Introduction to Exercise and Sport Science
Overview
This unit is an introduction to the field of exercise and sport science where students will consider the development of the profession and set goals for their studies and future careers to enable them to begin being a reflective practitioner and develop their professional identity. It examines the fundamental principles of informed consent, ethical assessment and pre-exercise screening as well as field-based exercise testing for healthy individuals and teams. Students will also lead group based exercise classes to enable them to develop their communication, leadership and exercise delivery skills imperative for exercise and sport scientists.
Requisites
01-June-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Conduct appropriate pre-assessment procedures, including explaining the test, obtaining informed consent, medical history, and performing a pre-exercise risk assessment
- Explain and evaluate the common processes and equipment required to conduct accurate and safe health, exercise and sport-related assessments
- Describe the principles and rationale for the calibration of equipment commonly used in assessments, and recognise and adjust incorrectly calibrated equipment
- Instruct group-based exercise classes for distinct groups of clients with health, fitness and sports performance goals
- Conduct appropriate testing and record, analyse and interpret information from assessments and convey the results, including the accuracy and limitations of the assessments, through relevant verbal and/or written communication with the client or involved professional
- Reflect and evaluate professional skills and competencies
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Lecture | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| On-campus Class | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Specified Activities Various | 5.00 | 12 weeks | 60 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 3.50 | 12 weeks | 42 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment | Individual | 40% | 1,2,3,5 |
| Assignment | Individual | 30% | 4,5,6 |
| Portfolio | Individual | 30% | 4,6 |
Content
- Professional goal-setting, career pathways and professional identity including the introduction to their electronic portfolio and being a reflective practitioner
- Exercise and sport science as a profession
- Core equipment and instrumentation for monitoring and assessment of individual/group clients
- Communication skills for the delivery of group exercise activities
- Identify specific risks and needs of an individual or group for exercise, sport and health goals
- Program design for group exercise
- Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Verbal communication
- Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Communicating using different media
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.