Unit rationale, description and aim
This unit develops students’ ability to prescribe and coach resistance training for non-clinical individuals across the lifespan. Building on earlier foundations in EXSC123, EXSC133 and EXSC222 students will learn to plan, instruct, and evaluate resistance training programs using evidence-informed principles. Emphasis is placed on technique instruction, periodisation, and load monitoring. Through laboratory, gym-based, and peer-coaching sessions, students develop coaching competence and technical fluency across major resistance training modalities. The unit aims to prepare students for further skill application in placement and client-facing delivery contexts. These knowledge and skills are consistent with the professional standards for Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) Exercise Scientist and the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) Strength and Conditioning accreditations.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.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.
Explain the underlying biological mechanisms of ad...
Learning Outcome 01
Interpret strength and power assessments appropria...
Learning Outcome 02
Demonstrate technical proficiency and consider saf...
Learning Outcome 03
Instruct an individual to perform resistance exerc...
Learning Outcome 04
Design resistance training programs using appropri...
Learning Outcome 05
Justify programming decisions using evidence-based...
Learning Outcome 06
Content
Topics will include:
- Foundations of resistance training: goals, screening, principles, and modalities
- Biomechanics and biological mechanisms underpinning resistance training
- Acute programming variables and load monitoring strategies
- Coaching key lower and upper body resistance exercises
- Olympic lift progressions and technical development
- Strength and hypertrophy periodisation models
- Power testing and program prescription
- Adapting training across the lifespan
Assessment strategy and rationale
Assessments are designed to reflect the real-world responsibilities of exercise professionals working in resistance training contexts. Programming and analysis tasks develop planning and evaluative reasoning. The practical coaching assessment ensures students demonstrate their ability to communicate, adjust, and lead sessions safely and effectively. The hurdle ensures minimum safe practice standards are met prior to further client-facing opportunities in later units and placement.
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 Assesses knowledge and...
Assessment Task 1: Quiz
Assesses knowledge and understanding of unit content.
20%
Assessment Task 2: Written assignment Design a ...
Assessment Task 2: Written assignment
Design a resistance training program for a selected population.
50%
Assessment Task 3: Examination Demonstrate unde...
Assessment Task 3: Examination
Demonstrate understanding and application of all unit content.
30%
*Hurdle Task Practical Coaching Competency Test ...
*Hurdle Task
Practical Coaching Competency Test
*Hurdle
*The hurdle task is the practical opportunity to demonstrate instruction of an individual to perform resistance exercises, ensuring students are technically proficient and safe. Students must be deemed competent in all exercises assessed, which can be attempted as many times as required to pass until the due date referred to on the Learning Management System..
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit uses an applied learning approach. Weekly gym-based sessions emphasise technique, safety, and coaching practice. Lectures and online modules explore underlying scientific rationale. Peer feedback, rehearsal, and observation are used to simulate client interaction and refine coaching delivery. The blended structure reflects the expectations of industry readiness and aligns with ACU’s values of service, equity, and ethical care in physical development.