Program Overview

EXSC310 - Strength and Conditioning: Fundamentals of Athlete Preparation

Year

2021

Credit Points

10

Campus Offering

No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.

Prerequisites

• EXSC216 Resistance Training: Science and Application
• EXSC204 Exercise Prescription and Delivery
• EXSC107 Resistance Training: Science And Application

Unit Rationale, Description, and Aim

The effective design and delivery of training programs to enhance athletic performance requires an understanding of the requirements of different sports and the physical capacities of athletes. This unit is based on scientific principles and practices of strength and conditioning/sports science, including the utilization of current research and technology. The unit aims to provide students with a framework to quantify activity profiles in different sports, objectively assess levels of strength, speed, and endurance in athletes, and monitor the fatigue response.

Learning Outcomes

To successfully complete this unit, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of data analysis and interpretation as they relate to coaching and sports science; including concepts of validity, reliability, and assessing change.
2. Display knowledge regarding the process of activity profiling with particular emphasis on the relationship between physical capacity and performance and the role of current technology.
3. Understand the issues surrounding athlete profiling, and talent identification; including developing the skills to conduct common field tests.
4. Explain basic concepts surrounding long-term planning, recovery, and monitoring training load and fatigue.

Graduate Attributes

• GA1: Demonstrate respect for the dignity of each individual and for human diversity
• GA3: Apply ethical perspectives in informed decision-making
• GA4: Think critically and reflectively
• GA5: Demonstrate values, knowledge, skills, and attitudes appropriate to the discipline and/or profession
• GA8: Locate, organize, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information
• GA10: Utilize information and communication and other relevant technologies effectively

Content

Topics will include:

• Data analysis and interpretation
• Activity profiling
• Athlete profiling
• Introduction to Periodisation & Long Term Planning
• Monitoring Training Load, Fatigue & Recovery

Learning and Teaching Strategy and Rationale

Learning and teaching strategies include active learning, case-based learning, individual and group activities, cooperative learning, web-based learning, and reflective/critical thinking activities, delivered over 12 weeks through lecture and practical sessions.

Assessment Strategy and Rationale

Consistent with University assessment requirements, standards-based assessment is used in this unit, and assessments are designed to reflect learning outcomes and graduate attributes.

• Written Assessment - Activity Profiling Task: Enables students to demonstrate an understanding of methods of activity profiling (35%)
• Written Assessment - Athlete Profiling Task: Enables students to demonstrate an understanding of scientific and practical knowledge regarding athlete profiling (35%)
• Data Interpretation Task: Enables students to demonstrate their ability to analyze and interpret a pre-existing dataset (30%)

Representative Texts and References

• Tanner, Rebecca K., and Gore, Christopher J. (Ed) (2012). Physiological Tests for Elite Athletes (2nd ed.). Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics.
• Cardinale, M., Newton, R., Nosaka, K. (Ed) (2011). Strength and Conditioning - Biological Principles and Practical Applications. Oxford: Wiley Blackwell
• Bompa, T. (2009). Periodization: Theory and Methodology of Training (5th ed.). Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics.
• Pyne, D. B. (2003). Interpreting the results of fitness testing. Victorian Institute of Sport: International Science and Football Symposium, Melbourne, Victoria.
• Batterham, A. M., and W. G. Hopkins (2006). Making Meaningful Inferences About Magnitudes. Int J Sports Phyisol and Perf 1: 50-57.