Course Outline

SPX121 Exercise Prescription and Programming I

Course Coordinator:Dan van den Hoek (dvandenhoek@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Sport and Exercise Science

2025Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This course enables you to understand the principles behind exercise prescription and programming, and to gain some of the practical skills in safe and effective lifting technique, with a focus on strength and conditioning. You will be able to identify the principles of exercise, and be introduced to the basic principles of overload, frequency, and intensity. You will understand and identify safety and correct technique in lifting principles.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Pre-recorded concept videos and associated activity 2hrs Week 1 13 times
Laboratory 1 – On campus laboratory 2hrs Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Online zoom session for review. Week 6 and week 13 2hrs Refer to Format 2 times

Course Topics

​Principles of exercise prescription and programming, benefits and risks of exercise training, exercise execution, lifting technique and safety, flexibility, range of movement, muscular fitness, and cardiorespiratory fitness.​ 

What level is this course?

100 Level (Introductory)

Engaging with discipline knowledge and skills at foundational level, broad application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts and with support. Limited or no prerequisites. Normally, associated with the first full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Describe and explain the human factors influencing exercise prescription and programming. Knowledgeable
Empowered
2 Apply movement screening to determine exercise participation and risks associated with exercise. Empowered
Ethical
3 Describe and explain the progression of exercise prescription and programming for a client and clearly communicate these protocols. Empowered
4 Describe and explain the effects exercise prescription and programming on healthy adults Knowledgeable
5 Compare and contrast resistance training exercise protocols and equipment. Demonstrate safe, effective use of resistance training equipment. Knowledgeable

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Enrolled in Program AB101, SC304, SC344, SC347, SC110

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

SPX212

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

This course includes an assessment of a professional competency task deemed necessary to meet the Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) Professional Standards. Therefore, your attendance and participation in practicals/laboratory’s and tutorials is expected. Feedback will be provided to you during each of your classes and will provide you with support and guidance to become competent in the ESSA Professional Standards addressed in this course. For any work that is missed you will need to demonstrate to your course provider that you have covered the required material. This will usually take the form of a detailed summary and reflection of the directed study activities and practical skills for the missed class or placement.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Quiz/zes Individual 20%
20 multiple choice questions
Refer to Format Online Test (Quiz)
All 2 Practical / Laboratory Skills, and Written Piece Individual 30%
30 mins
Week 4 In Class
All 3 Practical / Laboratory Skills Individual 50%
30 min practical
Refer to Format In Class
All - Assessment Task 1:Quiz
Goal:
Exhibit an understanding of current issues in exercise prescription and programming through the use of laboratory manuals, activities, and educational materials. Quizzes will facilitate students' comprehension of the theoretical foundations necessary for prescribing exercise tailored to the specific needs and requirements of clients.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format:
Weeks 5,7,9,11,13. Five online quizzes delivered via Canvas on contemporary issues in prescription and programming based on laboratory activities and learning materials.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Correct and complete answers to questions
1 3 5
Generic Skills:
All - Assessment Task 2:Practical exam
Goal:
Develop and implement exercise assessments informed by health screenings, client requirements and objectives, and movement competencies. Students are required to conduct interviews with their clients to gather comprehensive information necessary for designing a series of exercise tests. These tests aim to evaluate the clients' current physiological capacity and align with their specific needs and objectives.
Product: Practical / Laboratory Skills, and Written Piece
Format:
Submission of screening paperwork and the implementation of exercise tests.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of exercise prescreening and testing principles
1 3 5
2
Application of knowledge by designing exercise tests based on prescreening
1 2
Generic Skills:
All - Assessment Task 3:Practical exam
Goal:
To design and implement an exercise program based off exercise assessment (e.g. exercise prescreening, submax testing, movement competency, strength testing) undertaken in week 4. This is a significant task where you will demonstrate and critique exercise technique in a gym setting. You will describe and explain the effects various exercise testing and measurement procedures for the assessment of human exercise. This exam is set up in an authentic setting and will enable you to demonstrate safe, effective use of resistance training equipment.
Product: Practical / Laboratory Skills
Format:
Submit: Weeks 11 & 12. 30 minute practical exam in the gym.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstrate and communicate exercise technique including posture and balance during exercise
2 5
2
Explain various exercise testing and measurement procedures
4
3
Compare and contrast resistance training exercise protocols
4
4
Demonstrate safe, effective use of resistance training equipment
2
Generic Skills:

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

Schedule

Period and Topic Activities
1
Physical activity, sport and exercise. Benefits and risks of exercise and exercise testing. Pre-exercise evaluations for health and performance
2
General principles of exercise prescription and programming
3
Structuring exercise prescription and programming sessions
4
Exercise testing and measurement for flexibility and range of movement
5
Exercise prescription and programming for muscular fitness
6
Exercise prescription and programming for health-related muscular fitness
7
Exercise prescription and programming for performance related muscular fitness
8
Exercise prescription and programming for cardiorespiratory fitness
9
Exercise prescription and programming for health-related cardiorespiratory fitness
10
Exercise prescription and programming practical skill and safety
11
Exercise prescription and programming practical skill and safety
12
Exercise prescription and programming practical skill and safety
13
Exercise prescription and programming practical skill and safety

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Recommended Baechle, T. Earle, R 2015 Essentials of Strength and Conditioning 4th edn Human Kinetics

Specific requirements

​It is compulsory for all students to wear suitable exercising clothing and covered footwear appropriate for physical activity in practical classes and for all practical sessions.​

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying: The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4% The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.

The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au