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Unit outline_

EXSS4109: Physical Activity and Sport for Disability

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

This unit will provide students with an opportunity to develop an critical understanding of the role of physical activity, exercise, and sport for the health of persons with disability. Students will examine in detail the barriers, purpose and benefits of sport and activity in persons with disability, how to modify exercise and employ technology to enhance exercise effectiveness, learn about the sporting options and organisations available for various disabilities and the classification process for competitive disability sport. The entire unit will be largely interactive and will encourage students to discuss, critically evaluate the evidence, and work with persons with disability where feasible in practicals and tutorials

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Movement Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
A minimum of 90 credit points
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Che Fornusek, che.fornusek@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Jennifer Fleeton, jennifer.fleeton@sydney.edu.au
Che Fornusek, che.fornusek@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Media Design Assignment
Design media on a sport/physical activity for people with disability.
20% Week 04
Due date: 23 Aug 2024 at 23:59
2 A4 pages, short video
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Activity/Exercise Plan
Develop plan for selected participant from a range of mini case studies.
30% Week 09
Due date: 27 Sep 2024 at 23:59
1200 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6
Assignment group assignment Written Group Task
Project involves collecting/evaluating evidence to develop real solution.
50% Week 13
Due date: 01 Nov 2024 at 23:59
2000 Words
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO6
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

All assessments must be submitted to avoid an absent fail grade for the unit.

Media Design Assignment - Design media (i.e. video/pamphlet) on a sport/physical activity for people with disability.

Develop Activity /Exercise Plan - Create an Activity/ Exercise/ sporting plans for an individual with disability. Cases selected from a range of mini case studies.

Written Group Task. The Project will involve collecting and evaluating the evidence to develop a real solution with recommendations for a sport or exercise organisation or an individual with disability. Students who do not contribute to the group work will be considered to have not submitted this assessment and therefore be awarded an absent fail grade.

Assessment criteria

Result name Mark Range Description
High Distinction (HD) 85- 100 Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction (DI) 75 - 84 Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit (CR) 65 - 74 Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass (PS) 50 - 64 Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail (FA) 0 - 49 When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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:

For submitted work: Standard late penalties apply for assignment. Late penalties are a mark deduction (from the mark that would have been awarded for the quality of the work submitted) of 5% per day late or part thereof, to a maximum of 10 days (50% marks deduction), after which a grade of zero is awarded for that submission. If applicable, Special Consideration can also be sought to extend the due date for submission of assignments. Please see https://sydney.edu.au/students/special-consideration.html for details on what events may constitute grounds for Special Consideration, and how to apply.

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.

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 Introduction to the unit: teaching schedule & assessments. Introduction to Disability and Physical Activity: social vs. medical model of disability. Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5
Assignments: tutor feedback on progress, group allocations & charter for A3 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 02 Physical Activity in children and adults with disability: physical activity levels, barriers, benefits of sport and physical activity Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4
Assignments: continue working under tutor supervision Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 03 Adapted exercise for persons with disability (recreational to fitness) Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Adapted exercise for persons with disability: functional electrical stimulation (FES), aerobic and resistance exercise for fitness and recreation Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Fitness Testing in persons with disability (tests, modifications & special considerations) Lecture (2 hr) LO6
Fitness testing tutorial tasks. Examine & discuss requirement for assignment 2. Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 05 Adaptive Sport: classification, structure & governance, competition pathways Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO4
Fitness Testing in persons with disability Practical (2 hr) LO6
Week 06 Health, sport and exercise for wheelchair users Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Activities related to assignment Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 07 Exercise training and prescription for persons with disability: training considerations, exercise programming, acute and chronic adaptations for recreational to elite athletes Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Adaptive sport for persons with disability: Wheelchair sports Practical (2 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Sports nutrition and body composition in disability: Medications, Hydration needs, energy consumption, body composition assessment, goals, food accessibility. Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO5
Week 09 Health, sport and exercise for ambulant populations. Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 10 Sports and activity for other populations [Sensory impairment, Learning Disability, age related disability] Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Adaptive sport for persons with disability: Ambulant and Vision impaired sports Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Guest Lecturer: Para athlete perspective Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Assignments: continue working under tutor supervision Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 12 Sport as rehabilitation, access opportunities for moderate to severe impairments. Intellectual Disability, Austism Spectrum, Global Conditions, Participation Based Activity. Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO5
Assignments: continue working under tutor supervision Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 13 Revision & Unit summary Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend all learning activities . The tutorials and practicals are on campus and not recorded.
 

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

There is no specific text. Readings for each topic will be added to Canvas for each weekly topic. 

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 well-being promoting properties of physically activity, exercise and sport in persons with disability for optimisation of and maintenance of functional ability, mental well-being, and independence.
  • LO2. Understand the disability sporting and activity pathways within NSW, the different categories of disabilities for sport.
  • LO3. Contrast the medical model of disability to the social model and how each of these shapes the approach of health professions towards people with impairments.
  • LO4. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the range of physical activities available for exercise in persons with disability, i.e. life style activities, as well as recreational, competitive, and elite sport.
  • LO5. Evaluate the potential role of sport, not just in the physical, but also the psychological and social rehabilitation, of patients/people with impairments.
  • LO6. Select appropriate physical activity and fitness measurements for persons with a disability and justify the limitations of each method for individuals with a range of disabilities.

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.

This was the first year that this unit of study was run. Overall, the students (response rate 50%) reported an average USS score of 4.18 (overall). Students reported that the lecture content and practicals were interesting and enjoyable (Q2: 4.40, Q4: 4.40). Popular features were the lectures which involved interaction with individuals with disability and the practicals allowed students to try different disability sports, for example the wheelchair sports practical at the gym (Thanks to the Sydney Uni Sports & Fitness plus the Wheelchair Flames). This was a great unit to teach, and student engagement was excellent. In person lecture attendance was low but thanks to those who could make it to lecture slot. Thanks to those who were able to attend. In future we will ask for a better time slot and also combine the lectures and practicals so that it is easier and more efficient for students to attend. The practicals were well attended, and students enjoyed them. Improvements will be made in the challenge of the assessment tasks (Q5: 3.60) and the feedback (Q6: 3.80) which was delayed. Assignment information will be provided earlier, and assignment groups will be formed at the beginning of the semester so that students can get to know each other, think about what they want work on and start working on their assignments early if they wish. In future, I also hope to include even more persons with lived disability experience in the practicals and the lectures.

Disclaimer

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