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Course profile

Advanced Exercise Physiology (PHYL3732)

Study period
Sem 1 2025
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Human Movement & Nutrition Sci

Develop skills in reading, reporting and evaluating research on human physiological responses to exercise and training and to advance practical skills in major areas of measurement and programming.
This course had the previous code of HMST3732 which can be viewed in the archived area within the Course and Program site http://www.uq.edu.au/study/archive/index.html

This course will develop skills in reading, reporting and evaluating research on the physiological responses to exercise and training and significantly advance the acquisition of complex practical skills in exercise physiology. This is the core advanced level subject in exercise physiology that prepares students for further study, research and practice in exercise physiology.

Course requirements

Assumed background

Successfully completed courses in Physiology andᅠExercise Physiologyᅠ

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

HMST2730 or PHYL2730

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

HMST3732

Restrictions

BENS or BExSS or BExSS(Hons)

Course contact

Course coordinator

Professor Jeff Coombes

Course staff

Guest lecturer

Dr Shelley Keating
Dr Jenna Taylor
Dr Riley Brown
Dr Morgan Farley
Ms Naomi Ferstera
Ms Donna McCook

Facilitator

Mr Callum Davies
Mr Jordan Cabot
Ms Catherine Borgas

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Lectures: Lectures will be recorded and available to view via Blackboard. During weeks 1-3 there will be 2 x 50 minute lectures each week.ᅠAfter week 3 there will be 1 x 50 minute lecture followed by a Tutorial.

Tutorials: In tutorials, students will present a pre-selected research paper. There will usually be three presentations in each 50min tutorial session. Information presented in the tutorials will be examined during the final theory exam. Details of the available papers and times will be provided in week 1. Allocations will occur in week 2.

Formative Assessment Session: From week 3 (March 10) on Mondays between 12:00 - 2:00 pm in 26A-Room 243, you have the opportunity to practice your presentation with the course coordinator. Feedback will be provided to assist in improving the presentation.

Practicals: Students will learn how to independently conduct three technical skills: 1) VO2max test, 2) exercise electrocardiography (ECG) test and 3) a lactate threshold test. Each student must elect to attend one of these classes at the same time each week, for nine weeks. Students will rotate through each of the three technical skills (one skill per week - see schedule below). The first three practical sessions (over three weeks) will be dedicated to teaching each skill. This will followed by six weeks of student directed practice and revision of each skill. Students must attend each prac and will not be permitted to enter the lab unless wearing fully enclosed shoes and appropriate personal protective equipment where required (lab coat and glasses for lactate threshold testing).

Students will be examined on one of these skills (randomly selected) starting in Week 11.ᅠ


Week

Beginning

P1

Wed 8-11

P2

Thurs 9-12

P3

Thurs 12-3

1

Feb. 24

VO2max

VO2max

VO2max

2

March 3

Lact. Thresh.

Lact. Thresh.

Lact. Thresh.

3

March 10

ECG

ECG

ECG

4

March 17

VO2max

VO2max

VO2max

5

March 24

Lact. Thresh.

Lact. Thresh.

Lact. Thresh.

6

March 31

ECG

ECG

ECG

7

April 7

VO2max

VO2max

VO2max

8

April 14

Lact. Thresh.

Lact. Thresh.

Lact. Thresh.

 

April 21

Mid Semester Break

9

April 28

ECG

ECG

ECG

10

May 5

Practice Week

11

May 12

Practical Exams

12

May 19

Practical Exams

13

May 26

Re-sits (if required)

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Aims and outcomes

To develop independence, creativity and critical thought in the evaluation of research relating to the physiology of exercise. In addition, students will develop competency in three complex technical skills.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Analyse and communicate the latest exercise physiology research related to adaptations to acute and chronic exercise under normal conditions, in different environments, and by external influences (e.g. ergogenic aids, drugs or technologies) for health and sporting performance

LO2.

Analyse and communicate the latest exercise physiology research related to the relationships between physical activity and exercise with lifestyle-related diseases.

LO3.

Analyse and communicate the latest exercise physiology research to improve sporting performance.

LO4.

Critically analyse a scientific article in the field of exercise physiology and demonstrate advanced communication skills by delivering a clear and engaging verbal presentation, as well as designing a professional poster that effectively summarizes and visualizes the key findings and implications of the article

LO5.

Interpret and critically evaluate data presented in tables and figures within the context of exercise physiology, demonstrating the ability to extract meaningful insights, identify trends, and draw evidence-based conclusions.

LO6.

Critically assess the quality of research in advanced exercise physiology by evaluating study design, methodology, and reliability of findings to determine trustworthiness and applicability to practice.

LO7.

Recognise the following electrocardiographic rhythms and have the ability to outline an appropriate course of action when observed during a test: 1) Ectopy: atrial, junctional and ventricular, 2) Atrial fibrillation, 3) Atrial flutter, 4) Sinus block/arrest, 5) Atrioventricular blocks (1, 2, 3), 6) Bundle branch blocks, 7) Ventricular tachycardias and 8) Ventricular fibrillation and 9) Cardiac arrest.

LO8.

Successfully and professionally conduct a complex physiological test (VO2max, Lactate Threshold, Exercise ECG) and demonstrate an understanding of the physiological basis, terminology, application, assumptions, limitations, safety and protocol considerations of the test

LO9.

Demonstrate effective communication skills when the explaining the purpose, procedure and outcomes of a complex physiological test (VO2max, Lactate Threshold, Exercise ECG) to a client to support their understanding and progress

LO10.

Demonstrate an ability to discuss accuracy and limitations of instrumentation in the interpretation of a complex physiological test (VO2max, Lactate Threshold, Exercise ECG).

LO11.

Demonstrate an ability to obtain pre-exercise screening information and appraise risk using this information.

LO12.

Describe the environmental and procedural risk factors for adverse events occurring during exercise testing, and provide strategies to minimise the risks

LO13.

Describe emergency and first aid procedures in the event of an emergency within an exercise testing setting.

LO14.

Describe some of the medical complications and injuries that can arise during maximal exercise testing.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Presentation Oral Research Presentation and Poster
  • In-person
25% (Oral Presentation: 18%, Infographic and Multiple Choice Questions = 7%)

Oral Presentation: 18/03/2025 - 3/06/2025

Infographic and Multiple Choice Questions: Two teaching weeks after your scheduled oral presentation by 4:00pm.

Practical/ Demonstration Practical Exam
  • Hurdle
40%

12/05/2025 - 23/05/2025

The practical exam schedule will be available for viewing on Blackboard in Week 2.

Sign-on for practical exams will be made available on 07/03/2025 at the end of the lecture.

Examination Final Theory Exam
  • Hurdle
35%

End of Semester Exam Period

7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Oral Research Presentation and Poster

  • In-person
Mode
Activity/ Performance, Oral
Category
Presentation
Weight
25% (Oral Presentation: 18%, Infographic and Multiple Choice Questions = 7%)
Due date

Oral Presentation: 18/03/2025 - 3/06/2025

Infographic and Multiple Choice Questions: Two teaching weeks after your scheduled oral presentation by 4:00pm.

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07

Task description

You will be required to present a research article and construct an infographic summarising the article and create and submit musltiple choice questions based on the article. You have the option of completing this assessment item (oral presentation and Infographic + Multiple Choice Questions) individually or with a partner.

The specific assessment criteria for the oral presentation and Infographic + Multiple Choice Questions are available on Blackboard.

Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT)

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

  • You have the option of completing this assessment item (oral presentation and infographic+multiple choice questions) individually or with a partner.
  • If you wish to complete this assessment item with a partner then one member of the pair needs to email the course coordinator (jcoombes@uq.edu.au) and let him know who your partner will be. You will need to cc in your partner to the email so they are aware of the request. This needs to be done before 28/02/2025 at 5:00 pm.
  • If you are not in any of the submitted pairs you will complete the assessment item (oral presentation and poster) with a partner (you will be assigned a partner). Each individual or pair will be allocated a different letter. (A, B, C...) Your letter will be provided to you before the Week 2 Tuesday Session.
  • The pair or individual should prioritise the research articles they wish to present.
  • At the second session a lottery will be held with letters randomly selected. When your/your pair’s letter is drawn out you will be asked to select one of the articles to present. If a pair/person is not present they will be allocated an article at the end of the session.

Oral Presentation

  • You/your pair will present the research article in the allocated tutorial (see "Learning Activities”).
  • More details to assist with this assessment task will be made available in Topic 4.
  • You have the opportunity to practice your presentation (formative assessment session) on Mondays (12-2PM) in 26A-243 with the course coordinator from week 3.

Infographic + Multiple Choice Questions

  • In addition, the pair will be required to create an infographic that summarises the research article and create and submit three multiple choice questions based on the article. A selection of these multiple choice questions will be used on the final theory exam. 
  • The infographic+Multiple Choice Questions will be due two University weeks after the oral presentation (before 4PM on Tuesday). Mid-semester break week is not counted as a University week (e.g. students presenting 2 weeks before mid semester break will have their infographic+Multiple Choice Questions due on the Tuesday after mid semester break. For students presenting on the Tuesday before mid semester break, the infographic+Multiple Choice Questions will be due on the second Tuesday after mid semester break). .
  • Only one copy of the infographic and one copy of the multiple choice questions need to be submitted via Turn-it-in on Blackboard (i.e. if you are in a pair then only one person needs to submit). A hard copy is not required to be submitted.
  • The specific assessment criteria for this assessment item are on Blackboard.
  • More details to assist with this assessment task will be made available in Topic 4
Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

Oral Presentation: You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.

Infographic + Multiple Choice Questions: 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.

Practical Exam

  • Hurdle
Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Practical/ Demonstration
Weight
40%
Due date

12/05/2025 - 23/05/2025

The practical exam schedule will be available for viewing on Blackboard in Week 2.

Sign-on for practical exams will be made available on 07/03/2025 at the end of the lecture.

Learning outcomes
L08, L09, L10, L12, L13, L14

Task description

Students will be examined on one of the lab skills (eg., lactate testing, ECG or VO2max) learned during the practical sessions in Weeks 1-9.

Students will be able to practice these skills during the Open Lab Practice Sessions in Week 10.

The skill you will be examined one will be randomly selected at the time of the exam.

Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT)

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.

Hurdle requirements

This is a must-pass assessment item. If you do not pass, you will be allowed 1 re-sit attempt. If you pass the exam during the re-sit, you can only achieve a percentage of 50% for this assessment item. If you do not pass the re-sit attempt, the highest grade you can receive for this course is a 3, and you will be required to apply for a supplementary practical exam, if eligible (i.e. must achieve a grade of 3).

Submission guidelines

Completed in-person.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Your deferred exam date and time will be determined by the course coordinator and communicated to you via your UQ student email account.

Late submission

You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.

Final Theory Exam

  • Hurdle
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
35%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L05, L07, L11, L12, L13, L14

Task description

Knowledge based exam containing multiple choice questions.

The questions will cover material from the lecture, practicals and tutorial sessions (including the research articles presented).

Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT)

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Hurdle requirements

Students must successfully complete this assessment to pass this course.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 120 minutes
Calculator options

Any calculator permitted

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 - 24

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: This grade is awarded when the summation of all marks from all assessment items completed gives a percentage of the maximum score that is between 0 and 24%.

2 (Fail) 25 - 44

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: This grade is awarded when the summation of all marks from all assessment items completed gives a percentage of the maximum score that is between 25ᅠand 44%.

3 (Marginal Fail) 45 - 49

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: This grade is awarded when the summation of all marks from all assessment items completed gives a percentage of the maximum score that is betweenᅠ45 and 49%.

4 (Pass) 50 - 64

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: This grade is awarded when the summation of all marks from all assessment items completed gives a percentage of the maximum score that is between 50 and 64%.

5 (Credit) 65 - 74

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: This grade is awarded when the summation of all marks from all assessment items completed gives a percentage of the maximum score that is betweenᅠ65 and 74%.

6 (Distinction) 75 - 84

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: This grade is awarded when the summation of all marks from all assessment items completed gives a percentage of the maximum score that is betweenᅠ75 and 84%.

7 (High Distinction) 85 - 100

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: This grade is awarded when the summation of all marks from all assessment items completed gives a percentage of the maximum score that is between 85 and 100%.

Additional course grading information

A final percentage mark will be rounded to the nearest whole number (e.g., 64.50 and above will be rounded to 65 and 64.49 and below will be rounded down to 64.

This course contains ‘must pass’ assessment items, specifically the Practical Exam and Final Theory Exam. Students must pass these assessment items to pass the course overall, i.e. even if your final percentage mark is 50% or higher, if the individual ‘must pass’ assessment items are not passed, a student cannot achieve a grade higher than a 3.

If you do not pass the Practical Exam, you will be allowed 1 re-sit attempt. If you pass the exam during the re-sit, you can only achieve a percentage of 50% for this assessment item. If you do not pass the re-sit attempt, the highest grade you can receive for this course is a 3, and you will be required to apply for a supplementary practical exam, if eligible (i.e. must achieve a grade of 3).

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

WHAT TO DO IF:

I’ve missed a compulsory practical?

Students are permitted to miss zero (0) practicals for PHYL3732 without receiving approval, as the content and skills explored during practicals is examinable in the Practical Exam.ᅠ

Please follow the process for absences (below) as soon as you possibly know that you will be absent from a practical. The earlier we are made aware, the easier it is to make alternative arrangements.

If you are unable to attend your practical class for medical or extenuating circumstances, you are required to complete an absentee form and email the form as soon as possible to the course coordinator (Jeff Coombes jcoombes@uq.edu.au) no later than two (2) calendar days after the date of the original class was held. You must submit supporting documentation along with your request. Please review the information listed on the medical or extenuating circumstances page for information about acceptable supporting documentation.

If you miss a practical class and do not have a medical or extenuating circumstance (or are unable to provide supporting documentation), you will need to wait until the next practical class for that skill to ask your instructor to help you make up the skills from the missed week.

Recording of Assessment:

Assessment Procedure

When a student is required to complete an oral or practical assessment item worth 20% or more, the performance will be recorded and retained as per Appendix 1 as the official recording of the item for re-mark purposes.

Recordings will be stored in a secure manner and will only be accessed for the purposes of:

i. moderation of marking

ii. provision of feedback to the student(s) recorded; and/or

iii. re-marking following a successful re-mark application.

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

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Other course materials

Recommended

Item Description Further Requirement
Textbook Coombes J and Skinner T, ESSA's Student Manual for Health, Exercise and Sport Assessment. 2nd Edition. Elsevier 2022 ISBN: 9780729542692.

Additional learning resources information


Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Tutorial

Student Presentations

Articles 2b, 3a, 3b

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07

Tutorial

Student Presentations

Articles 12a, 12b, 13a

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07

Week 1

(24 Feb - 02 Mar)

Lecture

Course Introduction

Learning outcomes: L04

Lecture

Topic 1

Maximal Aerobic Power (Jeff Coombes)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14

Week 2

(03 Mar - 09 Mar)

Lecture

Topic 2

Exercise Thresholds (Jeff Coombes)

Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13

Lecture

Topic 3

Resting and Exercise Electrocardiography (online pre-recorded presentation Michael Lehane)

Learning outcomes: L01, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14

Week 3

(10 Mar - 16 Mar)

Lecture

Topic 4

Quality in Research and Presenting Original Investigations (Jeff Coombes)

Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06

Week 4

(17 Mar - 23 Mar)

Tutorial

Student Presentations

Articles 1a, 1b, 2a

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07

Week 5

(24 Mar - 30 Mar)

Lecture

Topic 5

Exercise and Body Composition (Shelley Keating)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Lecture

Topic 7

Optimising Exercise Training in Chronic Disease (Jeff Coombes)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 6

(31 Mar - 06 Apr)

Lecture

Topic 6

Exercise for Vascular Health (Jenna Taylor)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Lecture

Topic 8

Blood Flow Restricted Exercise (Riley Brown)

Learning outcomes: L01, L03

Tutorial

Student Presentations

Articles 4a, 5a, 5b

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07

Week 7

(07 Apr - 13 Apr)

Lecture

Topic 9

Responders and Non Responders (Jeff Coombes)

Learning outcomes: L01, L03

Tutorial

Student Presentations

Articles 6a, 6b, 7a

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07

Week 8

(14 Apr - 20 Apr)

Lecture

Topic 10.

Fitness and Fatness (Jeff Coombes)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Tutorial

Student Presentations

Articles 7b, 8a, 8b

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07

Week 9

(28 Apr - 04 May)

Lecture

Topic 11

Exercise Oncology (Morgan Farley)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Tutorial

Student Presentations

Articles 9a, 9b, 10a

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07

Week 10

(05 May - 11 May)

Lecture

Topic 12

Exercise and Anti-Obesity Medications (Donna McCook)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Tutorial

Student Presentations

Articles 10b, 11a, 11b

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07

Week 11

(12 May - 18 May)

Lecture

Topic 13

Exercise for Cognitive Health (Naomi Ferstera)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 12

(19 May - 25 May)

Lecture

Topic 14

Exercise, Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants (Jeff Coombes

Learning outcomes: L01, L03

Tutorial

Student Presentations

Articles 13b, 14a, 14b

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07

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:

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:

School guidelines

Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: