Unit rationale, description and aim
Understanding how human body systems grow, interact, and influence motor development across the lifespan is fundamental to exercise science and aligns with professional accreditation standards. This unit introduces students to the growth and development of key physiological and psychological systems from pre- and post-natal stages through childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and healthy ageing. Students will explore maturation, ageing, and motor development processes, examining how these factors affect movement and participation in exercise across life stages. The unit also introduces fundamental motor learning concepts, including the role of constraints on skill acquisition, and highlights how exercise contributes to healthy ageing.
Building this foundational knowledge will enable students to integrate concepts across exercise science disciplines, understanding how systems work together to shape development. Practical skills are developed through the assessment of fundamental movement patterns, applying physiological and psychosocial considerations to real-world contexts. This knowledge is essential for designing developmentally appropriate programs for diverse populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
The aim of this unit is to provide students with foundational knowledge of human systems and their growth, preparing them to apply this understanding in future study, particularly in motor control and learning, and in professional practice.
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 how key human physiological and psycholog...
Learning Outcome 01
Explain how maturation and developmental factors i...
Learning Outcome 02
Outline the effect that individual and environment...
Learning Outcome 03
Evaluate the influence of physical activity, matur...
Learning Outcome 04
Integrate knowledge of coordination and motor deve...
Learning Outcome 05
Content
Topics will include:
- Prenatal growth
- Pregnancy
- Postnatal Growth
- Infancy and childhood
- Growth and motor development patterns
- Measurement of growth and development
- Cross-cultural differences in milestones of motor development including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
- Timing and sequence of changes during adolescence
- Gender differences
- Sporting injuries in the growing athlete
- Fundamentals of Motor Development and Learning
- Early Motor Development
- Reflexes
- Rudimentary movements
- Fundamental Motor Skills
- Development of FMS
- FMS progression to specialised movements
- Sensory Perception
- Perception-Action in development
- Structural changes to the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous system with ageing
- Exercise and ageing
- Falls and ageing
- The ageing motor system
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessments in this unit are designed to support student learning and provide meaningful feedback as students progress. Each task aligns with the unit’s learning outcomes, builds graduate capabilities, and develops their knowledge and skills step by step.
Students will begin with Assessment 1 and 2, two quizzes that assess foundational knowledge and provide early feedback to guide further learning.
Assessment 3 focuses on applying this knowledge through case studies, where students will critically analyse how factors such as age, culture, and environment influence motor development. This task strengthens problem-solving and prepares students for real-world contexts.
Assessment 4 is a capstone task requiring an in-depth analysis of motor development across the lifespan. Students will assess a fundamental motor skill, justify choice of assessment methods, and reflect on cultural and environmental influences on performance. This consolidates theoretical understanding and practical skills, ensuring students are prepared to design developmentally appropriate exercise interventions.
Overview of assessments
To pass the unit, students must demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes and obtain an overall mark of at least 50%.
Assessment Task 1: Quiz Assess knowledge and und...
Assessment Task 1: Quiz
Assess knowledge and understanding of content and concepts introduced early in the course.
10%
Assessment Task 2: Quiz Assess knowledge and und...
Assessment Task 2: Quiz
Assess knowledge and understanding of content and concepts introduced early in the course.
10%
Assessment Task 3: Written Assignment Asse...
Assessment Task 3: Written Assignment
Assess a developmental scenario and apply theoretical concepts to a practical example.
30%
Assessment Task 4: Written Assignment Evaluate m...
Assessment Task 4: Written Assignment
Evaluate motor development over the lifespan, justifying assessment methods and reflecting on broader developmental influences.
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
EXSC187 introduces students to foundational knowledge of the human body’s physiological and psychological systems and supports integration of this knowledge across exercise science sub-disciplines. The unit adopts an inquiry-based learning approach, encouraging independent, problem-solving skills in real-world contexts. A student-centred, blended learning model combines self-paced online resources with face-to-face classes, offering early feedback and tailored support to assist students' transition to university. These strategies align with graduate capabilities, professional accreditation standards, and the unit’s learning outcomes.
The unit comprises two modules. The first covers how human systems grow and develop across key life stages, including major milestones from early development to ageing. The second builds on this foundation, exploring how these systems interact to shape individual development and preparing students to apply this knowledge when working with diverse clients. Learning is scaffolded within and across modules to promote integration and critical thinking.
Active learning is central, using inquiry-based and collaborative activities that foster reflection and practical application. Through case studies and hands-on tasks, students will develop skills in assessing movement patterns and applying theoretical concepts to practice – essential for future studies and professional roles in exercise science.