Outline

Overview

This unit focuses on the development of understanding and skills relating to the design and implementation of physical activity based interventions in the scope of Accredited Exercise Physiology practice. The unit ultimately aims to develop the capacity for design and delivery of safe and effective exercise plans that consider client treatment goals, medical history, clinical status and other influencing factors using an evidence-based practice approach as foundation. These individualised interventions will positively affect functional capacity, health and/or behaviours of the individual. Students will develop skills in the use of behaviour change for lifestyle intervention, and in the monitoring and revision of exercise and exercise programs, for application in the context of target conditions in the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular domains and a broad range of target pathologies and complex cases.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	EXSS5101
Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Angelo Sabag, angelo.sabag@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Yorgi Mavrou, yorgi.mavros@sydney.edu.au
	Elizabeth Machan, elizabeth.cayanan@sydney.edu.au
	Maria Fiatarone Singh, maria.fiataronesingh@sydney.edu.au
	Nathan Johnson, nathan.johnson@sydney.edu.au
	Chloe Trevor, chloe.trevor@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	End-Semester Exam Multiple-choice and short-answer questions.	30%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Interprofessional Learning (IPL) Introductory Workshop Attendance at the workshop and written report.	0%	Multiple weeks	Workshop (2 hours)
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Accelerated Communication Excellence (ACE) On-line module designed to develop professional communication skills due.	0%	Week 06 Due date: 31 Mar 2024 at 23:59	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Accelerated Communication Excellence (ACE) Interview	0%	Week 09 Due date: 28 Apr 2024 at 23:59	Please see Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Evidence-based practice: Module Report A written assignment in the form of report evaluating scientific evidence.	30%	Week 10 Due date: 03 May 2024 at 23:59	No more than 750 words.
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Exercise Program and Oral Defence Exercise management plan and defence of the program will be assessed.	40%	Week 13	40 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Interprofessional Learning (IPL) Introductory Workshop: All information for this assessment is provided on the IPL Introductory Workshop Canvas Site.

Accelerated Communication Excellence (ACE): The Accelerate Communication Excellence (ACE) program is an online module designed to accelerate the development of your professional communication skills in listening, reading, writing, speaking and reasoning. For each of these professional areas, you will learn how to accelerate your skills, followed by the opportunity to self -assess your skills and confidence. ACE aims to better prepare you for your first clinic placement by helping you bridge the gap from your classroom studies to working with clients in real-life settings. The ACE module will be available to students via the ACE Canvas site with an Online Module to be assessed in Week 5-6 and a Communication Interview in Week 9. There will be an additional immersive for those students who need support. This task is a barrier task, students must complete this task to pass the unit. Hurdle Task Information: Your final grade for this unit will only be released if you have completed the ACE online modules.

Exercise-based Practice Module Report: A written assignment in the form of a report evaluating the evidence in a journal article.

Exercise Program and Oral Defence: Combined with oral presentation, Exercise Management Plan and defence of a devised exercise program to assess the ability to rationalise decisions and the use of scientific evidence to support these.

End-Semester Exam: Exam comprising a number of multiple-choice and short answer questions covering the lecture/tutorial/practical material of the entire unit.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High Distinction	85 - 100	Exceptional knowledge of exercise physiology design and implementation.
Distinction	75 - 84	High level of knowledge of exercise physiology design and implementation.
Credit	65 - 74	Good level of knowledge of exercise physiology design and implementation.
Pass	50 - 64	Basic level of knowledge of exercise physiology design and implementation.
Fail	0 - 49	Learning outcomes of the unit are not met to a satisfactory standard. There is a risk of harm to patients with the lack of knowledge and skill demonstrated

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:

The Assessment Procedures 2011 states that any written work submitted after 11:59pm 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. However, a unit of study may prohibit late submission or exclude late penalties only if expressly stated below.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 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 2023. 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	Orientation to the Masters; Principles of Professional Practice & Scope of Practice: Overview of the Australian Health Care system; role of the Exercise Physiologist within the Australian Health Care System including planning prescription with considerations of client, referral, assessments, basic reporting, resources, expertise and referring on.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to the Australian Health Care System: Students navigate the Australian health care system and three international health care systems simulating a patient to develop 1) an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the Australian Health care system; 2) understand the concept of the patient journey and 3) the impact of the social determinants of health.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Implementing Aerobic Exercise: considerations for prescribing testing or training session; sequencing; instruction and demonstration; equipment calibration, set-up, safety; prescription principles including FITT; monitoring and feedback, warm-up, cool-down.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Implementing an Aerobic Exercise Session: demonstrate an aerobic exercise session from a provided exercise program for an apparently healthy client, including warm-up, cool-down, instruction, monitoring and feedback, using a range of equipment.	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	Implementing Resistance Exercise: considerations for prescribing testing or training session; sequencing; instruction and demonstration; equipment calibration, set-up, safety; prescription principles including FITT; monitoring and feedback, warm-up, cool-down.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Implementing a Resistance Exercise Session: demonstrate a resistance exercise session from a provided exercise program for an apparently healthy client, including warm-up, cool-down, instruction, monitoring and feedback, using a range of equipment including machine, free-weight, resistance bands, and body weight.	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	Principles of Aerobic Training Prescription: formulate client-centered prescription including; multiple goals including client-centered goals; monitoring adaptation and performance; progression and reassessment; responding to changes and revising of programs; implementing intensity.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Implementing Aerobic Exercise Intensity: demonstrate multiple modality exercise sessions using a range of approaches to target and maintain exercise intensity.	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	Principles of Resistance Training Prescription: formulate client-centered prescription including; multiple goals including client-centered goals; monitoring adaptation and performance; progression and reassessment; responding to changes and revising of programs; implementing intensity.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Implementing Resistance Exercise Intensity: demonstrate resistance exercise sessions using a range of approaches to target and maintain exercise intensity.	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	Exercise Management Plans (including exercise prescription): goal setting, exercise prescription; progressive overload; re-assessment and program modification; design and plan presentation – including applying to patients with metabolic and kidney disease.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Exercise Management Plans: case studies involving formulation of goal-based, individualised interventions, utilising assessment data interpretation; appraisal and modification of management plans – including applying to patients with metabolic and kidney disease.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Evidence-Based Practice: introduction to evidence-based practice, how to formulate a meaningful clinical exercise question, understand the principles of systematic searching of the literature and summarising of evidence, understand levels of evidence and how to assess the quality of evidence, and assess study validity and overall risk of bias of published evidence.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Evidence-Based Practice: understand the differences between statistical significance, effect size, and clinically meaningful differences of interventions; learn how to calculate estimates of treatment effect and uncertainty, and make a clinical decision about the adoption of specific exercise prescriptions based on these considerations.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Learn how to perform an electronic database search across relevant databases, how to save and download search strategy and results into a reference library, how to calculate mean differences and confidence intervals in randomised trials, how to calculate effect sizes, how to find clinically meaningful differences of important outcomes in the literature.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Behaviour Change: the problem of physical activity (PA) adherence; Global PA rates; PA guidelines; Australians meeting PA guidelines (PA + Strength); Correlates of PA; Behaviour Change Framework; Individual, Social and Socio-ecological models of PA, special considerations for people with metabolic disease, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Behaviour Change: ecological Interventions to increase PA and their evidence base; individual and social interventions to increase PA and their evidence base; Programming for individual behaviour change (conditions including metabolic disease, kidney disease and cardiovascular disease).	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Behaviour Change: the intention-behaviour gap; identifying correlates of exercise/PA: an examination of video case examples; identifying motivational self-determination types. Using self-determination principles to understand exercise/PA behaviour, and how behaviour can be changed. How to scaffold and support exercise/PA behaviour change.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Professional Practice (including ethical conduct): personal versus professional ethics, ethical theory, principles of professional ethical practice for an AEP, skills for ethical decision making.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Exercise Management Plans: real-life de-identified case studies (including in metabolic and kidney disease) to ethical decision-making for the exercise physiologist.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Considering Complex Cases: approach prioritisation in patients with multiple morbidities (assessment, risk management, and therapeutic goals). Considering cases with metabolic disease, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Evaluation of a Management Plans (in a patient with kidney disease): real case study involving introduction to multiple morbidities including comorbid diabetes and hypertension; with consideration for prescription, evidence-based outcomes, plan for progression and related implementation issues.	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance at practical and tutorial classes is recommended.

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. Demonstrate professional conduct and practice in delivering physical activity interventions, which is consistent with the ESSA Code of Professional Conduct, and Ethical Practice.
LO2. Employ evidence-based practice and clinical practice principles in combination with assessment outcomes, in the design and delivery of safe and effective physical activity interventions within the scope of AEP practice.
LO3. Evaluate the evidence base for physical activity interventions for the management of the AEP cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory/pulmonary and kidney domains.
LO4. Demonstrate the ability to appropriately monitor, evaluate and modify physical activity interventions, notably for people across the AEP cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory/pulmonary and kidney domains.
LO5. Deliver and manage safe and effective exercise interventions incorporating behaviour change principles and techniques to improve physical activity compliance. This includes consideration of client goals, clinical status, history and other influencing factors for wellness and health. Notably, for people across the AEP cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory/pulmonary and kidney domains.

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

Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1.2.1		Practise with integrity within the scope of practice for an AEP, the ESSA Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice, and jurisdictional Codes of Conduct.
1.2.2		Practise in accordance with ethically relevant legislation, regulations, and standards that apply to AEPs including privacy, confidentiality, data security, informed consent, and record-keeping.
1.2.3		Differentiate and select verbal and non-verbal communication strategies that are contextually appropriate, timely, accessible, and respectful to clients, population groups, and relevant others.
1.2.4		Develop effective, concise, respectful, and informative clinical documentation, including case notes and reports, and apply appropriate record keeping practices.
1.2.5		Practise in a culturally safe, inclusive, sensitive, respectful, and responsive way and according to person-centred care principles.
1.2.6		Practise collaboratively and effectively with other professionals, including seeking feedback and input to inform decision-making, delegating tasks, and referring to other professionals and services where appropriate.
1.2.7		Develop reflective practices through self-reflection, seeking and engaging with feedback from colleagues and clients, critically evaluating service delivery and outcomes, and engaging in ongoing learning.
2.2.1		Integrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and other determinants of health and function and apply these to inform safe and effective movement, physical activity, and exercise-based interventions for individuals and population groups throughout all stages of their life.
2.2.3		Evaluate physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise for clients across the full health spectrum.
2.2.4		Evaluate the effect of commonly prescribed medications, diagnostic procedures, medical, surgical, and other interventions on both resting and exercise-related physiological responses across the full health spectrum.
2.2.5		Evaluate research findings and apply exercise prescription principles to develop recommendations and interventions, including targeted exercise prescription for the purposes of optimising health status, function, recovery, independence, and participation.
2.2.6		Apply clinical, ethical, and evidence-based decision-making to formulate appropriate interventions and recommendations and communicate the expected outcomes.
3.2.1		Formulate appropriate screening processes to evaluate and stratify risk for participation in assessments and interventions, including consideration of appropriate service modalities for clients.
3.2.3		Formulate appropriate assessments and outcome measures relevant to treatment and client goals, and evaluate health status, function, capacity, and progress, to inform clinical reasoning and to monitor the delivery and outcomes of interventions.
3.2.5		Evaluate and record assessment outcomes in a timely and accurate manner to inform practice and communicate outcomes and relevance to goals effectively to clients and relevant others.
3.2.7		Distinguish when client needs are outside of scope or competence and take appropriate, timely actions including engaging effectively with other professionals.
3.2.8		Choose and use relevant technology and equipment efficiently, effectively, and safely.
4.2.1		Formulate evidence-based exercise prescription, interventions, and recommendations that address health and treatment related client needs, preferences, goals, and abilities, assessment findings, and social and cultural determinants of health.
4.2.3		Formulate and apply strategies to manage risks, evaluate progress, and adapt recommendations and interventions in partnership with clients based on needs and measured outcomes.
4.2.6		Formulate strategies during treatment to empower clients to undertake safe and effective self-management during and following discharge from interventions.
4.2.7		Communicate effectively and respectfully with clients and relevant others about progress and outcomes of interventions, including appropriate reporting.
4.2.8		Evaluate effectiveness of interventions and their outcomes including the selection, interpretation, and reporting of outcome measures to inform future practice.

Responding to student feedback

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

No changes have been made to the unit this year.

Additional information

All assessment tasks are compulsory and special consideration is required for non-submission/non-attendance of any task. Failure to complete any assessment task will lead to an absent fail (AF) result.

Work, health and safety

Pre-exercise screening is required prior to participation in exercise during the practical sessions.

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

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

EXSS5101: Design and Implementation of Exercise

Semester 1, 2024 [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

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect