Course coordinator
Mr Jarred Parkes
Please email Jarred to organise a specific time to discuss your progress with this course.ﾠ
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Human Movement & Nutrition Sci
Coaches, athletes, and sport administrators now recognise that physical talent alone does not guarantee success. It is the "mental game" that often differentiates performers, especially at the elite level. The role of a high performance coach has evolved beyond instruction in technical, tactical, and physical skills to that which now includes the application of psychological principles to enhancing performance. In this course, students are introduced to the field of performance psychology and will become knowledgeable in training, practice, and research skills that will enable them to get the best out of themselves and others. There is emphasis on both theoretical understanding and personal practice in developing the student's knowledge and application of areas including: learning styles; basic neuroscience; emotion and emotional intelligence; leadership; performance culture; passion; mindset; solution-focused coaching; mindfulness; and acceptance-commitment therapy. With the primary focus of this course being applied in nature, a core outcome of this unit is the development of an individualised program that can be readily implemented into the student's current or future practice. Each seminar has a lecture component and an experiential learning component, which requires students to evaluate each topic in relation to their own personal life experiences and to participate in group discussion and coaching practice.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Acceptance into the Master of Sport Coaching (MSportCoach) program.
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
SPCG7008 or PSYC2000 or equivalent
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Mr Jarred Parkes
Timetable
Additional timetable information
As SPCG7023 Performance Psychology for Coaches is an online course administered by Blackboard, the course timetable is not applicable. Please consult the subheadings in the course profile for information on seminar topics and deadlines for assessment pieces.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of advanced psychological skills and attributes, and their application in a coaching context.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate the ability to clearly convey ideas about psychological theories and applied practice relevant to elite performance in sport.
LO2.
Demonstrate the ability to critically reflect upon personal development as a coach as well as coaching practices.
LO3.
Demonstrate the ability to retrieve, analyse, synthesise, and critically evaluate information.
LO4.
Select strategies and approaches to establish, integrate, and manage a performance psychology program in a coaching environment.
LO5.
Demonstrate an understanding of the role that psycho-social variables play in enhancing performance.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution |
Contribution to online discussions
|
20% |
24/02/2025 - 20/06/2025 |
| Portfolio |
Portfolio of Seminar Summaries
|
40% (5 x summaries worth 8% each) |
3/03/2025 - 30/05/2025
Each summary is due Monday 1:00 pm at the end of the two-week period corresponding with that seminar topic. If the due date falls on a public holiday, please submit by 1:00 pm on the Tuesday instead. |
| Essay/ Critique |
Final Essay
|
40% |
16/06/2025 1:00 pm |
Assessment details
Contribution to online discussions
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
24/02/2025 - 20/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
A regular and constructive contribution to the online discussion of seminars is considered a key element of the learning process in SPCG7023. Accordingly, both the frequency and the quality of student contributions will be noted across the semester. To be successful in completing this assessment task students will strive to reply to requested discussion threads, interact with posts from their peers, and respond with applied reflections of practice.
Submission guidelines
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.
Extensions are limited due to the sequential nature of progressing through topics.
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.
Portfolio of Seminar Summaries
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Portfolio
- Weight
- 40% (5 x summaries worth 8% each)
- Due date
3/03/2025 - 30/05/2025
Each summary is due Monday 1:00 pm at the end of the two-week period corresponding with that seminar topic. If the due date falls on a public holiday, please submit by 1:00 pm on the Tuesday instead.
- Other conditions
- Longitudinal.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Comprehensive summaries of your choice of 5 of the 6 seminars. Summaries are to include: i) an overview of the seminar and reading content, ii) reflections on how the content may be applied to your current coaching practice, iii) reflections on how the content may be applied to your own personal development, iv) creation and critical analysis of practical ways of implementing seminar content.
Submission guidelines
To be submitted via the relevant Turnitin submission portal on the course Blackboard site.
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.
Extensions are limited due to the sequential nature of progressing through topics.
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.
Final Essay
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
16/06/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
A final essay (2500 words, excluding references) is to be submitted at the end of the course. The final essay will involve: i) the identification and detailing of a key scenario in your coaching practice and how you have previously addressed this scenario, ii) the use of 1 (in-depth), or 2-3 seminar topics applied to the scenario to better understand and address the scenario, and iii) justification and critical analysis of your plan of action including your desired and expected outcomes, perceived challenges, possible ways of overcoming challenges, and ways to evaluate the effectiveness of your plan of action.
Submission guidelines
To be submitted via the relevant Turnitin submission portal on the course Blackboard site.
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
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.
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: Fails to satisfy most or all of the basic requirements of the course |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to satisfy some of the basic requirements of the course. Clear deficiencies in performance, but evidence that some basic requirements have been met |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Fails to satisfy all basic requirement for pass but is close to satisfactory overall and has compensating strengths in some aspects |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Satisfies all of the basic learning requirements for the course, such as knowledge of fundamental concepts and performance of basic skills; demonstrates sufficient quality of performance to be considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in the course |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates ability to use and apply fundamental concepts and skills of the course, going beyond mere replication of content knowledge or skill to show understanding of key ideas, awareness of their relevance, some use of analytical skills, and some originality or insight |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates awareness and understanding of deeper and subtler aspects of the course, such as ability to identify and debate critical issues or problems, ability to solve non-routine problems, ability to adapt and apply ideas to new situations, and ability to invent and evaluate new ideas |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates imagination, originality or flair, based on proficiency in all the learning objectives for the course; work is interesting, surprising, exciting, challenging or erudite |
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.)
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT)
The assessment tasks in this course have been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
What is Turnitin
Turnitin is an electronic assignment submission tool. The tool provides your Course Coordinator with:
· a record of the exact submission time of an assignment
· an originality report indicating the percentage of your work that is an exact match of existing materials within the Turnitin database.
Instructions on how to submit an assignment using Turnitin are located on the UQ Library website
Submit your Turnitin assignment - Library Guide
Note:
When submitting, to check that you have chosen the correct file on the Preview Submission page and click on the Submit to Turnitin button. ﾠ
Remember to download your digital receipt in your Assignment inbox to confirm successful submission.
If a submission cannot be successfully completed, email a copy of the assessment task to the Course Administrator. For contact details refer to Course Contact section of the Course Profile.
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
How much study is required?
This course is worth 2 units and has been designed for the average student to spend approximately 10 hours per week reading, reflecting, and communicating (i.e., written, verbal) about the course, its content as per the online tutorials, and assessment activities.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Seminar |
Introduction to SPCG7023 & Reflective Practice I Students are introduced to "performance psychology" and reflective practice, and provided with an overview of the course including topic stream and assessment information. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 4 |
Seminar |
Reflective Practice II & Intro to Neuroscience Brain basics, neuroplasticity, neural integration, and awareness. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 6 |
Seminar |
Mindset and Personality personality narratives; task vs. ego-orientated learning, fixed vs. flexible mindsets Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 8 |
Seminar |
Values, Leadership, & Culture defining and discovering values, leadership models, and culture Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 10 |
Seminar |
Motivation Self-determination theory, coach behaviours, and the performance environment. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 10 To Week 12 |
Seminar |
Emotion understanding emotion in the performance context Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 12 To Revision week |
Seminar |
Coach as Performer mechanisms supporting ongoing coach performance Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
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 - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: