Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

A practitioner and researcher of Human Movement Studies requires both theoretical and practical competency in understanding movement characteristics and prescribing exercise which develops functional capacity. This unit will develop theoretical understanding and practical skills in strength and conditioning for general fitness. A combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills are required to enable the safe and effective prescription of appropriate exercise. This unit is designed to introduce students to the basic theoretical concepts, apply them to practical situations and develop basic skills and competencies for implementation and prescription of strength and conditioning for general fitness. The unit is a prerequisite for HMB382 Principles of Exercise Prescription.

Aims

The course will allow successful students to develop an evidence-based approach to the prescription of resistance training to healthy participants of all ages. Students build on prior knowledge of biomechanics, functional anatomy, physiology and motor control to develop understanding of the acute physiological stresses to and chronic adaptations to resistance training.

Objectives

By the end of the course students who have attended lectures and practical sessions and completed assigned readings should:

1. Understand the physiological basis of neuromuscular performance in resistance training


2. Understand the acute responses to and chronic adaptations consequent to resistance training


3. Understand the impact that resistance training can have on physical performance and body composition


4. Be able to plan, instruct and supervise well designed resistance training programs for a variety of performance and health goals


5. Understand how resistance training can be incorporated into a general fitness program


6. Understand the common misconceptions and contentious issues that relate to resistance training


7. Understand the age-related issues that arise when prescribing heavy resistance exercise to children and the elderly


8. Understand the potential benefits to health brought about as a consequence of resistance training


9. Recognise the limitations of the evidence base for the exercise prescription of resistance training and be able to independently source current peer-reviewed scientific evidence that relates to the prescription of resistance training.

Content

The course covers the physiological bases of strength and power, the acute physiological responses to resistance training, the physiological adaptations consequent to chronic resistance training, the nature of the improvements / changes in strength, power and body composition that resistance training causes, basic principles of resistance training program design and how resistance training programs fit in with other types of physical training programs. There is also an emphasis on the development of critical thinking skills that should enable successful students to apply what they have learnt to the field of musculo-skeletal rehabilitation.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit will incorporate lectures, practical demonstrations, and practice of strength training exercises. Successful students will be able to provide safe and effective advice regarding the prescription of resistance training programs, understand the rationale for that advice and have some awareness of the evidence base upon which such rationales are based. The practical component of the unit will focus on the development of instructional skills that will allow successful students to safely and effectively teach and supervise resistance training exercises. Significant time will be provided for students to practise these skills.

Assessment

To pass this unit students must pass (score 50% or better) both the theoretical (Assessment items 1 + 3) and practical (assessment item 2) components of the unit.

Assessment name: Mid-sem Examination
Description: (Summative Assessement). A theory examination of course material delivered prior to this date.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5.
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid-semester

Assessment name: Practical/Oral Assessment
Description: (Summative Assessment). The student will be assessed with regard to their ability to demonstrate and/or instruct a range of resistance training exercises, design resistance training programs and identify errors in resistance training programs. Their knowledge of exercise technique and the effects of variations in exercise technique will be examined orally.
Relates to objectives: 4, 5 & 6.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weeks 11 & 12 of sem

Assessment name: Final Examination
Description: (Summative Assessment). A comprehensive theory examination of all course material.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 8.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central Exam Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Course materials, including lecture notes, course notes and references to prescribed readings will be made available via Blackboard.

Risk assessment statement

The unit has a significant practical component focused on resistance training and involves the lifting of weights, plyometric and other physical activities. However, the focus is on developing correct technique rather than a need to lift heavy weights. Consequently the risks are in accordance with low intensity exercise training. Students should be prepared to participate in all physical activities each week unless a medical certificate is provided to indicate a valid reason why the activity is not possible.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 14-Jun-2012