Outline

Overview

The aim of this unit is to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental principles of exercise physiology. This unit will cover the different physiological systems of the human body working at rest and then during exercise. We will cover the functional anatomy and physiology of muscle tissue, the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and understand how oxygen is extracted from the air and is delivered to working muscles. Energy transformation from fuel to mechanical work will be described and finally the mechanisms of fatigue will be discussed. A focus of Fundamentals of Exercise Physiology is the practical application of physiological measurements and critical evaluation of data for physiological understanding.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Kate Edwards, kate.edwards@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Troy Cross, troy.cross@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final Exam Written exam covering content from all class weeks 1-13	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Class Assessment 1 MCQ and SA questions examining content from Weeks 1, 2 and 3	10%	Week 04 Due date: 21 Aug 2023 at 13:40	40 minutes, in person written test
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Class assessment 2 MCQ and short-answer questions examining content from Weeks 4, 5 and 6	10%	Week 07 Due date: 11 Sep 2023 at 13:40	40 minutes, in person written test
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Class assessment 3 MCQ and short-answer questions examining content from Weeks 7, 8 and 9	15%	Week 10 Due date: 09 Oct 2023 at 13:45	45 minutes, in person written test
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Practical report Written group report of subject data collected during practical classes	25%	Week 13 Due date: 03 Nov 2023 at 23:59	Guided graphs and short answer responses
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

In-class tests are IN PERSON written tests in weeks 4, 7 and 10, examining content from the previous module. Students must attempt all three in-class assessments.
- One sheet of A4 notes (single sided) will be permitted in the in-class tests.
- Failure to attempt will result in Absent Fail grade being awarded.
Test 1 Wk 4 (10%, MCQ and SA questions): Metabolic pathways and Muscle 1 (content from week 1,2 and 3).
Test 2 Wk 7 (10%, MCQ and SA questions): Metabolism and fuel utilisation and Muscle 2 (content from week 4, 5 and 6).
Test 3 Wk 10 (15%, MCQ and SA questions): Cardiovascular and respiratory systems and their responses to exercise (content from week 7, 8 and 9).

Practical report (25%): Written group report of subject data collected during practical classes examining a subject’s multi-stage VE, HR and VO2 responses and lactate threshold, and interpretation of data compared to population norms. Due week 13. Failure to attempt will result in Absent Fail grade being awarded.

Final exam (40%): In person written exam comprising MCQ, short- and long-answer questions covering content from the entire unit of study. Includes questions from lectures, tutorials and practical class material. Week 15/16 (formal exam period). Failure to attempt will result in Absent Fail grade being awarded

Assessment criteria

Results name	Mark range	Description
High Distinction	85-100%	Demonstrates extensive and thorough knowledge of the physiology of acute responses to exercise; demonstrates exceptional capacity to integrate complex concepts in systems physiology; demonstrates excellent understanding of physiological data and confident capacity to interpret data with relevance to physiological processes
Distinction	75-84%	Demonstrates thorough knowledge of the physiology of acute responses to exercise; demonstrates very good capacity to integrate complex concepts in in systems physiology; demonstrates very good understanding of physiological data and confident capacity to interpret data with relevance to physiological processes.
Credit	65-74%	Demonstrates good knowledge of the physiology of acute responses to exercise; demonstrates good capacity to integrate complex concepts in in systems physiology; demonstrates good understanding of physiological data and capacity to interpret data with relevance to physiological processes.
Pass	50-64%	Demonstrates satisfactory knowledge of the physiology of acute responses to exercise; demonstrates some capacity to integrate complex concepts in in systems physiology; demonstrates some understanding of physiological data and basic capacity to interpret data with relevance to physiological processes.
Fail	<50%	Does not demonstrate satisfactory knowledge of the physiology of acute responses to exercise; and/or, is not able to demonstrate capacity to integrate complex concepts in in systems physiology; and/or, is not able to demonstrates understanding of physiological data and basic capacity to interpret data with relevance to physiological processes.
Absent Fail	0-49%	Fails to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard through failure to submit or attend compulsory assessment tasks. In cases where a student receives some marks but fails the unit through failure to attend or submit a compulsory task the mark entered shall be the marks awarded by the faculty up to a maximum of 49.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to unit, learning outcomes, learning approaches,	Lecture (1 hr)
	Skeletal muscle functional anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Using concept maps to study: muscle fibre models	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Metabolic pathways I	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Sliding filament theory and the crossbridge cycle	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Metabolic Pathways II	Lecture (1 hr)
	Contractile properties of skeletal muscle	Lecture (1 hr)
	Immediate and anaerobic glycolysis energy systems, using concept maps to find the critical answers	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Metabolic Pathways III	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Neuroanatomy and action potentials	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Fuel utilisation during exercise I	Lecture (1 hr)
	Neural control and energetics I	Lecture (1 hr)
	Neural control of contraction, using concept maps to find critical answers	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Fuel utilisation during exercise II	Lecture (1 hr)
	Neural control and energetics II	Lecture (1 hr)
	Using graphing to present data and identify thresholds (LT and OBLA)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Muscle Mechanics	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Cardiovascular system physiology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Respiratory system physiology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Presenting and interpreting physiological data, preparation for writing a good Practical report	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Cardiovascular system and exercise responses	Lecture (1 hr)
	Respiratory responses to exercise	Lecture (1 hr)
	Measure HR, VE and VO2 at rest and during steady state exercise	Practical (2 hr)
Week 10	Control of Respiration	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Measure HR, VE and VO2 during multi-stage exercise	Practical (2 hr)
Week 11	Oxygen delivery and consumption 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Oxygen delivery and consumption 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Measure lactate and identify the lactate threshold during multi-stage exercise	Practical (2 hr)
Week 12	Central fatigue	Lecture (1 hr)
	Peripheral fatigue	Lecture (1 hr)
	Measure lactate HR, VE and VO2 during multi-stage exercise	Practical (2 hr)
Week 13	Review and final exam preparation	Lecture (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

While attendance at lectures, practical classes and tutorials is not compulsory, it is strongly recommended that students attend all allocated classes in order to keep up with the work, and to take the opportunity to ask questions of their teachers to clarify their understanding.

Practical classes are very important to attend as these classes are where you willl collect data for your practical report (due end of week 13), and where you will see the theory that you have learnt play out in front of you!

In every class, you will be learning the building blocks that you will use for the rest of your degree, so it is important to take your learning seriously and attend and participate in class as best as you can.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

We recommend several rescources for study during this unit:

Powers, SK and Howley, ET. Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance. 11th ed New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Education LLC. 2020

This is the primary resource that will be referred to during the unit. It is available in hard copy at the university and is also available online in the library spaces. You can choose to purchase a hardcopy, or online copy, or purchase a short term (180 day) loan online. https://www.mheducation.com/highered/product/M1259870456.html

McKenna MJ. Mechanisms of muscle fatigue. pp. 79-107 in Hargreaves M and Hawley J (eds): Physiological basis of sports performance. Sydney, McGraw-Hill, 2003
Tortora, GJ and Derrickson, BH. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 15th ed New York : Wiley, 2017 (Chapters 2,3, 10, 12)

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Explain the process and structural requirements for active force development in skeletal muscle
LO2. Describe the biochemical pathways by which macronutrients are stored and/or synthesised during rest and recovery as well as how they are catabolised during exercise at constant and incremental work rate as well as prolonged exercise
LO3. Describe bioenergetic responses to exercise at constant and incremental work rate and to prolonged exercise, in addition to fuel mobilisation, regulation by key hormones.
LO4. Identify and describe oxidative and non-oxidative ATP resynthesis and demonstrate how to determine values from measurement
LO5. Describe and measure the cardiovascular and ventilatory systems and responses to exercise at constant and incremental work rate and to prolonged exercise, and how changes in metabolic rate dictate the need for regulation of gas exchange
LO6. Describe Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide transport mechanisms with specific reference to the Fick equation; blood flow re-distribution; O2 saturation
LO7. Be able measure and interpret data to identify oxygen kinetics at exercise onset and in recovery and describe underlying mechanisms, including factors that influence acid buffer systems, ventilatory threshold and anaerobic threshold.
LO8. Integrate theories of fatigue with performance limiting factors associated with muscle, metabolism, gas exchange, and cardio-respiratory systems

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 10.2.1. Describe the structure and function of the neuromuscular and sensory systems as they relate to the control of voluntary and involuntary movement and motor learning. 3.2.1. Describe the function, regulation and interaction of physiological systems relating to exercise. 3.2.2. Describe the individual and integrated physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise under normal conditions, in different environments, and by external influences (e.g. ergogenic aids or technologies). 5.2.2. Explain the relationship of structure (including micro and macro) with function, force and movement. 5.2.3. Identify the components of the neuro-musculoskeletal system of the body, and describe the role of the bony segments, joint-related connective tissue structures, muscles and forces applied to these structures. 8.2.2. Describe the structural and operational processes of anatomical structures and their interrelationships. 9.2.2. Describe the physiological functions of the broad range of human cells in signal transduction, regulation of gene expression, transport, excitability, transmission and homeostasis.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 3.2.1. Describe the function, regulation and interaction of physiological systems relating to exercise. 3.2.2. Describe the individual and integrated physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise under normal conditions, in different environments, and by external influences (e.g. ergogenic aids or technologies).
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 3.2.2. Describe the individual and integrated physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise under normal conditions, in different environments, and by external influences (e.g. ergogenic aids or technologies).
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 14.2.5. Select and apply basic data analysis techniques appropriate to exercise science subdisciplines. 3.2.2. Describe the individual and integrated physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise under normal conditions, in different environments, and by external influences (e.g. ergogenic aids or technologies). 3.2.4. Analyse and interpret physiological data obtained during acute exercise, and compare such data between time points, individuals and populations. 7.2.4. Explain the scientific rationale, reliability, validity, assumptions and limitations of common assessments.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 3.2.1. Describe the function, regulation and interaction of physiological systems relating to exercise. 3.2.2. Describe the individual and integrated physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise under normal conditions, in different environments, and by external influences (e.g. ergogenic aids or technologies). 3.2.4. Analyse and interpret physiological data obtained during acute exercise, and compare such data between time points, individuals and populations. 7.2.2. Identify and use the common processes and equipment required to conduct accurate and safe health, physical activity and exercise assessments. 7.2.3. Identify and describe the limitations, contraindications or considerations that may require the modification of assessments and make appropriate adjustments for diverse individuals. 7.2.4. Explain the scientific rationale, reliability, validity, assumptions and limitations of common assessments. 7.2.5. Describe the principles and rationale for the calibration of equipment in commonly used in assessments and recognise and recalibrate equipment when required. 7.2.7. Identify the need for guidance or further information from an appropriate health professional and recognise when medical supervision is required before or during an assessment and when to cease a test. 9.2.1. Describe the function and relationship of physiological systems. 9.2.2. Describe the physiological functions of the broad range of human cells in signal transduction, regulation of gene expression, transport, excitability, transmission and homeostasis. 9.2.3. Describe the interaction effects of different physiological systems.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 3.2.1. Describe the function, regulation and interaction of physiological systems relating to exercise. 3.2.2. Describe the individual and integrated physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise under normal conditions, in different environments, and by external influences (e.g. ergogenic aids or technologies). 9.2.3. Describe the interaction effects of different physiological systems.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 3.2.4. Analyse and interpret physiological data obtained during acute exercise, and compare such data between time points, individuals and populations. 7.2.2. Identify and use the common processes and equipment required to conduct accurate and safe health, physical activity and exercise assessments. 7.2.3. Identify and describe the limitations, contraindications or considerations that may require the modification of assessments and make appropriate adjustments for diverse individuals. 7.2.4. Explain the scientific rationale, reliability, validity, assumptions and limitations of common assessments. 7.2.5. Describe the principles and rationale for the calibration of equipment in commonly used in assessments and recognise and recalibrate equipment when required. 7.2.7. Identify the need for guidance or further information from an appropriate health professional and recognise when medical supervision is required before or during an assessment and when to cease a test. 9.2.3. Describe the interaction effects of different physiological systems.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 3.2.1. Describe the function, regulation and interaction of physiological systems relating to exercise. 3.2.2. Describe the individual and integrated physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise under normal conditions, in different environments, and by external influences (e.g. ergogenic aids or technologies). 9.2.3. Describe the interaction effects of different physiological systems.

Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
10.2.1		Describe the structure and function of the neuromuscular and sensory systems as they relate to the control of voluntary and involuntary movement and motor learning.
14.2.5		Select and apply basic data analysis techniques appropriate to exercise science subdisciplines.
3.2.1		Describe the function, regulation and interaction of physiological systems relating to exercise.
3.2.2		Describe the individual and integrated physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise under normal conditions, in different environments, and by external influences (e.g. ergogenic aids or technologies).
3.2.4		Analyse and interpret physiological data obtained during acute exercise, and compare such data between time points, individuals and populations.
5.2.2		Explain the relationship of structure (including micro and macro) with function, force and movement.
5.2.3		Identify the components of the neuro-musculoskeletal system of the body, and describe the role of the bony segments, joint-related connective tissue structures, muscles and forces applied to these structures.
7.2.2		Identify and use the common processes and equipment required to conduct accurate and safe health, physical activity and exercise assessments.
7.2.3		Identify and describe the limitations, contraindications or considerations that may require the modification of assessments and make appropriate adjustments for diverse individuals.
7.2.4		Explain the scientific rationale, reliability, validity, assumptions and limitations of common assessments.
7.2.5		Describe the principles and rationale for the calibration of equipment in commonly used in assessments and recognise and recalibrate equipment when required.
7.2.7		Identify the need for guidance or further information from an appropriate health professional and recognise when medical supervision is required before or during an assessment and when to cease a test.
8.2.2		Describe the structural and operational processes of anatomical structures and their interrelationships.
9.2.1		Describe the function and relationship of physiological systems.
9.2.2		Describe the physiological functions of the broad range of human cells in signal transduction, regulation of gene expression, transport, excitability, transmission and homeostasis.
9.2.3		Describe the interaction effects of different physiological systems.

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Previous students have appreciated the approach of lectures on 2 different topics each week to spread each topic out and allow you to learn in depth. Last year students found the final exam very difficult, so this year we are adjusting the structure on the in-class assessments to be formatted more similarly to the final exam to help you know what to expect. The practical report was enjoyed by students last year as they were able to collect and analyse their own data. But they felt it took a lot of time to do well so we have increased the weighting of this assessment to reflect that

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Students must wear closed-in shoes (e.g. sneakers) to all practical classes. Students will be refused entry to practical class if closed-in shoes are not worn.

Students should come to practical class prepared to participate in exercise and wear appropriate clothing accordingly.

Students will complete a work, health and safety checklist during their first practical class. Any student who misses this WHS checklist must complete it before attending their next practical class.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

EXSS1036: Fundamentals of Exercise Physiology

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect