Unit rationale, description and aim
Cardiopulmonary conditions are among the most prevalent conditions encountered by accredited exercise physiologists. Within their scope of practice, accredited exercise physiologists must be able to design and prescribe safe, evidence-based exercise interventions for individuals with or at risk of cardiopulmonary disorders.
This unit presents an advanced body of knowledge related to cardiopulmonary disease. An examination of aetiology, epidemiology and pathophysiology of the disease processes, as well as the physiological adaptations that underpin disease management, is a major focus of the unit.
Current evidence and guidelines for exercise testing and exercise prescription related to cardiopulmonary disorders will be discussed in detail. Students will learn methodological approaches of clinical assessment and apply principles of evidence-based exercise prescription alongside other conventional management approaches.
This unit complements concurrent units within the degree by linking cardiopulmonary rehabilitation science with broader clinical assessment and exercise prescription skills, supporting integrated professional practice.
The aim of this unit is to develop students’ knowledge and skills, so they become proficient in the prescription of exercise as a prevention and management strategy for a range of cardiopulmonary conditions.
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 advanced, coherent knowledge of anatom...
Learning Outcome 01
Appraise contemporary evidence and clinical guidel...
Learning Outcome 02
Evaluate clinical assessment and exercise testing ...
Learning Outcome 03
Design safe, effective, person-centred exercise in...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems (cardiopulmonary system).
- The aetiology, epidemiology and pathophysiology of key disorders and diseases of the cardiopulmonary system.
- Diagnostic tests for cardiopulmonary pathology and their interpretation, including exercise testing, ECGs (normal and abnormal patterns), spirometry, ventilatory variables (at rest and during exercise), and other relevant investigations.
- Exercise interventions for managing cardiopulmonary conditions.
- Special considerations and contraindications in the physical assessment and exercise prescription of an individual with a cardiopulmonary condition.
- Monitoring a client’s signs and symptoms prior to, during and after exercise.
Assessment strategy and rationale
Assessment tasks replicate authentic clinical practice and use an assessment for learning approach to reinforce application. Tasks support self-direction and provide timely judgement of readiness for practice.
Assessment Task 1 is two theory exams, of 12.5% weighting, assessing advanced knowledge of cardiopulmonary anatomy, physiology, pathology, assessment and exercise interventions.
Assessment Task 2 is a case presentation in which students explain pathophysiology, appraise contemporary evidence, interpret assessment data for risk stratification and clinical decision-making, and design a safe, person-centred intervention. This task requires students to respond to instructor questions.
Assessment Task 3 is a practical exam where students answer questions on pathology, test selection and safety, then conduct an exercise test with pre-, peri- and post-exercise monitoring. This task reflects the essential clinical competencies necessary for safe and effective professional practice as an exercise physiologist.
Generative AI must not be used in assessments unless explicitly permitted in the assessment instructions.
To pass the unit, students must demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes and obtain an minimum overall mark of at least 50%.
Overview of assessments
To pass the unit, students must demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes and obtain an minimum overall mark of at least 50%.
Assessment Task 1 Theory Examinations Enables st...
Assessment Task 1 Theory Examinations
Enables students to demonstrate advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, assessment, and exercise interventions related to cardiopulmonary conditions.
25%
(12.5% each)
Assessment Task 2 – Case presentation Enables st...
Assessment Task 2 – Case presentation
Enables students to demonstrate and justify the application of course content to a cardiopulmonary case study, including the development of an exercise program, and respond to instructor questions.
25%
Assessment 3 - Practical Examination Enables stu...
Assessment 3 - Practical Examination
Enables students to develop the ability to prepare, perform and justify a clinical assessment of a case study involving a cardiopulmonary condition.
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit uses a multi-mode learning strategy combining self-paced online resources in Canvas with weekly in-person practicals and tutorials to support students to acquire, synthesise and apply advanced knowledge and skills in cardiopulmonary assessment and exercise prescription.
The approach complements concurrent units within the course and supports integration of clinical reasoning, assessment, and intervention planning required for exercise physiology practice. It is designed to meet course learning outcomes and accreditation expectations for Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA).
Online learning enables flexible engagement with core concepts and evidence, while practicals and tutorials use experiential, case-based and problem-based learning to apply knowledge in clinically relevant contexts.
Students practise assessment and monitoring procedures (including blood pressure, ECG, spirometry, exercise testing, and risk stratification), interpret findings, and develop person-centred exercise interventions.
The learning journey is scaffolded from program design fundamentals to cardiac and respiratory conditions of increasing complexity, culminating in integrated case application and practical assessment. This strategy links consistent online preparation with supervised, feedback-rich skill development and clinical decision-making in face-to-face sessions and encourages responsibility for learning aligned with ACU’s mission and values.