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, EXSC233 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 exercise assessment; design, implement and evaluate evidence-based exercise conditioning assessment protocols and exercise conditioning prescription; and integrate learnings from other sub-disciplines of exercise science.
The aim of this unit is 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, and the ability to analyse and interpret exercise conditioning test results and to use the outcomes to develop, deliver and monitor evidence-based exercise conditioning interventions which are client-focussed.
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.
Describe exercise and health guidelines, screening...
Learning Outcome 01
Explain exercise training modalities and exercise ...
Learning Outcome 02
Critique exercise tests to inform appropriate exer...
Learning Outcome 03
Apply an evidence-based approach to creating clien...
Learning Outcome 04
Deliver and monitor sub-maximal and maximal exerci...
Learning Outcome 05
Justify client-centred exercise programs for non-c...
Learning Outcome 06
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
The assessments in this unit are designed to develop applied skills as a practising Exercise Scientist. Each task reflects real-world practice, guiding students through the progression from initial exercise assessments to designing and delivering client-centred exercise conditioning programs. Tasks build upon one another to support feedback-informed development, ensure demonstration of all learning outcomes, and prepare students for future practicum placements and professional roles.
Assessment Task 1 assesses understanding of pre-exercise screening, exercise assessments, and relevant guidelines. Assessment Task 2 develops the ability to analyse and interpret case data to inform evidence-based prescription. Assessment 3 requires integration of interdisciplinary knowledge to justify a client-specific exercise conditioning program.
A hurdle task in the form of an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) forms the final assessment for this unit. It assesses competency in delivering submaximal and/or maximal assessments and conditioning programs, enabling all students to 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 are aligned 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 Assesses understanding ...
Assessment Task 1: Quiz
Assesses understanding of foundational assessment and conditioning knowledge
15%
Assessment Task 2: Written assignment Assesses ...
Assessment Task 2: Written assignment
Assesses understanding, analysis, interpretation, and application of the exercise prescription processes
35%
Assessment Task 3: Written and oral assessment ...
Assessment Task 3: Written and oral assessment
Assesses application of an evidence-based approach to creating, justifying, and critically evaluating client-centered exercise programs to meet client goals
50%
Hurdle Task* OSCE (objective structured clinical...
Hurdle Task*
OSCE (objective structured clinical examination)
Assesses 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
EXSC233 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 (EXSC123, EXSC133 and EXSC126) and supports integration of content across exercise science sub-disciplines. It is designed to meet unit learning outcomes, ACU graduate capabilities, and accreditation standards from Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA).
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 to EXSC233 because 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.