University of Technology Sydney

92523 Strength and Conditioning

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Health
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level: Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

This subject examines the various physical capacities related to human performance (endurance, strength, speed, power, agility and flexibility). Specifically, this subject examines the physiological and mechanical underpinnings of each capacity and in turn how to perform, test and train each capacity in relation to athletic development. The subject provides students with proficiency in the skills required to assess fundamental physical capacities related to human movement and emphasises the methods for development of respective physical capacities.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
A. Identify, describe and analyse the interrelationships between physical activity and the physiological and anatomical development of the individual
B. Demonstrate critical judgement to select appropriate strength and conditioning solutions to suit the needs of diverse individuals or groups
C. Apply the principles of exercise prescription in planning and instruction for different groups within sport, exercise and health
D. Measure and interpret physiological capacities to prescribe strength and conditioning activities
E. Describe the practical applications of strength and conditioning in the development of human performance

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:

  • Lead, manage and inspire within the fields of sport, exercise and health; (1.0)
  • Take personal, social and ethical responsibility for their contribution to sport, exercise and health (2.0)
  • Competently apply knowledge and skills within the sport, exercise and health professions (3.0)
  • Engage in research and critical thinking to integrate diverse knowledge and develop creative, effective and evidence-based solutions (4.0)
  • Adapt to diverse industry contexts to enable optimal and sustainable sport, exercise and health outcomes (5.0)

Teaching and learning strategies

Pre-class learning activities ensure the delivery of themed content in the form of written, audio or video material. These guide in-class activities that explore syllabus content to enhance the student experience. More specifically, Canvas will provide background information for the audio-visual module series, abbreviated notes for the modules, introduction videos for the tutorials and a tutorial manual.

Modules incorporate audio-visual resources and practical activities that link to content taught in class activities. Tutorials are guided by these Canvas modules and involve interactive, group-oriented and practical learning experiences. These collaborative active learning experiences use industry-relevant equipment to explore the syllabus content. Professional readings and internet site explorations promote self-directed enquiry into the syllabus topics.

Finally, practical classes incorporate content delivered by industry-based practitioners including staff with experience in high-performance sport. Such interactions provide students with expert knowledge and skills that will contribute to their development as an exercise scientist.

Content (topics)

  • Athlete health and wellness monitoring and screening
  • Assessment and development of muscular strength and power
  • Assessment and development of speed and agility
  • Assessment and development of flexibility and range of motion
  • Assessment and development of aerobic fitness
  • Resistance training for endurance, hypertrophy, strength and power
  • Planning training for performance
  • Appropriate methods of testing of physical capacity - understanding validity and reliability
  • Data collection, collation and analysis in Strength and Conditioning
  • Exercise prescription

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Fitness Assessment

Intent:

The assignment allows students to explore and develop the theoretical knowledge of designing a fitness assessment protocol and the practical skills in delivering a fitness assessment for a group of clients. The ability to conduct a fitness assessment is a professional practice standard within the scope of practice for the exercise scientist.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s):

A, B, C, D and E

This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s):

1.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0

Type: Laboratory/practical
Groupwork: Group, group assessed
Weight: 30%
Length:

Part A of this Assessment Task is limited to 3 pages and Part B is a 45-minute practical.

References must be provided within the 3-page limit. Websites are not allowed.

Assessment task 2: Client Profile and Exercise Program

Intent:

This assessment task aims to develop the students’ ability to integrate client profile information, fitness assessment results, program design and exercise prescription knowledge. Collectively, this information will be used to develop an evidence-informed client profile and exercise program that includes linking prescription design to expected adaptations.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s):

A, B, C and D

This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s):

1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0

Type: Project
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 40%
Length:

No more than 10 pages (not including Reference List).

Assessment task 3: Exercise Bank and Resistance Training Coaching Assessment

Intent:

This assessment task aims to develop experience and competency in delivering resistance training exercises to a client. Students will develop an exercise bank that will facilitate the development of their resistance training coaching skills. The students will also demonstrate these skills during a practical assessment.

Type: Laboratory/practical
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 30%
Length:

The duration of this practical assessment is 30 minutes.

Required texts

Haff G. & Triplett N.T. 2016, Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, 4th Edn, Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL.

Students are advised to acquire their own copy of this text. Copies of this text are available at the UTS library on closed reserve.

All additional readings, other than text books, will be available via links from within Canvas. The required preparatory activities for this subject will be advised on Canvas prior to any on campus tutorial or laboratory. Please complete the set preparatory activities prior to the class in the week required.

NB: It is essential that students complete all required preparatory activities. The required preparatory activities will be considered assumed knowledge for tutorial or laboratory classes and the examination.

References

Journals to consider using:
British Journal of Sports Medicine
European Journal of Applied Physiology
Exercise and Sports Science Review
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
Journal of Sports Science
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise
Sports Medicine

Websites to consider visiting:
Exercise Prescription: www.exrx.net
Gatorade Sport Science Institute: www.gssiweb.com
Peak Performance: www.pponline.co.uk
Sportscience: www.sportsci.org
Topend sports: www.topendsports.com

Other resources

UTS Student Centres
Building 10
Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Tel: 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887)

Details for student centres: www.uts.edu.au/current-students/contacts/general-contacts

For other resources/ information refer to the Faculty of Health website (www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-health) and Canvas at: https://canvas.uts.edu.au/.

UTS Library
The Library has a wide range of resources, facilities and services to support you including textbooks, subject readings, old exam papers, academic writing guides, health literature databases, workshops, a gaming room and bookable group study rooms. There is also a team of librarians to help you with all your questions.
W: lib.uts.edu.au, Facebook: utslibrary, Twitter: @utslibrary Tel: (02) 9514 3666

Improve your academic and English language skills
Marks for all assessment tasks such as assignments and examinations are given not only for what you write but also for how you write. If you would like the opportunity to improve your academic and English language skills, make an appointment with the HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support) Service in Student Services.

HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support)
HELPS provides assistance with English language proficiency and academic language. Students who need to develop their written and/or spoken English should make use of the free services offered by HELPS, including academic language workshops, vacation intensive courses, drop-in consultations, individual appointments and Conversations@UTS (www.ssu.uts.edu.au/helps). HELPS staff are also available for drop-in consultations at the UTS Library. Phone (02) 9514 9733

Please see www.uts.edu.au for additional information on other resources provided to students by UTS.

The Accessibility and Financial Assistance Service
The Accessibility Service can support students with disabilities, medical or mental health conditions, including temporary injuries (e.g., broken limbs). The Accessibility Service works with Academic Liaison Officers in each Faculty to provide ‘reasonable adjustments’ such as exam provisions, assistive technology, requests and strategies for managing your studies alongside your health condition. If you’re unsure whether you need assistance, we recommend getting in touch early and we can provide advice on how our service can assist you. Make an appointment with an Accessibility Consultant (AC) on +61 2 9514 1177 or Accessibility@uts.edu.au.

The Financial Assistance Service can assist you with financial aspects of life at university, including Centrelink information, tax returns and budgeting, interest-free student loans and grants to assist with course-related costs. Check eligibility and apply online and make an appointment on +61 2 9514 1177 or Financial.assistance@uts.edu.au.