96301 High Performance Science
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 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksThere are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject examines the role that science and evidence-based practice plays in enhancing human performance, in high performance settings. A distinctive feature of the subject is its focus on developing student’s knowledge, decision-making and applied research skills required to plan and deliver evidence-based interventions for athletes to enhance health and performance. There is a strong focus on preparing graduates with relevant practical skills that are used by high performance sport practitioners. Students will be taught to translate advanced concepts to professional practice through the application of critical thinking, independent learning and effective communication.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| A. | Demonstrate capacity to understand and solve real-world practical problems |
|---|---|
| B. | Demonstrate an individualized and contextualized approach in the application of evidence-based practice in high performance sport |
| C. | Design, deliver and interpret safe and effective interventions for an athlete, team or other service users, in a collaborative manner with medical, allied health and coaching staff |
| D. | Evaluate both the demands of high-performance sport, and athlete capabilities |
| E. | Formulate specific development goals to improve performance for both individuals and groups within multidisciplinary sports settings |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:
- Translate ongoing personal and professional development into practice through research, critical thinking, and reflection. (1.1)
- Synthesise expert knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems in high performance sport, guided by evidence-informed practice. (2.1)
- Apply leadership through interdisciplinary communication and collaboration in the field of high performance sport. (2.2)
- Model socially-responsible, legal, and ethical behaviour within interdisciplinary high performance sport environments. (3.1)
- Critically reflect on personal and professional contexts to develop culturally safe work practices to work for and with Indigenous Australians in a high performance sport. (4.1)
Teaching and learning strategies
Learning in this subject is designed to place students at the centre of the learning experience, in part through the use of a range of modes and activities. Four online modules will form the foundations of the subject.
The subject content will be delivered in the online platform Canvas. In order to be prepared for the planned collaborative activities and to keep on top the subject workload, students are encouraged to engage with the content on at least a weekly basis. The class will receive weekly feedback directly from the subject coordinator on activities and topics from that week. Content will remain available past the specific delivery week, however students will get more out of the subject if they work consistently on a week-to-week basis rather than leaving it all to the end of the session.
Students will be required to communicate information and demonstrate their understanding in a variety of formats, including written and verbal forms, often incorporating technology via online tools.
Throughout the subject, teaching and learning strategies will also foster the development of self-discovery/self-directed learning skills, as well as critical thinking skills. They will challenge students to consider how they can apply learnt concepts to real-world environments. Assessment tasks are designed to enable students to demonstrate application of what they have learned, with individual feedback provided following each of the three assessment tasks.
Content (topics)
Module 1: Foundations of HP Science
- What is High Performance?
- Defining the work of a high-performance scientist
- Clinical decision making
- Innovation in High Performance science
Module 2: Models of Human Performance
- Models of sport performance
- Models of fatigue
- Models of training and adaptation
Module 3: Monitoring Training and Adaptation
- Periodisation models
- Monitoring training load, training response and integrated athlete monitoring
Module 4: Maximising training adaptations
- Targeting training adaptations
- Environmental exposure
- Integrated periodisation
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Research report
| Intent: | The intent of this two-part task is that students will learn how to assess the quality of information that exists to support decision making when providing new interventions to high performance athletes. Students will also learn to evaluate the opinions of expert practitioners, as well as how to develop and provide a graded recommendation on the suitability of new interventions. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B and C This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): .1, 2.2 and 3.1 |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 1500 words |
Assessment task 2: Poster Presentation - Targeting Training Interventions to Performance Models
| Intent: | At the end of this assessment the student will be able to identify validated models of sports performance and use these to guide the development of targeted interventions for high performance athletes. It will also develop the student’s ability to effectively articulate complex models to diverse stakeholders. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, C and D This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): .2, 2.1 and 3.1 |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 4 x A4 pages, minimum font size 10 |
Assessment task 3: High-Performance Training Camp Design and Presentation
| Intent: | The intent of this task is for students to develop, evaluate and communicate a training camp plan that meets the performance goals of individuals / groups in a high-performance setting. The presentation and effective communication of training plans to various stakeholders is an essential skill for high performance sport practitioners - this task will provide students with the opportunity to further develop these skills. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B, D and E This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 and 4.1 |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 15 min Presentation; 10 min question time |
Other resources
UTS Student Centre
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.