Unit rationale, description and aim
Sports scientists and strength and conditioning coaches working with high performance athletes require the ability to prescribe and deliver safe and effective exercise programs with an evidence-based, best practice approach, to meet specific performance goals. This unit develops an in-depth understanding of the theoretical concepts and practical application of capacity assessment and program design as they relate to high performance athletes. Specifically, the aim of this unit is to develop students' knowledge and skills relating to the use of contemporary methods of field and laboratory based testing in a number of areas including aerobic/anaerobic capacity, repeated sprint ability, and strength and power. In addition, this unit will explore innovative practices in training program design across the spectrum of capacities required for performance in various athletic events.
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 key considerations regarding the selectio...
Learning Outcome 01
Demonstrate athlete assessment protocols in field ...
Learning Outcome 02
Evaluate the outcomes of athlete assessment protoc...
Learning Outcome 03
Design meaningful interventions for athletes, dire...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Biological basis of adaptation.
- Physiological testing for high performance athletes.
- Strength & Power profiling.
- Periodisation.
- Contemporary exercise prescription for high performance.
Assessment strategy and rationale
In order to best enable students to achieve unit learning outcomes and develop graduate capabilities, standards-based assessment is utilised, consistent with University assessment requirements. A range of assessment strategies has been purposefully designed for the assessment of learning outcomes reflecting the principles of authentic assessment design and include:
- Assessment Task 1: individual video-based practical task; requiring students to demonstrate their understanding of a variety of tests, as well as their ability to interpret results of testing and how this influences training prescription; and
- Assessment Task 2: building on assessment task 1, this task requires the student to design and present a 12-week period of physical training program, including a justification of the training plan, in order to assess depth and breadth of understanding and application of unit content.
To pass the unit, students must demonstrate achievement of every unit learning outcome, and obtain a minimum mark of 50% in graded units.
Overview of assessments
To pass the unit, students must demonstrate achievement of every unit learning outcome, and obtain a minimum mark of 50%.
Assessment 1 - Video-based practical task - Inte...
Assessment 1 - Video-based practical task - Interpretation of a Testing Battery Assessment
Enables students to demonstrate their ability to conduct a test of physical capacity in a scientifically valid and reliable manner and critically evaluate data from a selection of physical assessments to inform the training program.
40%
Assessment 2 - Training Program Enables student...
Assessment 2 - Training Program
Enables students to demonstrate their ability to use contemporary evidence in the design of a realistic training program.
60%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
ACU Online
This unit uses an active learning approach to support students in the exploration of knowledge essential to the discipline. Students are provided with choice and variety in how they learn. Students are encouraged to contribute to asynchronous weekly discussions. Active learning opportunities provide students with opportunities to practice and apply their learning in situations similar to their future professions. Activities encourage students to bring their own examples to demonstrate understanding and application, and to engage constructively with their peers. Students receive regular and timely feedback on their learning, which includes information on their progress.