Unit rationale, description and aim
The effective design and delivery of training programs to enhance athletic performance requires an understanding of the requirements of different sports and the physical capacities of athletes. This unit is based on scientific principles and practices of strength and conditioning/sports science, including the utilisation of current research and technology. Practical skills of activity profiling and fitness assessment are embedded within this unit and students will be introduced to fundamental components of training program design. In addition, students will develop a variety of data analytical skills applicable to the athletic environment. These knowledge and skills are consistent with the professional standards Strength and Conditioning (ASCA). This unit aims to provide students with a framework to quantify activity profiles across various sports, objectively assess athletic attributes such as strength, speed, and endurance, and monitor fatigue responses. Building on knowledge gained in EXSC233 and EXSC216, EXSC310 equips students with the skills and tools to select and implement appropriate testing batteries. This foundation supports the interpretation of performance data and the development of targeted training programs, which is further applied and expanded in EXSC396.
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.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of data analy...
Learning Outcome 01
Display knowledge regarding the process of activit...
Learning Outcome 02
Explain basic concepts surrounding long term plann...
Learning Outcome 03
Articulate the issues surrounding athlete profilin...
Learning Outcome 04
Execute common field tests to capture accurate and...
Learning Outcome 05
Content
Topics will include:
- Data analysis and Interpretation
- Activity profiling
- Athlete profiling
- Introduction to Periodisation & Long Term Planning
- Monitoring Training Load, Fatigue & Recovery
Assessment strategy and rationale
This unit uses standards-based assessment aligned with university requirements to reflect learning outcomes and graduate attributes. It includes three written assessment tasks. Task 1 focuses on activity profiling within a sport, requiring students to identify key components and appropriate measurement methods. Task 2 assesses students' knowledge of athlete profiling, including identifying physical attributes that influence performance and selecting suitable tests to measure them. Task 3 involves interpreting team testing data and providing training recommendations based on that analysis. Each task encourages students to apply foundational concepts in exercise and sports science, such as validity, reliability, and detecting change through practical use of measurement tools and data collection methods. An overall grade of 50% is needed to pass the unit.
The knowledge and skills assessed align with the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) Level 1 and Level 2 accreditation criteria. EXSC310 contributes to Australian Catholic University’s recognition as an ASCA-endorsed provider, facilitating streamlined accreditation for students upon graduation. Assessment design ensures alignment with both unit learning outcomes and ASCA standards. All modes of delivery, including offshore intensive or multimode offerings, maintain consistency in assessment tasks. Ensuring students are equally prepared for accreditation and industry readiness, regardless of their study mode.
Overview of assessments
To successfully pass the unit, students must demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes and achieve a minimum overall mark of 50% in the graded assessments.
Assessment Task 1 Written Assessment: Assesse...
Assessment Task 1
Written Assessment:
Assesses understanding of methods of activity profiling appropriate for different sports
35%
Assessment Task 2 Written Assessment: Assesse...
Assessment Task 2
Written Assessment:
Assesses understanding of scientific and practical knowledge regarding athlete profiling and their application.
35%
Assessment Task 3 Data interpretation task: Asse...
Assessment Task 3
Data interpretation task:
Assesses ability to analyse and interpret a dataset.
30%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit adopts an active-learning strategy which includes approaches such as case-based learning, individual and group activities, cooperative learning, web-based learning, and reflective/critical thinking activities, delivered through lecture and practical sessions. These methods will provide students with access to required knowledge and understanding of unit content, and opportunities for application of knowledge and understanding for practical skill development in Strength & Conditioning/Sports Science. These methods will allow students to meet the aim, learning outcomes and graduate capabilities of the unit, as well as professional practice standards required by Australian Strength & Conditioning Association. The learning and teaching strategy will reflect respect for the individual as an independent learner. Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively within group activities.
This unit may also be offered on or off campus in intensive mode or multi-mode for sponsored / special cohorts, with the learning and teaching strategies being equitable with on campus mode offerings.