Outline

Overview

This unit provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the impact of physical activity, exercise, and sport on the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities. Students will delve into the challenges and benefits associated with sports and physical activities for people with disabilities. They will learn to adapt exercises and leverage technology to improve exercise outcomes. The course will cover a range of sports and recreational opportunities available for various disabilities, including the processes for classification in competitive disability sports. The unit is designed to be highly interactive, fostering discussions, critical evaluations of evidence, and practical engagement with individuals with disabilities during hands-on sessions and tutorials

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	A minimum of 90 credit points
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	EXSS4109
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Che Fornusek, che.fornusek@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 21 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Journal Club Presentation Flipped activity: During lecture student presents finding/interpretation of readings provided and answers questions.	10%	Multiple weeks	10 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Group Project Component 1: Proposal/Charter Team charter and project plan	10%	Week 03 Due date: 23 Aug 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 02 Sep 2026	2 pages A4	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Activity/Exercise Plan Create an Activity/Exercise/Sporting plans for an individual with disability. Cases selected from a range of case studies.	20%	Week 04 Due date: 30 Aug 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 09 Sep 2026	1200 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Practical Write up Critical analysis and interpretation of exercise test results.	20%	Week 05 Due date: 06 Sep 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 16 Sep 2026	1200 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Group Project Component 4: Individual Questions Students in team individually assessed with Q & A on project.	10%	Week 07 Due date: 18 Sep 2026 at 10:00 Closing date: 18 Sep 2026	10min	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Group Project Component 2: Final Project Report Project involves collecting/evaluating evidence to develop real solution.	15%	Week 07 Due date: 20 Sep 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Sep 2026	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Project Component 3: Presentation In class presentation during Week 7 with group mates.	15%	Week 07 Due date: 18 Sep 2026 at 11:00 Closing date: 28 Sep 2026	15min presentation.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

All assessments must be submitted to avoid an absent fail grade for the unit.

Journal Club Presentation. During lecture time one or two students present finding/interpretation of readings provided and answer questions from the class.

Practical Write up - During the practical session athlete performance tests are performed. Students are assessed on their ability to perform the tests/analyze the data and critique the utility for prescribing and differetiating wheelchair athletes into different sports classes.

Develop Activity/Exercise Plan - Create an Activity/ Exercise/ sporting plans for an individual with disability. Cases selected from a range of case studies.

Group Project Tasks. The Project will involve collecting and evaluating the evidence to develop a real solution with recommendations for a sport or exercise organisation or an individual with disability. This assessment consists of four components: a Proposal, a Presentation, and a write up plus individual questions (Q&A) directed to each group participant. Students who do not contribute to the group work will be considered to have not submitted this assessment and therefore be awarded an absent fail grade.

Assessment criteria

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

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:

For submitted work: Standard late penalties apply for assignment. Late penalties are a mark deduction (from the mark that would have been awarded for the quality of the work submitted) of 5% per day late or part thereof, to a maximum of 10 days (50% marks deduction), after which a grade of zero is awarded for that submission. If applicable, Special Consideration can also be sought to extend the due date for submission of assignments. Please see https://sydney.edu.au/students/special-consideration.html for details on what events may constitute grounds for Special Consideration, and how to apply.

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	WK1 Introduction to the unit: teaching schedule & assessments. Introduction to Disability and Physical Activity: social vs. medical model of disability. Introduction to Disability Sports Classification and Governance.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 01	Tutorial 1	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	WK2 Physical Activity in Children & Adults with disability. Introduction to common "impairment' types. Physical activity & sport for wheelchair users.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Tutorial 2	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Practical 1: Wheelchair Sports Testing	Practical (2 hr)
	WK3 Fitness testing in people with disability. Physical activity & sport for ambulant populations with disability.	Lecture (3 hr)
	Tutorial 3	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Practical 2: Wheelchair Sports Participation	Practical (2 hr)
	WK4 Exercise Training & prescription in disability. Autism Spectrum Disorder & Intellectual Disability & Physical Activity/Exercise.	Lecture (3 hr)
	Tutorial 4	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Practical 3: Ambulatory Exercise Testing	Practical (2 hr)
	WK5 Adapted Exercise for Health in persons with disability. Sensory & age-related disability.	Lecture (3 hr)
	Tutorial 5	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Practical 4: Ambulatory Sports.	Practical (2 hr)
	WK6 Sports nutrition and body composition in disability: Medications, Hydration needs, energy consumption, body composition assessment, goals, food accessibility. Revision & Unit summary	Lecture (3 hr)
	Tutorial 6	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Presentation (contemporaneous)	Tutorial (2 hr)

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

Readings will be uploaded at the beginning of semester.

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. Identify and critically discuss the well-being promoting properties of physical activity, exercise and sport in persons with disability for optimisation of and maintenance of functional ability, mental well-being, and independence.
LO2. Explain the disability sporting and activity pathways within NSW and identify the different categories of disabilities for sport.
LO3. Compare and contrast the medical model of disability to the social model and analyse how each of these shapes the approach of health professions towards people with impairments.
LO4. Explain and discuss the range of physical activities available for exercise in persons with disability, i.e. lifestyle activities, as well as recreational, competitive, and elite sport.
LO5. Evaluate the potential role of sport in the rehabilitation of individuals with impairments, considering its physical, psychological and social benefits.
LO6. Select appropriate physical activity and fitness measurements for persons with a disability and critically evaluate the limitations of each method for individuals with a range of disabilities.

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.

2026 will be the first time this UoS has run.

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

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

EXSS5109: Sport and Physical Activity With a Disability

Semester 2a, 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

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links