VCE Physical Education: Turning theory into practice

Deakin University’s School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences offers VCE Physical Education students the opportunity to gain an insight into exercise science testing and evaluation in a laboratory or clinical environment at our Melbourne Burwood Campus. Lab 2 and Lab 3 are conducted in our new state-of-the-art Specialised Indoor Exercise and Sport Science Teaching Building.

The program offers you, as a physical education teacher, a great opportunity to reinforce aspects of the VCE curriculum, using Deakin University’s first class performance laboratories. Students will interact with sport scientists whilst conducting and interpreting a range of laboratory tests. The lab sessions run for 2 hours each and schools may choose one or all of the laboratory sessions.

Lab 1: Physiological assessment of exercise

Linked to VCE Physical Education Unit 1: The Human Body in Motion

Area of Study: How does the body produce energy?

In this lab, students will explore common laboratory methods to assess aerobic and anaerobic fitness. Aerobic capacity will be assessed using a progressive exercise test and assessment of the lactate inflection point will also be discussed, which can be applied to sporting contexts and pacing strategies. The anaerobic energy systems will be assessed using a 10s and 30s power test on a bicycle ergometer. Students will also learn how these tests relate to fitness and energy system utilisation during exercise.

Lab 2: Kinematics of movement: Resistance training

Linked to VCE Physical Education Unit 4: Training to Improve Performance.

Area of Study: How is training implemented effectively to improve fitness?

In this lab, students will instruct, perform, and analyse several foundational resistance training exercises such as the squat and the bench press along with evaluating vertical jump performances. Kinematics of movement will be explored using GymAware software. The principles of chronic muscle adaptation in response to resistance training will be discussed as part of this session, with a focus on integrating resistance training in to athletes programs to enhance sporting performance.

Lab 3: Biomechanics

Linked to VCE Physical Education Unit 3: Movement Skills and Energy for

Physical Activity.

Area of study: How are movement skills improved?

In this lab, students will explore cutting-edge Biomechanical methods for assessing human movement in exercise and sport to enhance performance and reduce injury risk. This will include examinations of how movement changes on different sport surfaces, the influence of technique on movement performance, and the role of the neuromuscular system in balance and stability.

Session information:

Dates:

Monday 30th May – Friday 3rd June, 2022

Monday 20th June – Friday 24th June, 2022

2 time slots available per laboratory per day:

10:00am - 12:00pm; 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Session duration: 2 hours

Cost per session: $250 +GST

Note: Maximum of 25 students per session

Please note that this event will be held in accordance with Victorian Government advice around COVID-19 and the event is subject to change/ cancellation at short notice based on government restrictions.

For more information please contact ens-support@deakin.edu.au or 9244 5052.

School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences - Deakin University