Master of Exercise Physiology
Master of Exercise Physiology
Credit points for award: 96
Full-time, 4 semesters
Full-time mode
Year 1
Semester 1
EXSS5029 Exercise Metabolism and Physiology
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Mr Tom Gwinn Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2-4-hrs lectures/week, 2-hr practical in selected weeks Assessment: Mid semester exam (25%), practical assignments (15%), end semester exam (60%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The subject has a major emphasis on the responses of skeletal muscle metabolism to the acute stress imposed by exercise, and how muscle metabolism is altered by endurance training. Respiratory gas analysis of whole body metabolism is used to investigate muscle metabolism, and students will gain skills in both practical aspects of collection of gas exchange data and in the calculation and interpretation of data in terms of oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production and fuel oxidation. In addition, the acute cardiovascular and respiratory responses to exercises are examined and cardiovascular adaptations to training are discussed.
Recent discoveries in the area of molecular signalling pathways are used to integrate topic areas of muscle fatigue, improved endurance capacity following training and the health benefits of regular exercise.
Recent discoveries in the area of molecular signalling pathways are used to integrate topic areas of muscle fatigue, improved endurance capacity following training and the health benefits of regular exercise.
EXSS5050 Human Motor Learning and Control
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Ross Sanders Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2-hr lecture/week, 2-hr seminars/week Assessment: Written group project report (30%);project video (20%); presentation of the project and video (15%) and end semester exam (35%) Practical field work: Skill training project and production of instructional video of 20 hours over 4 weeks Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit aims to develop student's knowledge and insight into the motor control and learning principles underpinning Exercise Physiology practice. The lecture and tutorial structure reflects a transition from acquisition of knowledge, to consideration of the implications, to practice. Thus, the first five weeks of the unit follow a pattern of lectures to provide the background knowledge, readings of papers that explore the efficacy of therapeutic practices or interventions, and accounts of 'real world' experience of working with patients using case-study reports and/or guest speakers. Weeks six to 10 enable students to develop a program of therapy or rehabilitation based on evidence-based strategies that emerge from the knowledge base and further exploration of extant literature. The final phase is the development of an instructional video that can be used as a guide for practitioners in the treatment of neurological disorders.
Textbooks
Magill RA (2011) Motor Learning and Control. Concepts and Applications, 9th edition. New York: McGraw-Hill; Edwards WH. (2011). Motor learning and Control: From theory to practice. Belmont, USA; Wadsworth, Cengage learning; Schmidt RA, Lee TD (2011) Motor Control and Learning: A Behavioral Emphasis. 5th edition. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
EXSS5058 Principles of Exercise Programming
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Nathan Johnson Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2-hrs lecture/week, 2-hr practical/week for 7 weeks Corequisites: EXSS5029 and EXSS5059 Assessment: Practical skills assessment (25%), written exercise management plan and oral defence (35%), and end semester exam (40%) Practical field work: The WHS practical induction checklist must be completed by each student in consultation with the tutor. The completed checklist must be returned to the tutor for University records. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Students must have a current CPR certificate of competency
This unit provides a critical examination of exercise testing and programming, with a focus on the safe and effective implementation of testing and training for apparently healthy people. The scientific evidence for dosages of aerobic and resistance exercise required for health and fitness outcomes will be critically reviewed. Other aspects of exercise programming such as flexibility, warm-up and instruction, and the implementation of musculoskeletal assessment will be covered. How physical activity assessment and prescription may be deployed in the prevention of cardiovascular risk will also be examined, including the roles of structured exercise versus physical activity. Through the use of lectures and case studies, students will integrate the physiological components and logistical aspects of exercise performance to devise individualised exercise test batteries and deploy exercise prescriptions for healthy individuals. Students will be able to apply practical skills developed in this unit towards their placement in Professional Practice.
Textbooks
Thompson, W.R. (Ed.). ACSM‘s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia.
EXSS5059 Professional Practice 1
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Jacqueline Raymond Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2-hr lecture/week, 1x3-hr tutorial or practical/week, for 8 weeks prior to commencing practical Prerequisites: EXSS5061 and EXSS5068 Corequisites: EXSS5029 and EXSS5058 Assumed knowledge: Students must meet all pre-placement requirements as outlined on the University of Sydney Course-specific Checks and Clearances website (http://sydney.edu.au/current_students/enrolment/course_check.shtml). Further, students must have in Sonia an up-to-date CPR certificate and declaration that they have read and understood key documents related to privacy and confidentiality, codes of conduct, NSW Health policies and general communication/email etiquette. NSW Health and other sites may require students to undertake mandatory orientation and induction modules as relevant to the specific placement site.Failure to meet these requirements may prevent a student from being allocated to, and/or completing a placement or fieldwork unit of study irrespective of their enrolment status. Assessment: ACE Module (0%), written reflection (20%), Client Interview (40%), Client Report (40%), assessment of competency on placement (Pass/Fail) Practical field work: 10-16-hrs/week in Weeks 9-13 Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Students must have a current CPR certificate of competency prior to undertaking placement
The aim of this unit is to introduce the student to a range of issues related to exercise physiology professional practice and service delivery. Topics covered include professional ethics and oral and written communications skills. This unit of study will also provide an introduction to supervised clinical practice. Students will work with low risk clientele, building their confidence and developing skills acquired in this and other units of study taken in this semester.
SEMESTER 1 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS
Semester 2
EXSS5048 Exercise Throughout the Lifespan
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Maria Fiatarone Singh Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3-hrs lecture or tutorials/week Prerequisites: EXSS5029 Assessment: Endnote Library preparation (5%) Oral presentation (10%), Group assignment literature review (60%), Tutorial participation (5%) End-semester examination (20%) Practical field work: Body composition assessment, testing of gait and balance, cognitive assessment, strength testing and training in older adults, presentation of complex cases, computerised database searching and reference library creation Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: There are 3 hours total of lectures and/or tutorial sessions each week. Attendance and participation is strongly recommended for lectures and required for all tutorials, as all material is examinable and attendance and participation at tutorials will contribute to your overall mark.
This unit of study provides students with an understanding of the rationale and recommendations for the use of exercise and the promotion of physical activity from childhood through old age, including those with chronic disease and disability. Students will explore evidence for the contribution of exercise to psychological health and well-being, cognitive function, gait and balance, bone health, improvement in body composition associated with poor health outcomes and for the prevention and treatment of chronic disease and disability. Appropriate exercise modalities and practical aspects of screening individuals and implementing the exercise prescription will also be examined. The methods for systematic reviewing of the literature and assessment of study quality will be taught and assessed.
EXSS5051 Clinical Biomechanics
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Alycia Fong Yan Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2-hr lecture/week, 1x2-hr practical or tutorial/week Assumed knowledge: Anatomy; biomechanics/physics. Assessment: Task analysis project (20%), case study (15%), mid semester quiz (15%) and end-semester exam (50%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
A review of kinematics, kinetics, and EMG will be undertaken at the beginning of the unit in preparation for the applications. The course offers an introduction to some of the issues in clinical biomechanics, including: gait, activities of daily living, musculoskeletal and injury biomechanics, postural control. It will further develop the understanding of biomechanics through clinical applications, including normal and pathological gait, gait maturation and gait alterations in older adults. The mechanical properties of tissues and the influence of exercises and rehabilitation on tissue development and health will be discussed in relation to injury occurrence and prevention. This unit of study will be offered on campus supported with Blackboard resources.
Textbooks
There is no prescribed textbook for this unit. Your lecturers will provide you with example readings to assist your learning where appropriate.
EXSS5060 Advanced Exercise Programming
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Mr Tim English Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2-hr lecture/week, 2-hr tutorial/practical/week Prerequisites: EXSS5058 Assumed knowledge: EXSS5029 Assessment: ECG exam (25%), practical skills assessment (10%), oral case defence (25%) and end semester exam (40%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Students must have a current CPR certificate of competency
The aim of this unit is to provide comprehensive and critical examination of the physiological responses to exercise, with emphasis on the implications for clinical exercise testing and prescription. A focus of this unit will be the evidence for exercise programming for the promotion and maintenance of health for individuals with clinical conditions of complex and/or compound aetiology. The pathophysiological bases of exercise limitations in various diseases, and the acute and chronic response to exercise in these conditions is studied, with particular reference to the cardiorespiratory, metabolic and musculoskeletal systems. Through the use of lectures, practicals and tutorials students will integrate advanced concepts of exercise physiology into logistical aspects of exercise performance for healthy and clinical populations, and thereby devise individualised exercise assessment and deploy exercise prescriptions for a broad range of individuals.
EXSS5061 Professional Practice 2
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Jonathan Freeston, Dr Jacqueline Raymond Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2-3-hours lecture/tutorial /week Prerequisites: EXSS5059 Corequisites: EXSS5060 Assumed knowledge: EXSS5029 and EXSS5058 Assessment: Evidence-based practice report (2 pages) (25%), Sport for Development assignment (Group Presentation) (25%), behaviour change assignment (Group Presentation) (50%), assessment of competency on placement (pass/fail) Practical field work: 8-20 hrs/week in weeks 1-13 Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study will develop more advanced skills related to exercise physiology professional practice and service delivery. As part of this unit, students will apply evidence-based clinical decision making. Students will design and implement a Physical Activity behaviour change program. Students will critically evaluate the effectiveness of physical activity programs seeking to address issues of injustice and/or inequality. Students will also undertake a clinical placement, and will be able to develop skills acquired in this and other units of study, including client assessment and design and implementation of an exercise management plan.
SEMESTER 2 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS
Year 2
Semester 1
EXSS5062 Exercise for Musculoskeletal Conditions
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Jonathan Freeston Session: Semester 1a Classes: 39 hours across 12 weeks (1-12) Assessment: Group presentation (20%), practical exam (35%) and end semester exam (45%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The major emphasis of Exercise for Musculoskeletal Conditions is the strategic application of the principles of exercise prescription to target specific prevention and rehabilitation goals. The unit investigates the structure and organisation of therapeutic exercise for the treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries. This includes the structure, mechanical properties and function of connective tissues and the responses of these tissues to mechanical stress and musculoskeletal disorders and the role of exercise in the management of these conditions. Throughout the unit discussion of the effects of disease on the exercise response is used to enhance understanding of normal exercise physiology and biomechanical function. Similar attention is paid to the contributions of disuse and deconditioning to exacerbation of exercise impairment imposed by disease or injury.
EXSS5064 Nutrition and Pharmacology
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rhonda Orr Session: Semester 1a Classes: 39 hours across 12 weeks (Wk 1-12) Assessment: Anthropometry Practical (pass/fail), Nutrition Assessment Tool Commentary (5%), case presentations (40%), written final exam (55%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The unit will explore the principles and practice of public health nutrition and pharmacology. A case-based learning approach will be used to gain an understanding of the pathophysiology of disease and conditions such as asthma and mental health. Students will examine the dietary and pharmacologic management of lifestyle diseases including type ll diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and associated co-morbidities. The unit will integrate information about diet, exercise and pharmacotherapeutic management of these diseases.
Textbooks
Bryant B. and Knights K. (2014). Pharmacology for Health Professionals (4th ed.) Sydney: Mosby. Mann J. and Truswell S (eds). (2017) Essentials in Human Nutrition (5th ed). Oxford University Press, Oxford.
EXSS5065 Clinical Exercise Science Case Studies 1
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Glen Davis Session: Semester 1a Classes: 42 hours across 12 weeks (1-12) Assessment: Mid-semester assessment (25%), Written case study and oral defence (35%), and final exam (40%) Practical field work: As required, embedded within 6hrs/week Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit will develop a high level of knowledge, clinical decision making and problem-solving skill by using complex cases related to clinical exercise physiology practice. The cases will include pathologies from the cardiopulmonary, neuromuscular and metabolic areas. Academic staff and experienced Exercise Physiology practitioners will use clinical scenarios and problem-based learning to guide students through the process of selecting and administering appropriate screening and assessment tools and developing effective, individualized exercise management plans. The clinical scenarios will present more complex cases than previously covered and will require the student to integrate prior knowledge and experiences with new learning.
Textbooks
The following four textbooks are also recommended to compliment online material
EXSS5068 Practicum 1
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Jacqueline Raymond Session: Intensive February,Intensive January,Intensive June,Intensive October,Semester 2b Classes: Three-day workshop-style briefing prior to undertaking placement Prerequisites: EXSS5061 Assessment: Assessment based on performance of specific clinical skills and professional behaviour (Pass/Fail) , placement logbooks (Pass/Fail) and written assisgnment (Pass/Fail) and attendance at simulation (Pass/Fail). Practical field work: Attendance at practicum site for up to 37.5 hours/week and up to 5 weeks and to the on campus simulation activities as scheduled in the student timetable. Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Professional practice
Note: Students must have a current CPR certificate of competency prior to undertaking clinical work.
This unit is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities of the clinical exercise physiologist. Students will work under supervision in professional settings and will assist in managing clients with chronic disease, while demonstrating and being assessed on specific clinical practice skills and professional behaviour which are consistent with their stage of learning.
SEMESTER 1 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS
Semester 2
EXSS5066 Clinical Exercise Science Case Studies 2
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Glen Davis Session: Intensive September Classes: 42 hours (8hrs/week) in block mode Assessment: Mid-semester assignment (25%), written case study and oral defence (35%) and final exam (40%) Practical field work: As required, embedded within the 8 hours/wk Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit will develop a high level of knowledge, clinical decision making and problem-solving skill by using complex cases related to clinical exercise physiology practice. The cases will include pathologies in cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, cancers, neoplastic conditions and neurological intellectual clinical conditions. Academic staff and experienced Exercise Physiology practitioners will use clinical scenarios and problem-based learning to guide students through the process of selecting and administering appropriate screening and assessment tools and developing effective, individualized exercise management plans. The clinical scenarios will present more complex cases than previously covered and will require the student to integrate prior knowledge and experiences with new learning.
EXSS5069 Practicum 2
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Jacqueline Raymond Session: Intensive February,Intensive January,Intensive July,Intensive June,Intensive October,Semester 2b Prerequisites: EXSS5061 and EXSS5062 Assessment: Assessment based on performance of specific clinical skills and professional behaviour (Pass/Fail), placement logbooks (Pass/Fail) and written assignment (Pass/Fail). Practical field work: Attendance at practicum site for up to 37.5 hours/week and up to 5 weeks Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Professional practice
Note: Students must have a current CPR certificate of competency and be verified in ClinConnect prior to undertaking clinical work
This unit is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities of the clinical exercise physiologist. Students will work under supervision in professional settings and will assist in managing clients with chronic disease, while demonstrating and being assessed on specific clinical practice skills and professional behaviour which are consistent with their stage of learning.
EXSS5070 Practicum 3
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Jacqueline Raymond Session: Intensive February,Intensive January,Intensive July,Intensive June,Intensive October,Semester 2,Semester 2b Prerequisites: EXSS5061 and EXSS5062 Assessment: Assessment based on performance of specific clinical skills and professional behaviour (Pass/Fail), placement logbooks (Pass/Fail), written assignment (Pass/Fail) and attendance at simulation (Pass/Fail). Practical field work: Attendance at practicum site for up to 37.5 hours/week and up to 5 weeks and to the on campus simulation activities as scheduled in the student timetable. Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Professional practice
Note: Students must have a current CPR certificate of competency and be verified in ClinConnect prior to undertaking clinical work.
This unit is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities of the clinical exercise physiologist. Students will work under supervision in professional settings and will assist in managing clients with chronic disease, while demonstrating and being assessed on specific clinical practice skills and professional behaviour which are consistent with their stage of learning.
EXSS5071 Practicum 4
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Jacqueline Raymond Session: Intensive February,Intensive January,Intensive July,Intensive June,Intensive November,Intensive October,Semester 2b Prerequisites: EXSS5061 and EXSS5062 Assessment: Assessment based on performance of specific clinical skills and professional behaviour (Pass/Fail), placement logbooks (Pass/Fail) and written assignment (Pass/Fail). Practical field work: Attendance at practicum site for up to 37.5 hours/ week and up to 5 weeks Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Professional practice
Note: Students must have a current CPR certificate of competency and be verified in ClinConnect prior to undertaking clinical work.
This unit is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities of the clinical exercise physiologist. Students will work under supervision in professional settings and will assist in managing clients with chronic disease, while demonstrating and being assessed on specific clinical practice skills and professional behaviour which are consistent with their stage of learning.
SEMESTER 2 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS