Unit rationale, description and aim
Prescribing and delivering evidence-based exercise conditioning programs to support client health, fitness and/or performance goals is a fundamental capability of exercise scientists. To accomplish this, EXSC204 develops student knowledge and practical skills to effectively conduct individualised exercise conditioning assessment, and the design and delivery of evidence-based exercise conditioning programs, across a spectrum of non-clinical populations. Students will further build upon and learn how to integrate their knowledge of exercise physiology, exercise program design and synthesising and translating health screening into the applied assessment. Students will also design, implement and evaluate evidence-based exercise conditioning assessment protocols, exercise conditioning prescription; and integrate learnings from other exercise science sub-disciplines.
This unit aims to provide students with the key exercise science skills relating to the interpretation and synthesis of exercise screening and lifestyle factors, the appropriate selection and application of sub-maximal and maximal cardiorespiratory fitness tests, to analyse and interpret exercise conditioning test results and use the outcomes to develop, deliver and monitor evidence-based exercise conditioning interventions which are client-focussed.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Perform health screening and risk stratification a...
Learning Outcome 01
Select and conduct exercise tests to meet the spec...
Learning Outcome 02
Prescribe exercise for apparently healthy clients/...
Learning Outcome 03
Deliver exercise programs to apparently healthy cl...
Learning Outcome 04
Clearly and coherently communicate information rel...
Learning Outcome 05
Content
Topics will include:
- Introduction to Exercise Prescription
- Exercise Assessments
- Analysing Exercise Assessment Results
- Principles of Exercise Conditioning Training
- Exercise Conditioning Training Modalities and Methods
- Exercise Conditioning Programming for Health and Performance
- Monitoring Progress in Exercise Conditioning Programs and Sessions
- Delivering Evidence-Based Exercise Conditioning Programs
Assessment strategy and rationale
Assessments in this unit are designed to reflect authentic professional practice and support students in developing competencies required of an Exercise Scientist. Each task reflects real-world practice, guiding students from initial exercise assessments through to designing and delivering client-centred exercise conditioning programs. Sequential tasks support feedback-informed development, ensure demonstration of all learning outcomes, and prepare students for practicum placements and professional roles.
Assessment 1 evaluates understanding of pre-exercise screening, exercise assessments, and relevant guidelines. Assessment 2 develops the ability to analyse and interpret case data to inform evidence-based prescription. Assessment 3 integrates interdisciplinary knowledge to justify a client-specific exercise conditioning program.
The practical, hurdle task verifies that students can competently deliver submaximal and/or maximal assessments and conditioning programs. The must pass status reflects the essential requirement that all students demonstrate the minimum required practical skills and professional standards expected of an exercise professional. These skills are essential for safe and effective client interaction and align with industry expectations and accreditation requirements.
Overview of assessments
To successfully pass the unit, students must demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes, pass the hurdle task, and achieve a minimum overall mark of 50% in the graded assessments.
Assessment Task 1: Quiz Enables stud...
Assessment Task 1: Quiz
Enables students to demonstrate understanding of foundational assessment and conditioning knowledge.
15%
Assessment Task 2: Written assignment Enables st...
Assessment Task 2: Written assignment
Enables students to demonstrate understanding, analysis, interpretation, and application of the exercise assessment and prescription processes.
35%
Assessment Task 3: Written assessment Enables st...
Assessment Task 3: Written assessment
Enables students to demonstrate application of an evidence-based approach to creating, justifying, and critically evaluating client-centred exercise programs to meet client goals.
50%
Ungraded Hurdle* Practical Demonstration ...
Ungraded Hurdle* Practical Demonstration
Enables students to demonstrate their key competency skills and knowledge.
Ungraded Hurdle*
*Two attempts are permitted to pass this hurdle task. Students who fail the hurdle task on their first attempt will be provided one additional attempt to pass at a time referred to on the Learning Management System.
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit uses a blended learning strategy combining self-paced online modules and in-person tutorials to best support students in acquiring and applying knowledge in exercise assessments and prescription. This approach builds on foundational units and supports integration of content across exercise science sub-disciplines. It is designed to meet unit learning outcomes, ACU graduate capabilities, and Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) accreditation standards.
Online modules allow students to engage flexibly with core concepts and real-world examples, while in-person tutorials use experiential, case- and problem-based learning to actively apply knowledge in practical contexts. This structure reflects best practice in adult learning by encouraging independence, preparation, and participation.
The strategy is intentionally scaffolded to support progression from conceptual understanding to professional application. It enables students to critically evaluate and justify decisions, and to develop skills in delivering client-centred, evidence-based exercise conditioning programs. It also prepares students for practicum and future professional roles.
This strategy is best suited for this unit as it supports active, applied, and reflective learning, fosters integration of theory and practice, and encourages responsibility for learning in ways that align with ACU’s mission and values.