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Unit outline_

EXSS2033: Psychology of Exercise and Physical Activity

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit provides an introduction to key psychological factors and explanatory frameworks accounting for the participation and adherence to Exercise and Physical Activity (PA) behaviour. The unit focuses on the main themes of behaviour change, mental-health and well-being. The unit aims to develop understanding of how psychology informs the design of interventions at the individual level with practical implications emphasised for health practitioners including exercise physiologists.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Movement Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
A minimum of 48 credit points
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Kotryna Fraser, kotryna.fraser@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Maria Fiatarone Singh, maria.fiataronesingh@sydney.edu.au
Kotryna Fraser, kotryna.fraser@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Shaun Abbott, shaun.abbott@sydney.edu.au
Suzie Mate, suzanne.mate@sydney.edu.au
Christine McDermott, c.mcdermott@sydney.edu.au
Sera Dogramaci, sera.dogramaci@sydney.edu.au
Bonnie Tran, bonnie.tran@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Knowledge Dissemination Task
Written individual assessment task
35% Formal exam period
Due date: 11 Nov 2024 at 23:59
1,200 words (upper limit)
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO7
Tutorial quiz Lecture Quizzes
Lecture quizzes will be completed during the tutorials.
14% Multiple weeks Timed Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Assignment group assignment Facilitating Exercise Behaviour Change Part 1 Intervention Plan
Group report on client needs and a 3-week behaviour change intervention
15% Week 06
Due date: 08 Sep 2024 at 23:59
Three (3) pages excluding tables/figures
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment group assignment Facilitating Exercise Behaviour Change Part 2 Full Report
Written Task Final Report
30% Week 11
Due date: 20 Oct 2024 at 23:59
2,500 words (upper limit)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO2
Online task Facilitating Exercise Behaviour Change Part 3 Individual Teamwork Skills and Professionalism
Individual, anonymous evaluation of teamwork skills and professionalism.
6% Week 11
Due date: 20 Oct 2024 at 23:59
10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO7
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Assessment 1 - Lecture Quizzes: This assessment contains seven (7) quizzes worth 2% each. Quizzes are based on lecture contents and completed in-class during the allocated tutorial time in Weeks 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, and 12. At least one quiz must be attempted for students to be eligible to complete this unit of study. 
  • Assessment 2 - Facilitating Exercise/PA Behaviour Change: This is a three-part group assessment aiming at facilitating and supporting exercise/PA behaviour change with a member of the local community. Part 1 (worth 15%) requires students to submit an evidence-based 3-week behaviour change intervention plan addressing the identified client needs and preferences, and appropriate to the client's readiness to change. Part 2 (worth 30%) is the final group report, and Part 3 (worth 6%) is an individual, anonymous evaluation of teamwork skills, communication and professionalism due in Weeks 6 and 11. All parts of this assignment must be attempted for students to be eligible to complete this unit of study. 
  • Assessment 3 - Knowledge Dissemination Task: The assessment aims at developing critical thinking and knowledge synthesis skills and being able to effectively communicate such knowledge to a target audience. This assignment must be attempted for students to be eligible to complete this unit of study. 

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on the EXSS2033 Canvas site. 

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

As per University's policies. Detailed information for each assessment and related penalties can be found on the EXSS2033 Canvas site.

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.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 The Big Health Problem: Low Exercise and Physical Activity, High Sedentary Behaviour, High Energy Intake, and Poor Mental Health Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 02 The Intention-Behaviour Gap and Social Determinants Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO6
The Intention-Behaviour Gap and Social Determinants Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO6
Week 03 Behaviour Change Theories and Frameworks Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Behaviour Change Theories and Frameworks Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 04 Gathering Background Information and Supporting Exercise/PA Behaviour Change: Quantitative and Qualitative Measures Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Gathering Background Information and Supporting Exercise/PA Behaviour Change:Quantitative and Qualitative Measures Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 05 Habit Formation, Breaking, and Re-Formation Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Preparing for the Client Interview Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 Behaviour Change Techniques and Exercise Adherance Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
Understanding the Client: Scaffolding and Supporting Exercise/PA Behaviour Change Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 07 Social Determinants and Behavioural Theories in Sport & Performance Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Sport & Performance and Social Determinants Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 08 Indigenous Social and Emotional Wellbeing Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Indigenous Social and Emotional Wellbeing Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Exercise/PA for Mental Health Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
Exercise/PA for Mental Health Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 10 Challenges when Facilitating a Behaviour Change: Working with Resistant Clients Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Evaluating Behaviour Change Interventions Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Exercise/PA in Diverse Populations Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Exercise/PA in Diverse Populations Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 12 Too Much Exercise and Mental Health: Exercise Dependence Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Knowledge Dissemination in Physical Activity, Exercise and Sport Tutorial (1 hr) LO3 LO7
Week 13 Sport and Performance in Diverse Populations Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Assessment Submission Requirements: Please note an attempt and submission of each assessment item listed is required to attain an overall unit mark and grade. If an assessment is not attempted and there is no approved special consideration, an ‘Absent Fail’ or AF grade for this unit of study will be assigned as per University's Policy. 

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

Weekly readings are listed on the EXSS2033 Canvas site. 

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. Identify the individual psychological, social, & environmental barriers (& facilitators) that hinder (& support) support exercise & physical activity participation & adherence.
  • LO2. Demonstrate an understanding of ecological and individual frameworks used to understand exercise and PA behaviour, as well as assess, design and evaluate health promotion interventions based on such frameworks.
  • LO3. Explain the potential role of exercise & physical activity in facets of mental health, including cognitive functioning and well-being.
  • LO4. Understand, interpret and apply evidence-based behaviour change approaches to exercise & physical activity with individuals in ecological settings.
  • LO5. Design and apply a short-term behavioural intervention specific to an individual and their social-ecological setting.
  • LO6. As part of a short-term intervention, apply psycho-social measures, behaviour change strategies and use methods of exercise/physical activity tracking to evaluate behaviour change, participation and adherence.
  • LO7. Demonstrate the ability to compile and synthesise research evidence related to psychology, exercise & physical activity; and, effectively communicate such information to the broader public.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

Overall, students provided positive feedback and noted the value of the assessment tasks. Following feedback, the following changes were made in 2024: 1. changed to the structure of the Group Work Assignment to minimise its weighting; 2. increased weighting and frequency of lecture quizzes; 3. removal of the mid-term exam; 4. continuous weekly pattern of tutorials.

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.