Unit rationale, description and aim
The effective prescription of training programs to enhance athletic performance requires an understanding of contemporary practices and their scientific foundations. This unit is based on scientific principles and practices of strength and conditioning/sports science, including the utilisation of current research and technology to guide real world application in the sporting environment. Contemporary practices addressed in this unit include exercise prescription for developing aerobic capacity, repeated sprint ability, speed and agility, and muscular strength and power.
Students will learn practical skills associated with the delivery of training programs which are embedded within this unit. These knowledge and skills are consistent with the professional standards for Strength and Conditioning and Exercise Scientist accreditation.
The knowledge and skills assessed in this unit align with the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) accreditation standards. EXSC396 contributes to ACU’s recognition as an ASCA industry provider, enabling students to streamline accreditation upon graduation.
This unit aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to develop periodised training programs and to employ methods to quantify and monitor training load and the fatigue response.
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 an understanding of contemporary metho...
Learning Outcome 01
Describe the various methods available for prescri...
Learning Outcome 02
Appraise appropriate methods for the assessment of...
Learning Outcome 03
Develop a periodised annual plan for a sport of yo...
Learning Outcome 04
Deliver training sessions aimed to develop various...
Learning Outcome 05
Content
Topics will include:
- Training prescription for developing a broad range of physical qualities
- Periodisation & Long Term Planning
- Monitoring Training Load, Fatigue & Recovery
- Practical sessions in gym and field environments
Assessment strategy and rationale
Consistent with University assessment requirements, this unit uses standards-based assessment aligned with learning outcomes and graduate attributes. Assessment Task 1 (Written Task) allows students to demonstrate engagement with unit content and readings by composing an article on a contemporary strength and conditioning topic. Assessment Task 2 (Written Task) enables students to demonstrate their understanding of key physical capacities related to performance and appropriate training prescription. It also requires development of a 12-month periodised training plan that considers phases of training and competition. The 60% weighting of this task reflects its role as a capstone assessment integrating core concepts from earlier high-performance units.
A hurdle task is included to assess students’ practical competencies in delivering advanced training programs. This includes demonstrating safe and effective application of exercise and coaching techniques essential for athlete development.
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: Written assessment Assesses...
Assessment Task 1: Written assessment
Assesses understanding of unit content and written communication skills
40%
Assessment Task 2: Written assessment Assesses ...
Assessment Task 2: Written assessment
Assesses application of knowledge relative to designing a training program to meet athlete goals.
60%
Hurdle Task: Practical Competencies* Assesses co...
Hurdle Task: Practical Competencies*
Assesses competency in skills required for professional practice
HURDLE*
*Students have unlimited opportunities to pass the hurdle assessment task during the practical teaching period.
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
The learning and teaching strategy used in EXSC396 is active learning. The following methods are used to support this strategy, case-based learning, individual and group activities, cooperative learning, asynchronous 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 approaches 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 and Exercise and Sports Science Australia. 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.