Course coordinator
Associate Professor Sjaan Gomersall
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Health & Rehab Sci School
This course will provide students with background knowledge relating to the place of exercise in maintaining health and well-being as well as in the prevention and management of disability. Testing procedures and models of therapeutic exercise and their relation to skill acquisition will be introduced.
This course introduces students to the principles and practice of exercise prescription within physiotherapy practice. It exposes students to different types of exercises, focussing on those prescribed by physiotherapists, to optimise client health and performance. It exposes students to foundation exercise prescription, as well as a range of assessments used by physiotherapists to assess a client's baseline performance across multiple parameters of physical capacity as well as evaluate the effectiveness of prescribed exercise programs. This course facilitates a deep understanding of how to select exercises and manipulate variables to design safe, client-centred,ﾠgoal-oriented exercise programs across the spectrum of health, wellbeing and the lifespan to produce optimal physiological adaptations and participation in everyday life. Students will develop communication and practical skills needed to design and teach safe and effective exercise programs to clients. The course includes theoretical and practical application of promotion of health and well-being,ﾠskill acquisition, facilitation of movement, goal setting, teaching exercise to individuals and groups, management of and delegation of tasks related to exercise supervision to appropriate members of the health care team, aquatic exercise and exercise program design. The course will be conducted in themes including Physical Activity and Exercise for Health, Exercise Testing and Prescription for the Cardiovascular System and Exercise Testing and Prescription for the Neuro-Musculoskeletal Systems. PHTY1221 places an emphasis on skill development that optimises safety and minimises risk when carrying out all duties related to client management. You will also undertake an observational placement related to exercise. Observational experiences allow you to interact with physiotherapists and other health professionals, observe clients being assessed and completing exercise programs and develop a greater understanding of a workplace environment. This observation placement has been designed to equip you with a contextual appreciation of the knowledge you will be obtaining in this course.
Course requirements
Assumed background
All PHTY coded courses prior to this semester.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ANAT1020, BIOL1007, PHTY1110
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
PHTY1220
Restrictions
BPhty(Hons)
Course contact
Lecturer
Associate Professor Sjaan Gomersall
Course staff
Lecturer
Adjunct Professor Stan Steindl
Tutor
Mr Damo McClymont
Mrs Kaylea Burns
Miss Amy Fagan
Ms Jennifer Oakley
Ms Erin Flatman
Placement coordinator
Miss Amy Fagan
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
A detailed Course Outline is available on Blackboard.ﾠ
This courseﾠhas a series of online lectures which students should view weekly, and before their practical session. There is x1, 2 hour practical class each week (or equivalent).ﾠThis will mostly be conducted in person on campus at St Lucia,ﾠwhere tutors will be available toﾠanswer questions,ﾠobserve students performing techniques and provide individualised feedback. There are 3 practicals, an observation visit to a clinical practice, a practical that needs to be conducted in a gym environment and a hydrotherapy practical which are conducted outside of the standard timetable - students will be provided with options and asked to 'sign on' to their preferred option (on a first come, first serve basis). It is expected that students have revised the relevant practical material (lecture content/videos/practical notes) before the practical.ﾠDetails of expectations and content covered each week is provided on Blackboard.
Students should schedule time each weekﾠfor self study and physical practice of the techniques covered in the course. It isﾠessentialﾠto keep up with the intensive nature of the course.
Aims and outcomes
The aims of this course are to enable the student to:
- Design safe and effective, client-centred, goal-specific exercise programs for clients of diverse backgrounds.
- Integrate knowledge, creativity, communication and problem solving skills in exercise testing and prescription.
- Understand basic biological adaptations to exercise and the effect of these changes on health and well-being.
- Become an effective instructor in exercise testing and prescription.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe the acute and chronic biological adaptations that occur with participation in exercise and physical activity.
LO2.
Apply the 24-Hour movement behaviour guidelines, including physical activity and sedentary behaviour, to promote health and wellbeing.
LO3.
Perform assessments to evaluate exercise capacity.
LO4.
Interpret findings of assessment and use results to design and progress safe and effective exercise programs for individuals across the lifespan and spectrum of health and wellbeing.
LO5.
Teach exercises using a range of instructional strategies appropriate to client needs.
LO6.
Analyse exercise performance and provide feedback to clients to improve technique and outcomes.
LO7.
Demonstrate client-centred care and safety in exercise assessment and prescription.
LO8.
Reflect on your experiences with exercise and physical activity to explore new knowledge, challenge assumptions, identify client-centred practices, and consider how these influence your approach to physiotherapy practice.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflection |
Observation Placement Reflection
|
15% |
28/07/2025 - 31/10/2025
Submitted via Turnitin on Blackboard |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
In Semester Practical Exam Cardiovascular System
|
20% (MUST PASS) |
27/08/2025
Practical examination will be within normal scheduled course hours. |
| Examination, Practical/ Demonstration |
End of Semester Practical Exam
|
30% (MUST PASS) |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
| Examination |
End of Semester Theory Exam
|
35% (MUST PASS) |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
Assessment details
Observation Placement Reflection
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
28/07/2025 - 31/10/2025
Submitted via Turnitin on Blackboard
- Other conditions
- Work integrated learning.
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
Students will be asked to answer a series of reflective questions that will be based on their observation placement experience. The reflection will be due one week after your observation placement. E.g., if your placement is on a Tuesday, your reflection will be due on the following Tuesday, at 2pm.
Specific questions and a submission template will be provided on Blackboard. The assignment will be submitted via Turnitin on Blackboard.
Under no circumstances should identifiable clinical information be uploaded to open or external AI platforms, as it is unethical and irresponsible. Given this assessment is related to a placement with clinical information please see more information on use of AI in student placements under additional assessment information.
Submission guidelines
Turnitin
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
In Semester Practical Exam Cardiovascular System
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 20% (MUST PASS)
- Due date
27/08/2025
Practical examination will be within normal scheduled course hours.
- Other conditions
- Secure.
Task description
During this practical examination you will be required to assess the cardiovacular exercise capacity of a naïve client with deficits and/or goals pertaining specifically to the cardiovascular system. All practical skills and theoretical knowledge from the course relating to the cardiovascular system will be examinable. This practical examination will be conducted as a role play in which you will assess the cardiovascular exercise capacity of a student acting as a client with a specific cardiovascular exercise goal and/or deficit. The examination will consist of 1 x 8 minute station. The overall pass mark for this assessment task is 55%.
The Practical examination will be within normal scheduled course hours. A detailed timetable with student's individual exam times will be provided on Blackboard in the CV Practical Exam Folder in the Assessment section.
Practical examinations will be scheduled on-campus in a face-to-face format.
In this course the recording of an assessment (oral/practical) performance has been waived, a record of student performance will be taken by other means such as audio recording or detailed written notes that can be referred to if a remark is required at a later date.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
End of Semester Practical Exam
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Examination, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 30% (MUST PASS)
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Secure.
Task description
This end of semester practical examination will assess your ability to apply practical knowledge, understanding and skills that you have gained in exercise prescription in this course. During this exam you will be required to assess exercise ability and prescribe exercises to naïve clients with deficits and/or goals pertaining specifically to the neuro-musculoskeletal systems. This examination will also include proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). All practical skills and theoretical knowledge from the course relating to the neuro-musculoskeletal systems will be examinable. This practical examination will be conducted as a role play in which you will assess exercise ability and prescribe exercises to a student acting as a client with a specific exercise goal and/or deficit. The examination will consist of 3 x 6-minute stations (one each for musculoskeletal, PNF and sensorimotor), with duration of exam time for each student totalling approximately 30 minutes. In addition, you will be asked to act as a patient for a peer for their stations (total of approximately 20 minutes). The overall pass mark for this assessment task is 55%.
Practical examinations will be scheduled on-campus in a face-to-face format, during the central examination period.
In this course the recording of an assessment (oral/practical) performance has been waived, a record of student performance will be taken by other means such as audio recording or detailed written notes that can be referred to if a remark is required at a later date.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 30 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
End of Semester Theory Exam
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 35% (MUST PASS)
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Secure.
Task description
This examination assesses your understanding and your ability to apply knowledge and clinical reasoning/problem solving skills that you have gained in the theoretical and practical components of the course. This theory examination will consist of short answer questions, problem solving and reflections. In some instances these questions will be related to a specific case example / scenario. The overall pass mark for this assessment task is 55%.
This exam will be closed book and will be administered in-person on campus.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 34 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 0 - 34%. |
| 2 (Fail) | 35 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 35 - 44%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 54 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 45 - 54%. A grade of 3 will be awarded to a student who achieves a final mark of 55% or higher but who does not pass the 'must pass' assessment items noted below. |
| 4 (Pass) | 55 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 55 - 64% and has passed the 'must pass' assessment items noted below. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 65 - 74% and has passed the 'must pass' assessment items noted below. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 75 - 84% and has passed the 'must pass' assessment items noted below. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 85 - 100% and has passed the 'must pass' assessment items noted below. |
Additional course grading information
Final marks falling between whole percentages will be rounded to the nearest whole percentage. Tie-breaking will be conducted using the round half up method whereby half-way values are always rounded up, meaning, for example, that 89.5% and above will be rounded to 90% and 89.49% and below will be rounded down to 89%.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This course contains ‘must pass’ assessment items, as follows: Practical Examination - Cardiovascular System, End of Semester Written Exam, and End of Semester Practical Exam.ﾠYou must pass theseﾠitemsﾠto pass this course overall, i.e. even if your final percentage mark is 55% or higher the individual ‘must pass’ assessment items must have been passed.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Resubmission/Resit of Assessment Itemsﾠ
The School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences supports the concept of resubmission or resitting of failed assessment items in specific and defined circumstances. In this course, the Practical Examination of the Cardiovascular System (In-Semester) is eligible for consideration of the resitﾠoption if the assessment item was completedﾠon time.
After resit, the maximum result is a pass mark for that assessment component. Students who are granted a resitﾠfor an assessment item and do not attend on the scheduled date will not be permitted to reschedule the assessment.
Deferred exams
Students may be eligible for a deferred exam if there are exceptional or unavoidable circumstances, or as a one-off discretionary request. Deferred exam requests should be submitted as soon as possible, and no later than five calendar days after the date of the original exam.
Further details, including how to apply, can be found at -ﾠhttps://my.uq.edu.au/node/189/0#0. Please also email the Course Coordinator to advise of the deferred exam request.
Submitting assessment in Blackboard and Turnitin
When assessment is submitted throughﾠBlackboardﾠyou will receive a confirmation page as a digital receipt.ﾠThis information will also be sent to your student e-mail account.ﾠPlease ensure you keep this email.
When assessment is submitted throughﾠTurnitinﾠyou will receive a confirmation page displaying “Submission Complete!” and can then proceed to download your digital receiptﾠfrom yourﾠAssignment inbox.ﾠIt is suggested that you save a copy of the receipt for your personal records.
Instructions on how to submit assignments through Blackboard and Turnitin are available at:ﾠhttps://web.library.uq.edu.au/library-services/it/learnuq-blackboard-help/learnuq-assessment. Please review this information so you understand how to successfully submit your assessment items.
Other Assessment Information
In practical examinations, safety is a pass/fail component. Students who demonstrate unsafe practices will automatically be failed in this assessment task.
Where an assessment item requires the student to "List 'x' number" of responses (for example,ﾠ"List 4ﾠcontraindications" to a specified technique)ﾠonly the first 'x' responses listed by the student will be assessed. Any further responses listed will not be assessed.
Use of AI in Student Placements or assessment with direct client contact
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (e.g., ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Claude) is increasingly used in society. In terms of clinical placements, students are not permitted to use AI unless explicitly indicated by the provider that this use is permitted, and the parameters of use are clear. If these are not explicit, students are expected to consult with their practice educators before implementation to determine the acceptability of generative AI use and ensure that any potential risks associated with the intended use are addressed. AI is not a replacement of, or substitute for, professional reasoning or clinical skills. Human oversight is essential in its use, and to employ generative AI effectively and responsibly, students must understand how AI works, including its functions, data storage methods, and its impact on adherence to professional codes of conduct.
If used on placement, students are responsible for any outputs generated by AI, such as clinical notes and reports, and will be held accountable for the actions of any AI that is used in clinical practice. This responsibility includes ensuring adherence to the relevant profession's code of conduct and ethical standards. Transparency about generative AI use is essential in placement environments. Students must follow the relevant policies and procedures of their placement provider. Students are reminded that they need to demonstrate their ability to meet the inherent requirements of the relevant profession, operate within its scope of practice, and ensure that client/patient privacy and confidentiality are maintained at all times. Under no circumstances should identifiable clinical information be uploaded to open or external AI platforms, as it is unethical and irresponsible.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Further information and additional resources are located on the course Blackboard site (http://blackboard.elearning.uq.edu.au).
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Practical |
Principles of Exercise Prescription Weekly practical classes will enable students to experience exercise and to apply knowledge and skills for the assessment and prescription of exercise for the cardiovascular and neuro-musculoskeletal systems. |
Lecture |
Principles of Exercise Prescription This lecture series will be organised around three topics: (1) Physical activity and exercise for health, (2) Assessment and Exercise for the Cardiovascular System and (3) Assessment and Exercise for the Neuro-Musculoskeletal systems. |
Additional learning activity information
Two practicals (observation placement and hydrotherapy practical) will be conducted off campus and off timetable (to accomodate our external providers). Detailed information will be provided on Blackboard.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
- Work Integrated Learning and Work Experience
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: