Exercise Physiology
Unit outlines will be available through Find a unit outline two weeks before the first day of teaching for 1000-level and 5000-level units, or one week before the first day of teaching for all other units.
 
Exercise Physiology
Master of Exercise Physiology
Students must complete 72 credit points, including:
(i) 60 credit points of 5000-level core units of study
(ii) 6 credit points of 5000-level elective unit of study; and
(iii) 6 credit points of 5000-level capstone unit of study, to commence
5000-level units of study
Core units
EXSS5101 Design and Implementation of Exercise
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
This unit focuses on the development of understanding and skills relating to the design and implementation of physical activity based interventions in the scope of Accredited Exercise Physiology practice. The unit ultimately aims to develop the capacity for design and delivery of safe and effective exercise plans that consider client treatment goals, medical history, clinical status and other influencing factors using an evidence-based practice approach as foundation. These individualised interventions will positively affect functional capacity, health and/or behaviours of the individual. Students will develop skills in the use of behaviour change for lifestyle intervention, and in the monitoring and revision of exercise and exercise programs, for application in the context of target conditions in the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular domains and a broad range of target pathologies and complex cases.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
EXSS5102 Assessment and the Exercise Physiologist
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Corequisites: EXSS5103 Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
This unit focuses on the development of understanding and skills relating to assessment in Accredited Exercise Physiology practice. This includes measurement tools/techniques for assessing exercise capacity and clinical and functional status for application in target pathology domains. Content is delivered in the broader context of case management in the healthcare system framework. This includes understanding of non-AEP assessment (such as medicines information), and the development of core clinical skills such as clinical communication, reporting, referral and professional conduct.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
EXSS5103 Exercise in Cardiometabolic Diseases
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Corequisites: EXSS5102 Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
The unit will develop knowledge, clinical decision making and practical skills for the assessment, design and delivery of physical activity for target conditions in the cardiopulmonary, metabolic and kidney disease AEP pathology domains. Clinical scenarios will be used to develop understanding of the pathological and pathophysiolgical bases for disease, diagnostic procedures, medical and allied health management, including medications. This will require the student to integrate prior knowledge, skills and experiences with new learning in the context of metabolic, cardiopulmonary and kidney disease management. Students will develop the capacity for appropriate assessment, monitoring, prescription and implementation of physical activity for cardiopulmonary and metabolic disease clientele including those with chronic kidney disease, to ultimately design and deliver safe and effective physical activity management plans that are individualised and evidence-based.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
EXSS5104 Exercise and Musculoskeletal Health 1
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Alycia Fong Yan Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assumed knowledge: Functional anatomy and biomechanics Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
The unit focuses on the development of knowledge and skills relating to the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions encountered in Accredited Exercise Physiology practice. This includes the strategic application of the principles of exercise prescription to target specific prevention and rehabilitation goals. The unit explores the scope of practice for Exercise Physiologists in rehabilitation settings, rehabilitation tools of the AEP and their physiological basis, and principles and objectives of exercise rehabilitation programs. The unit explores the pathophysiological basis of exercise limitations across a range of lower body musculoskeletal conditions including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and joint replacement.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
EXSS5111 Clinical Practice Unit 1
Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive August,Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prerequisites: EXSS5102 Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Professional practice
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
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.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
EXSS5112 Exercise Physiology and Client Care
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Block mode
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
Emphasis in this unit is on the development of appropriate communication and practice for interaction with clients and relevant stakeholders within the mental health and cancer AEP pathology domains. Students will develop communication and practice which is responsive to changes in clinical situation and considerate of clinical and safety risks. Students will also advance their knowledge, clinical decision-making and skills for the assessment, design and delivery of physical activity for clients with cancer as well as those with mental health conditions and disability. Clinical scenarios will be used to develop understanding of the bases for disease, diagnostic procedures and multidisciplinary care, including the principles of legislative framework for mental health care.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
EXSS5113 Exercise, Ageing and Neurological Health
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Block mode
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
The unit will develop knowledge, clinical decision making and practical skills for the assessment, design and delivery of physical activity for clientele with frailty and disability and target conditions in the neurological AEP pathology domains. Clinical scenarios will be used to develop understanding of the pathological and pathophysiolgical bases for neurological disease and disability diagnostic procedures, medical and allied health management, including medications. This will require the student to integrate prior knowledge, skills and experiences with new learning in the context of neurological condition management. Students will develop the capacity for appropriate assessment, monitoring, prescription and implementation of physical activity for neurologial clientele and those with frailty and disability, to ultimately design and deliver safe and effective physical activity management plans that are individualised and evidence-based.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
EXSS5114 Exercise and Musculoskeletal Health 2
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prerequisites: EXSS5104 Exercise and Musculoskeletal Health 1 Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Block mode
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
The aim of this unit is to investigate the strategic application of exercise prescription principles to target specific prevention and rehabilitation goals. The unit focuses on the role of therapeutic exercise for the treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions of the upper body and cervical spine and the application of exercise rehabilitation within compensable systems.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
EXSS5202 Clinical Practice Unit 2
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Nathan Johnson Session: Intensive April Prerequisites: EXSS5111 and EXSS5114 Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Professional practice
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.
EXSS5203 Clinical Practice Unit 3
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Nathan Johnson Session: Intensive May Prerequisites: EXSS5111 and EXSS5114 Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Professional practice
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.
Elective units
EXSS5204 Experience in Exercise Physiology
Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive January Prerequisites: EXSS5111 Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Professional practice
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The unit is designed to provide students with industry, community and/or research experience. Students will be provided an opportunity to work for 3-6 weeks on a project either individually or in teams. Students will demonstrate conduct and professional practice including documentation and reporting on their experiences within the boundaries of the scope of practice of Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs). Learning in a work environment is a key feature of this unit of study. Students will be allocated to a project for between 15 and 37.5 hours per week for up to SIX weeks. Activities will include interactions with various clientele and stakeholders as well as other activities. The types of activities will vary from project to project but may include orientation meetings, project planning, report writing, presentations, etc., as directed by the project supervisor. This experience does not count towards any aspects of the clinical placement required in the course but is instead aimed at developing the student's project planning and implementation skills and broadening their perspective on current and future roles and scope of exercise physiology practice. Projects are mostly within the Sydney Metropolitan area. Some projects may be located outside this area or in another state or territory in Australia and will be clearly indicated. Students are expected to cover the costs for travel, accommodation and incidentals during project.
HSBH5001 Sydney Health Students Abroad
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Elizabeth Dylke Session: Intensive December,Intensive June Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Professional practice
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
Cultural practices, disease patterns and healthcare systems are vastly different in different countries around the globe. This unit provides students with the opportunity to gain international experience in a health services setting in a country with a developing economy. Students will participate in a 4Â6 week health or care placement with a communityÂbased organisation in South or Southeast Asia. As part of the unit, you will be expected to participate in local development programs, live within the community you are visiting, and document and reflect on key health and development issues facing local populations. The unit will require you to demonstrate project management skills, cultural sensitivity and an ability to adapt to new environments, a capacity for critical reflection and awareness of complex global health and development issues.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
Capstone
EXSS5201 Exercise in Chronic and Complex Cases
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Nathan Jonson Session: Semester 1 Prerequisites: EXSS5103 and EXSS5104 and EXSS5111 and EXSS5112 and EXSS5113 and EXSS5114 Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The unit will develop professional, clinical decision making and practical skills for the assessment, design and delivery of physical activity in complex cases with multi-morbidity. Strong emphasis will be placed on student engagement in discussion with instructors and each other in tutorial and practical settings. Clinical scenarios will be used to develop understanding of scope of practise, core principles of case management, professional conduct and the employment of evidence based practise in complex, multi-morbid disease. Students will be challenged to identify contraindications and safety precautions for exercise that is advised from comprehensive client histories and screening, and how to communicate with other relevant stakeholders regarding current and past medical status/history, and when to refer onwards. By the end of the unit, students will demonstrate autonomy and expert judgement in the evaluation and assessment, and prescription of safe and effective evidence-based exercise for clients with complex multiple chronic diseases. The first half of the unit will focus on developing and advancing the fundamental skills of the AEP in the context of complex chronic disease (with clinical case study examples). The second half of the unit will put these fundamental principles into practise using a case study approach.