users from diverse populations to develop and maintain appropriate health and physical activity behaviours.
4.2.1		Explain the scientific rationale, reliability, validity, assumptions, and limitations of common health and exercise assessments and select appropriate equipment and digital practices based on individual needs.
4.2.2		Apply informed consent procedures, gather relevant medical and activity history, and conduct a pre-exercise risk assessment to ensure safety and suitability for activity.
4.2.3		Design and apply appropriate, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based assessments, including screening and management of risk, and identification of socio-ecological determinants of health.
4.2.4		Analyse and interpret information and results from assessments, including the accuracy and limitations of the assessments.
4.2.5		Evaluate, document, report, and respond to evolving risk factors and adverse signs and symptoms throughout assessments and approaches.
4.2.6		Develop achievable goals with clients and service users and apply evidence-based behavioural strategies according to their needs and preferences to meet their goals.
4.2.7		Select effective communication strategies, including interpreting or explaining normative data where appropriate, to support clients and service users from diverse populations in understanding assessment outcomes.
5.2.1		Apply evidence-based approaches to prescribe, monitor, manage, progress and regress exercise programs based on individual needs, including principles related to growth, development, pregnancy, disability, and ageing.
5.2.3		Interpret and communicate assessment data to inform physical activity and exercise-based approaches, selecting appropriate exercises and equipment based on individual needs and abilities.
5.2.4		Identify and manage adverse signs and symptoms during activities, taking appropriate actions to manage them.
5.2.5		Design and manage exercise-based approaches using person-centred behavioural strategies to empower self-management and achieve goals for clients, service users, and relevant others.
5.2.6		Select and apply appropriate digital practices and equipment for both in-person and remote service delivery, including telepractice.
5.2.7		Evaluate and modify coaching methods to improve exercise or movement performance by clients and service users.

Responding to student feedback

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

Feedback from Unit of Study and Placement Quality Surveys and informal student feedback has been considered and implemented. This includes changes to the placement portfolio assessment tasks to include the submission of documents routinely completed during placement.

Additional information

This unit of study outline must be read in conjunction with the Medicine and Health Handbook: https://www.sydney.edu.au/handbooks/medicine_health/

All students are required to familiarise themselves with their academic responsibilities, and the academic policies governing their enrolment and progression. The handbook provides a direct link to the University of Sydney’s Coursework policy and Faculty provisions.

When considering applications and appeals relating to these matters, it will be assumed that students understand their academic responsibilities and are familiar with these key policies and procedures

The FMH student placements Canvas site also provides information specific to the FMH placements, such as essential preparation, forms and policies.

https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/54568

Additional costs

N/A

Site visit guidelines

N/A

Work, health and safety

Students must have an up-to-date declaration (in Sonia) that they have read and understood key documents related to privacy and confidentiality, codes of conduct, NSW Health policies and general communication/email etiquette. Failure to meet these requirements will prevent you from being allocated to and/or completing a placement or placement unit of study irrespective of your enrolment status. This includes uploading a valid “Perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation” certificate (HLTAID009 CPR certifications) and a valid employee or volunteer Working with Children Check (WWCC).

Students who have not completed all School of Health Sciences checks or are enrolled incorrectly will NOT be able to attend placement.

Any student who has not had their respective checks approved 6 weeks before the start of placement can have their placement cancelled.

Consistent with New South Wales WHS legislation, you are required to complete a WHS induction within the first few days of placement, and if relevant, at any time your placement requires you to work in another setting. This is an essential legal requirement to ensure that all risks are minimised for you, and others for whom you are responsible. The University has a duty of care to you to ensure you have been inducted appropriately. Similarly, you are responsible for demonstrating that you know how to manage risk appropriately. A WHS form for you and your site will be made available on your first day of placement and can be completed on Sonia.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

EXSS3073: Practicum in Exercise Science 2

Intensive March - April, 2026 [Professional practice] - 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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links