Outline

Overview

This unit of study has been developed by academics in the University's Charles Perkins Centre, an interdisciplinary education and research hub where researchers produce novel solutions to chronic disease. Physical activity is an inseparable part of human biology and evolution. Lack of it ("physical inactivity") causes chronic disease. Sadly we are still a population that doesn't embrace physical activity and its potential to have a transformative impact on chronic disease prevention and improve the quality of life into old age. This unit of study will provide students with an opportunity to develop an up-to-date understanding of the role of physical activity and exercise for the health of the population as well as the most promising principles for encouraging more people to become physically active. The unit is largely multi-disciplinary and goes beyond disease prevention to explore themes like maintenance of functional ability and retaining independence and how the environment determines our physical activity behaviour. Particular attention is given to physical activity as a behaviour that is not merely a lifestyle "choice"; but rather the outcome of a complex web of societal, cultural, economic, political and individual circumstances that lead to the formation of personal habits across the lifespan. Students will be encouraged to discuss, debate, and critically evaluate the evidence.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	2
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	EXSS1037
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Heidi Morahan, heidi.morahan@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Out-of-class quiz	Module 1 Quiz multiple choice questions, 10 mins #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 03 Due date: 21 Aug 2025 at 23:59	10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Module 4 Quiz multiple choice questions; 10 mins	0%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59	10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Module 3 Quiz multiple choice questions, 30 mins	0%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Module 2 Quiz multiple choice questions; 30 mins	0%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Final Assessment Infographic OR Video and reflection report	0%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59	A4 page OR 3-4 minutes; 400 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

All assessments are graded on a pass/fail basis. To satisfy the requirements for the unit, students must:

Complete all four quizzes for Modules 1–4 with an average score of 70% or higher; and
Complete the final assessment, achieving at least four “Satisfactory” outcomes from the marking rubric in both Part A and Part B.

Online Quizzes

There are four online quizzes for Modules 1 to 4. Only one attempt is permitted for each quiz.

Quizzes 2–4 are available to complete at any time during the semester up to the due date. Please note that once a quiz is started, it will remain open only for the duration indicated.

Final Assessment

Part A – This task involves developing a pitch for one of three health sector scenarios. The pitch will describe physical inactivity or sedentary behaviour within the target audience and outline the actions required to address this behaviour. The pitch is presented as either a short video or an infographic.

Part B – This task involves critical analysis of the pitch developed in Part A. Students will reflect on the rationale, feasibility, and constraints of the plan, as well as future directions. The analysis is presented as a 400-word report.

Students are permitted to use artificial intelligence (AI) in all assessment tasks.
Students are fully responsible for the content and quality of their submitted work, regardless of whether AI is used.

More information about each assessment task is available on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85-100	Demonstration of critical thinking and problem solving of physical activity behaviour change at an exceptional standard.
Distinction	75-84	Demonstration of critical thinking and problem solving of physical activity behaviour change at a very high standard.
Credit	65-74	Demonstration of critical thinking and problem solving of physical activity behaviour change at a good standard.
Pass	50-64	Demonstration of critical thinking and problem solving of physical activity behaviour change at an acceptable 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:

It is expected that unless an application for special consideration, special arrangement or previously arranged adjustment via an academic plan have been approved, students will submit all assessments for a unit of study on or before the due date specified. If the assessment is completed or submitted by the student before the due date or within the period of extension, no academic penalty will be applied to that piece of assessment. If assessments are submitted after the due date or if an extension is not granted, or is granted but work is submitted by the student after the extended due date, the late submission of assessment will result in an academic penalty as follows: (a) Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date; (b) After 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
Ongoing	15 lecture recordings over four modules	Independent study (15 hr)
Ongoing	Self-directed reading for each module	Independent study (4 hr)
Week 07	Interactive Q&A session appraising potential solutions for physical inactivity	Online class (1 hr)
Week 10	Interactive Q&A session appraising new evidence and unit review	Online class (1 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 2 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 40-50 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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Describe the components of physical activity behaviour and demonstrate an understanding of the (physical and mental) health attributes of each component
LO2. Classify the individual and population-level determinants of physical activity by physical activity domain
LO3. Appraise the contribution of physical inactivity to the development of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental chronic conditions
LO4. Appraise the potential of novel (e.g. wearable devices) or non-conventional (e.g. dog ownership) avenues for physical activity promotion
LO5. Outline the different options for tacking physical inactivity in each domain
LO6. Describe the historical and contemporary causes of inactivity and formulate potential solutions

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 response to student feedback requesting clearer guidance on assessment expectations, we will trial a new Cogniti AI agent in 2025 to help students navigate the final assessment guidelines and provide exemplar work.

Additional information

This is an Open Learning Environment (OLE) unit of study and is entirely online.

From 2025, the OLE will be marked as satisfied requirements/failed requirements (SR/FR).

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

Early feedback task

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

OLET1514: Health Challenges: Physical Inactivity

Semester 2, 2025 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links