These inherent requirements apply to the following courses:

  • Bachelor of High Performance Sport
  • Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science
  • Bachelor of Physical Activity and Health Science
  • Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science
  • Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Exercise Science
  • Bachelor of Exercise Science/Bachelor of Applied Public Health
  • Bachelor of Exercise Science/Bachelor of Business Administration
  • Bachelor of Exercise Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science

Australian Catholic University and the School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Exercise Science (EXSC) discipline strongly supports the right of all people to pursue studies in Exercise Science.

Inherent requirements are the essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the abilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of the course or unit, while preserving the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment and accreditation processes. The inherent requirements are the abilities, knowledge and skills needed to complete the course that must be met by all students.

Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.

The School is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, professional practice and other activities to enable students to participate in their course. Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the inherent requirement.

Students are required to undertake compulsory internal and external work placements which reflect the Exercise Science context which may include mixed gender, religious and culturally diverse environments. For further information contact your Course Co-ordinator.

The Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science at ACU meets requirements for graduates to become Accredited members of Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA).

To support prospective and current students’ decision making, a series of inherent requirements statements have been developed. These statements specify the essential skills, knowledge and abilities required for each of the Exercise Science degrees. Students should use this information to make informed decisions about their chosen course of study. The statements are clustered under 11 domains consisting of ethical behaviour, behavioural stability, legal, communication, cognition, reflective skills, relational skills, sensory ability, strength and mobility, information and communication technologies and sustainable performance.

The inherent requirements outlined below provide a guide to inform decision making for students and staff.

If you are intending to enrol in an Exercise Science degree, you should look at these inherent requirements statements and think about whether you may experience challenges in meeting these requirements.

If you think you may experience challenges for any reason including a disability or chronic health condition, you should discuss your concerns with relevant staff, such as the Course Coordinator or Campus Disability Advisor. These staff can work collaboratively with you to determine reasonable adjustments to assist you in meeting the course inherent requirements. In the case where it is determined that inherent requirements cannot be met with reasonable adjustments, University staff can provide guidance regarding other study options.

These inherent requirements should be read in conjunction with other course information on the ACU website course page.

The inherent requirements are made up of the following five components:

  • Level 1 - introduction to the inherent requirement
  • Level 2 - description of how you demonstrate that you meet the inherent requirement
  • Level 3 - explanation of why this is an inherent requirement of the course
  • Level 4 - the nature of any adjustments that may be made to allow you to meet the requirement
  • Level 5 - examples of tasks you must be able to do to show you have met the requirement (in-class and professional placement). The exemplars provided are not intended to be an exhaustive list.

Inherent requirement domains

There are 11 domains of inherent requirements in the Exercise Science degrees. Domains provide a means by which to cluster the course specific inherent requirements statements. You are required to consider which domains apply to your course. Domains may include a set of sub-domains and these are also listed.

Level Inherent requirement statement
1 Exercise Science is a profession governed by competency standards, codes of ethics, professional conduct and professional boundaries where exercise scientists are both accountable and responsible for ensuring professional behaviour in all contexts.
2

Student demonstrates:

  • Student demonstrates knowledge of, and engages in ethical behaviour in practice.
3

Justification of inherent requirement: 

  • Compliance with the codes, guidelines and policies facilitates safe, competent interactions and relationships for students and/or the people and services they engage with. This ensures the physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of the individual is not placed at risk.
4 Adjustments must ensure the standards, codes, guidelines and policies are not compromised or result in unethical behaviour. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Complying with requirements relating to informed consent, privacy and confidentiality with client information in academic and professional practice settings
  • Demonstrating the ability to reflect on ethical dilemmas and issues and take responsibility for ensuring awareness of ethical behaviour
Level Inherent requirement statement
1 Behavioural stability is required to function and adapt effectively and sensitively in a demanding role.
2

Student demonstrates:

  • Behavioural stability is required to work constructively in a diverse, changing and sometimes challenging/stressful and potentially traumatic environments.
  • Consistent and appropriate awareness and control of own behaviours and emotions and their potential impact on others.
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Behavioural stability is required to work individually and in teams in changing, challenging, stressful, unpredictable environments.
  • Exercise Science students may be exposed to emergency situations and challenging/stressful or potentially traumatic environments and will be required to have behavioural stability to manage these events.
4 Adjustments must support stable, effective and professional behaviour in all course related activities. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Responding appropriately and professionally to stressful situations, issues and constructive feedback.
  • Managing own emotions and behaviour effectively when dealing with culturally and socially diverse groups in the clinical setting.
Level Inherent requirement statement
1 Exercise Science practice is mandated by specific legislation and regulatory requirements and standards to enable the safe delivery of Exercise Science services.
2

Student demonstrates:

  • Knowledge and compliance with Australian Law and professional regulation and scope of practice.
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Knowledge, understanding and compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements and standards are necessary pre-requisites to placements, to reduce the risk of harm to self and others.
  • Compliance with these laws and regulations ensures that students are both responsible and accountable for their practice.
4 Adjustments must be consistent with legislative and regulatory requirements. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Complying with relevant child protection and safety legislation.
  • Complying with Inplace requirements (e.g. immunisation) for safe placement.
This course requires effective, verbal, non-verbal and written communication.

Verbal

Level Inherent requirement statement
1 Effective verbal communication, in English, is an essential requirement to provide safe delivery of Exercise Science services.
2

Student demonstrates:

  • Sensitivity and respect towards people of different gender, ability, sexuality and age, and from diverse religious, socio-economic, cultural and educational backgrounds.
  • The ability to understand and respond to verbal communication accurately, appropriately and in a timely manner.
  • The ability to provide clear and audible instructions in the context of the situation.
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Communicating in a way that displays respect and empathy to others develops trusting relationships
  • Communication may be restricted to verbal because of limitations of the individual (e.g. injury, disease or congenital conditions)
  • Timely, accurate and effective delivery of instructions is critical to individual safety, treatment and management
4 Adjustments must address effectiveness, timeliness, clarity and accuracy issues to ensure appropriate treatment and management. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Adviser.
5

Exemplars:

  • Actively participating in tutorial, simulation and professional practice discussions.
  • Establishing rapport with clients during practicum and responding appropriately to requests from clients, supervisors and other health professionals in professional practice settings

Non-verbal

Level Inherent requirement statement
1 Effective non-verbal communication is fundamental to Exercise Science and needs to be respectful, clear, attentive, empathetic, honest and non-judgmental.
2

Student demonstrates:

  • Sensitivity and respect towards individual of different gender, ability, sexuality and age, and from diverse religious, socio-economic, cultural and educational backgrounds.
  • The capacity to recognise, interpret and respond appropriately to behavioural cues.
  • Consistent and appropriate awareness of own behaviours, and the ability to modify these where the situation requires.
  • The ability to maintain constant and appropriate facial expressions, eye contact, posture and personal space.
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • The ability to observe and understand non-verbal cues assists with building rapport with people and gaining their trust and respect in academic and professional relationships.
  • Displaying consistent and appropriate facial expressions, eye contact, being mindful of space, time boundaries and body movements and gestures promotes trust in academic and professional relationships.
  • Being sensitive to individual differences displays respect and empathy to others and develops trusting relationships.
  • The ability to observe and understand non-verbal cues is essential for safe and effective observation of patient symptoms and reactions to facilitate the assessment and treatment of patients.
4 Adjustments must enable the recognition, initiation of or appropriate response to effective nonverbal communication in a timely and appropriate manner. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Recognising and responding appropriately in classroom situations inside and outside the University.
  • Recognising and responding appropriately to cues in the professional practice environment. e.g. client pain or distress

Written

Level Inherent requirement statement
1 Effective and efficient written communication, in English, is a fundamental Exercise Science responsibility with professional and legal ramifications.
2

Student demonstrates:

  • Student demonstrates capacity to construct coherent written communication appropriate to circumstances.
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Comprehension of a range of information relevant to an academic/professional environment is critical for the study of Exercise Science.
  • Communicating with respect and empathy for others develops trusting relationships.
  • Construction of written text-based assessment tasks to reflect the required academic standards are necessary to convey knowledge and understanding of relevant subject matter for professional practice.
  • Accurate written communication, including record-keeping and client notes, is vital to provide consistent and safe client care.
4 Adjustments must meet necessary standards of clarity, accuracy and accessibility to ensure effective recording and transmission of information in both academic and clinical settings. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Constructing an essay to academic standards.
  • Constructing an individualised exercise program in a timely manner that meets professional standards.

This course requires knowledge and cognitive skills, and literacy and numeracy skills.

Knowledge and cognitive skills

Level Inherent requirement statement
1 Consistent and effective knowledge and cognitive skills must be demonstrated to provide safe and competent Exercise Science services.
2

Student demonstrates:

  • The capacity to locate and organise appropriate and relevant information.
  • The ability to process information relevant to practice.
  • The ability to integrate and implement knowledge in practice.
  • The ability to engage in scientific, clinical, rational and ethical reasoning specific to the field
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Safe, appropriate and effective delivery of Exercise Science services is based on comprehensive knowledge that must be sourced, understood and applied appropriately.
  • The ability to reason is fundamental to prescribing a safe and effective, individualised Exercise Science services.
4 Adjustments must ensure that a clear demonstration of knowledge and cognitive skills is not compromised or impeded. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor
5

Exemplars:

  • Ability to conceptualise and use appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items.
  • Appropriately applying knowledge and practice reasoning in the professional practice setting.

Literacy (Language)

Level Inherent requirement statement
1 Competent literacy skills are essential to provide safe and effective delivery of Exercise Science Services.
2

Student demonstrates:

  • The ability to accurately acquire information and convey appropriate, effective messages.
  • The ability to read, comprehend and synthesize a range of literature and information.
  • The capacity to understand and implement academic conventions to construct written text in a scholarly manner.
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • The ability to acquire information and to accurately convey messages is fundamental to ensure safe and effective assessment, treatment and delivery of Exercise Science services.
  • The ability to read, decode, interpret and comprehend multiple sources of information is fundamental for safe and effective delivery of Exercise Science services.
4 Adjustments must demonstrate a capacity to effectively acquire, comprehend, apply and communicate accurate information. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Actively listen to information in course-related situations e.g. in class, on placement
  • Produce accurate, concise, clear and appropriate documentation in course-related situations e.g. report on community engagement activity, report for organisation related to placement

Numeracy

Level Inherent requirement statement
1 Competent and accurate numeracy skills are essential for safe and effective Exercise Science services.
2

Student demonstrates:

  • The ability to interpret and correctly apply data, measurements and numerical criteria
  • Accurately undertake arithmetic calculations
  • Accurately interpret electronic numerical data from exercise testing equipment
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Competent application of numeracy skills is essential in Exercise Science to facilitate the safe and effective delivery of Exercise Science services.
4 Adjustments must demonstrate a capacity to interpret and apply concepts and processes appropriately in a timely, accurate and effective manner. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Interpret client assessment data such as exercise intensity based on heart rate, oxygen levels and other techniques
  • Interpret electronic numerical data from exercise testing equipment (e.g. blood pressure sphygmomanometers, heart rate, BMI).
Level Inherent requirement statement
1 Exercise Science practice requires self-awareness and a capacity for reflection in order to consider the effect of one's own issues, actions, values and behaviours in practice.
2

Student demonstrates:

  • The ability to accurately reflect on their professional performance.
  • The ability to accept feedback on their academic and professional practice and respond constructively.
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Working with clients while on professional experience and understanding and responding to them requires well developed understanding of oneself and the ability to effectively manage one's reactions to situations that may arise.
  • Reflective practice is considered standard practice in Exercise Science where individuals are able to consider their responses to situations and think about how they might respond differently to improve an outcome.
4 Adjustments must demonstrate a level of self-awareness and capacity to effectively reflect and respond appropriately. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.

5

Exemplars:

  • Identifying when a practice issue is outside one's scope or expertise or when one's practice may be negatively affected by personal experience and/or reactions.
  • Continual reflection on previous interactions with clients to adjust ongoing exercise program and delivery as well as improve own practice.
Level Inherent requirement statement
1 Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders on a number of levels (individuals, groups, communities, government and non-government agencies etc.) is key to practice as an Exercise Scientist.
2

Student demonstrates:

  • The ability to build and maintain relationships and rapport with key stakeholders including clients, academic staff, supervisors and peers. Skills include empathy, trustworthiness, patience, active listening, approachability and reliability.
  • Ability to engage and relate appropriately in individual and group professional practice supervision and experiential learning groups.
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Highly developed skills in building and maintaining relationships, developing a network and engaging both on an individual and group level is critical for students to be able to be successful in their Exercise Science careers.
4 Adjustments must demonstrate a capacity to demonstrate minimal acceptable level of effective relational skills across the range of tasks and client populations required to successfully complete their studies. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Rapidly building rapport with a client or group of clients in order to engage them in an assessment while on professional experience.
  • Effectively using relational and interpersonal skills to manage relationships with clients while on professional experience.

This course requires adequate visual, auditory and tactile abilities.

Visual

Level Inherent requirement statement
1 Adequate visual acuity is required to provide safe and effective Exercise Science services.
2
  • Student demonstrates sufficient visual acuity to perform the required range of skills
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Sufficient visual acuity is necessary to demonstrate the required range of skills, tasks and assessments to maintain consistent, accurate and safe care to self and others. Visual observations, examination and assessment are fundamental to safe and effective Exercise Science practice.
4 Adjustments must address the need to perform the full range of tasks involved in practice. Any strategies to address the effects of the vision impairment must be effective, consistent and not compromise treatment or safety. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Observe changes in client appearance (skin colour, sudomotor and vasomotor changes, loss of facial expression) that might indicate cardiovascular and/or neurological symptoms.
  • Observe and detect subtle changes in posture, movement and the ability to perform functional activities during assessment and treatment of clients.

Auditory ability

Level Inherent requirement statement
1 Adequate auditory ability is required to provide safe and effective Exercise Science services.
2
  • Student demonstrates sufficient aural function to undertake the required range of skills.
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Sufficient auditory ability is necessary to monitor, assess and manage individual health needs consistently and accurately. Auditory assessments and observations are fundamental to safe and effective Exercise Science practice.
4 Adjustments must address the need to perform the full range of tasks involved in practice. Any strategies to address the effects of the Hearing impairment must be effective, consistent and not compromise treatment or safety. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Accurately undertaking a blood pressure measurement by auscultation.
  • Detecting care request by activation of call bell or calls for help.

Tactile ability

Level Inherent requirement statement
1 Sufficient tactile ability is required to perform competent and safe Exercise Science practice.
2
  • Student demonstrates sufficient tactile function to undertake the required range of skills
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Sufficient tactile ability is necessary to monitor, assess and detect patients’ physical characteristics and act on any abnormalities detected to provide thorough Exercise Science services.
4 Adjustments must have the capacity to make effective assessments of physical characteristics and abnormalities within safe time frames. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Detecting any changes in circulation observations e.g. temperature and pulse palpation.
  • Conducting a physical assessment and detecting any anatomical abnormalities.

This course requires adequate gross and fine motor abilities.

Gross motor ability

Level Inherent requirement statement
1 Exercise Science involves physical demands and requires gross motor function.
2
  • Student demonstrates:
    The ability to perform gross motor skills to function within scope of practice. Student can mobilise safely in a variety of environments.
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Sufficient gross motor skills are necessary to perform, coordinate and prioritise service. Tasks that involve gross motor skills include lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, standing, twisting and bending. Students must be able to demonstrate and perform these tasks consistently and safely to reduce the risk of harm to self and others
4 Adjustments should facilitate functional effectiveness, safety of self and others and a capacity to provide appropriate care. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Demonstrate a variety of exercises and movements for service delivery.
    Provide support to clients if doing movements unfamiliar, ensuring safe practice and support mechanisms (e.g. wall support) as required

Fine motor skills

Level Inherent requirement statement
1 Exercise Science is a profession that requires manual dexterity and fine motor skills.
2 Student demonstrates the ability to use fine motor skills to provide safe effective Exercise Science services.
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Sufficient fine motor skills are necessary to perform, coordinate and prioritise Exercise Science services. Tasks that involve fine motor skills include being able to grasp, press, push, turn, squeeze and manipulate various objects and individuals. Students must be able to demonstrate and perform these tasks consistently and safely to reduce the risk of harm to self and others.
4 Adjustments should facilitate functional effectiveness, safety to self and others and a capacity to provide appropriate Exercise Science services. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Effectively manipulate small objects when operating equipment and demonstrating fine dexterity assessments and activities of daily living.
  • Placing blood pressure cuffs on clients and manipulating valve control for effective blood pressure measurement.
Level Inherent requirement statement
1 Competent information and communication technology skill is essential for practice in Exercise Science.
2

Student demonstrates:

  • The ability to engage with academic and professional staff, peers, university systems, learning resources and assessment tools using current digital technology
  • The ability to use appropriate current technology in completion of activities•
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Safe, appropriate and effective practice as an Exercise Scientist requires the ability to effectively use a range of information and communication technologies suitable for academic and professional environments.
4 Adjustments must ensure that safety of self and others is not compromised or impeded. Strategies to address ICT related impairment must be effective, consistent and not compromise completion of assessment tasks, community engagement or work placement requirements. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Access library resources to develop skills in video development, prepare video and submit online in an appropriate format and timely manner.
  • Access and utilise online learning content.
Level Inherent requirement statement
1 Exercise Science practice requires both physical and mental performance at a consistent and sustained level.
2

Student demonstrates:

  • Consistent and sustained level of physical energy to complete a specific task in a timely manner and over time.
  • The ability to perform repetitive activities with a level of concentration until it is completed appropriately.
  • The capacity to maintain consistency and quality of performance for extended periods.
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Sufficient physical and mental endurance is an essential requirement needed to perform multiple tasks in an assigned period to provide safe and effective Exercise Science services.
4 Adjustments must ensure that performance is consistent and sustained over a given period. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Adviser.
5

Exemplars:

  • Provide consistent exercise science services to clients over a negotiated time frame while in class or on placement.
  • Attend practicum placements in a range of physical settings (e.g. urban, rural, hospitals, clinics) and for the required number of hours, within a reasonable period.

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