General Information
This subject focuses on the practical application of theories and mental skills and strategies that facilitate behaviour change to enhance health and physical activity, exercise and sport. The subject extends and builds upon the knowledge acquired in the preceding subject Sport, Health and Exercise Psychology.
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Details
Academic unit: Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine Subject code: SPEX13-334 Subject title: Behaviour Change to Enhance Health Subject level: Undergraduate Semester/Year: May 2026 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Standard Workload items: - Forum: x12 (Total hours: 36) - Forum
- Workshop: x12 (Total hours: 36) - Workshop
- Personal Study Hours: x12 (Total hours: 48) - Recommended Study Hours
Attendance and learning activities: Student must attend ALL sessions. Most sessions build on the work from the previous one. It is difficult to recover if a session is missed. -
Resources
Prescribed resources: No Prescribed resources.
After enrolment, students can check the Books and Tools area in iLearn for the full Resource List.iLearn@Bond & Email: iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications.
Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student.
To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au
Class recordings: The primary workload items for this subject will be recorded for the purpose of revision.
These recordings are not a substitute for attending classes. Students are encouraged to attend all sessions as there may be instances where a session is not recorded due to the presence of a guest speaker, the inclusion of sensitive or protected content, or technical issues. Students are advised not to rely solely on these recordings for revision.
See the Recording policy for further details.
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | SPEX13-334 |
| Subject title: | Behaviour Change to Enhance Health |
| Subject level: | Undergraduate |
| Semester/Year: | May 2026 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Standard |
| Workload items: |
|
| Attendance and learning activities: | Student must attend ALL sessions. Most sessions build on the work from the previous one. It is difficult to recover if a session is missed. |
| Prescribed resources: | No Prescribed resources. After enrolment, students can check the Books and Tools area in iLearn for the full Resource List. |
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
| Class recordings: | The primary workload items for this subject will be recorded for the purpose of revision. These recordings are not a substitute for attending classes. Students are encouraged to attend all sessions as there may be instances where a session is not recorded due to the presence of a guest speaker, the inclusion of sensitive or protected content, or technical issues. Students are advised not to rely solely on these recordings for revision. See the Recording policy for further details. |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Nil |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge: |
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge.
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| Restrictions: |
Nil |
Assurance of learning
Assurance of Learning means that universities take responsibility for creating, monitoring and updating curriculum, teaching and assessment so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for employability and/or further study.
At Bond University, we carefully develop subject and program outcomes to ensure that student learning in each subject contributes to the whole student experience. Students are encouraged to carefully read and consider subject and program outcomes as combined elements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge and skills that will be achieved on completion of the program. If you are undertaking this subject as part of a degree program, you should refer to the relevant degree program outcomes and graduate attributes as they relate to this subject.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject the learner will be able to:
- Identify and describe best practice in the delivery of health and exercise advice.
- Describe the mental factors associated with exercise adoption and safe participation in physical activity.
- Identify and apply behaviour modification strategies to increase the adherence of clients to nutrition and exercise practices across the life span.
- Devise, present and evaluate a program according to the needs of the client to progress towards achieving realistic goals.
- Recognise the signs of inappropriate dietary behaviours and understand appropriate referral pathways.
- Apply effective counselling and communication skills including verbal and nonverbal communication.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
The University acknowledges that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools are an important facet of contemporary life. Their use in assessment is considered in line with students’ development of the skills and knowledge which demonstrate learning outcomes and underpin study and career success. Instructions on the use of Gen-AI are given for each assessment task; it is your responsibility to adhere to these instructions.
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Assessment details
Type Task % Timing* Outcomes assessed AI category Computer-Aided Examination (Closed) Computer-aided Exam iLearn 40.00% Final Examination Period 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Case Study Case Study (1500-2000 words) Individual assessment with results written as a group 30.00% Week 5 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 Exercise Critical reflection (1000 words) 10.00% Week 13 2, 3, 4, 6 Presentation Individual presentations - oral component weeks 6-11 20.00% Progressive 1, 3, 6 - * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
AI Categories
Ai Prohibited: Learning to develop AI-free knowledge and skills.
Ai Supported: Learning with the help of AI as directed.
Ai Focussed: Learning AI expertise and mastery as directed.
Refer to the assessment task sheet for specific AI instructions and review the Bond University Gen-AI Guide.
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Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
High Distinction 85-100 Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. Distinction 75-84 Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. Credit 65-74 Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. Pass 50-64 Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. Fail 0-49 Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed | AI category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer-Aided Examination (Closed) | Computer-aided Exam iLearn | 40.00% | Final Examination Period | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | |
| Case Study | Case Study (1500-2000 words) Individual assessment with results written as a group | 30.00% | Week 5 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 | |
| Exercise | Critical reflection (1000 words) | 10.00% | Week 13 | 2, 3, 4, 6 | |
| Presentation | Individual presentations - oral component weeks 6-11 | 20.00% | Progressive | 1, 3, 6 |
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
AI Categories
Ai Prohibited: Learning to develop AI-free knowledge and skills.
Ai Supported: Learning with the help of AI as directed.
Ai Focussed: Learning AI expertise and mastery as directed.
Refer to the assessment task sheet for specific AI instructions and review the Bond University Gen-AI Guide.
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Study Information
Submission procedures
Students must check the iLearn@Bond subject site for detailed assessment information and submission procedures.
Policy on late submission and extensions
A late penalty will be applied to all overdue assessment tasks unless an extension is granted by the subject coordinator. The standard penalty will be 10% of the total marks available for the assessment per day late with no assessment to be accepted seven days after the due date. Where a student is granted an extension, the penalty of 10% per day late starts from the new due date.
Academic Integrity
Bond University‘s Student Code of Conduct Policy , Student Charter, Academic Integrity Policy and our Graduate Attributes guide expectations regarding student behaviour, their rights and responsibilities. Information on these topics can be found on our Academic Integrity webpage recognising that academic integrity involves demonstrating the principles of integrity (honesty, fairness, trust, professionalism, courage, responsibility, and respect) in words and actions across all aspects of academic endeavour.
Staff are required to report suspected misconduct. This includes all types of plagiarism, cheating, collusion, fabrication or falsification of data/content or other misconduct relating to assessment such as the falsification of medical certificates for assessment extensions. The longer term personal, social and financial consequences of misconduct can be severe, so please ask for help if you are unsure.
If your work is subject to an inquiry, you will be given an opportunity to respond and appropriate support will be provided. Academic work under inquiry will not be marked until the process has concluded. Penalties for misconduct include a warning, reduced grade, a requirement to repeat the assessment, suspension or expulsion from the University.
Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students according to the requirements of the Assessment Procedure Schedule A - Assessment Communication Procedure.
Whilst in most cases feedback should be provided within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, the Procedure should be checked if the assessment is linked to others or if the subject is a non-standard (e.g., intensive) subject.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
Support is available to students where a physical, mental or neurological condition exists that would impact the student’s capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks. For effective support, special requirement needs should be arranged with the University in advance of or at the start of each semester, or, for acute conditions, as soon as practicable after the condition arises. Reasonable adjustments are not guaranteed where applications are submitted late in the semester (for example, when lodged just prior to critical assessment and examination dates).
As outlined in the Accessibility and Inclusion Policy, to qualify for support, students must meet certain criteria. Students are also required to meet with the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor who will ensure that reasonable adjustments are afforded to qualifying students.
For more information and to apply online, visit BondAbility.
Additional subject information
Subject curriculum
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Foundations of Behaviour Change and Psychosocial Theory
Introduce core psychosocial theories influencing exercise behaviour, review foundational behaviour change frameworks, and apply these models to understand factors shaping participation.
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Behaviour Change Theories and Research Literacy
Examine Social Cognitive Theory, Transtheoretical Model, and Health Belief Model constructs applied to mental health and exercise behaviour, and develop critical appraisal skills to evaluate behaviour change research quality.
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Motivation, Self‑Efficacy and Social Influences
Examine motivational drivers and self-efficacy mechanisms, analyse the role of social and environmental influences on exercise engagement, and apply strategies to strengthen motivation.
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Mental Skills in Exercise and Sport
Explore key mental skills used in sport and exercise contexts, including imagery, self-talk and arousal regulation, and evaluate their relevance for participation and performance.
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Assessment for Mental Skills Training
Develop competency in assessing psychological readiness, confidence, barriers and goals, and use structured assessment tools to guide mental skills program design.
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Designing Mental Skills Training Programs
Construct individualised mental skills training plans using goal-setting, skill progression and behaviour change principles, and integrate techniques to support client adherence.
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Motivational Interviewing Principles and Practice
Identify psychological, social and environmental barriers to physical activity, and design targeted strategies to support clients experiencing low motivation or negative beliefs.
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Working With Resistant or Ambivalent Clients
Analyse sources of client resistance and ambivalence, and implement evidence-based techniques to enhance readiness for change and promote exercise engagement.
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Building Resilience and Supporting Long‑Term Adherence
Investigate resilience frameworks and predictors of long-term exercise adherence, and apply tools such as relapse-prevention planning and self-monitoring technologies.
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Cultural Responsiveness, Trauma-Informed Practice and Equity
Apply First Nations mental health and wellbeing principles, trauma-informed care principles, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion practices, and adapt behaviour change plans to address diverse cultural backgrounds and structural barriers.
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Evidence-Based Practice and Program Evaluation
Develop skills in appraising behaviour change research, evaluate the effectiveness of mental skills and behaviour change programs, and apply ethical and professional considerations.