Bachelor
This course focusses on the integration of exercise and physical activity into healthcare, sports performance, injury prevention and rehabilitation. It draws upon knowledge and techniques from biomedical science, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, psychology and sport assessment. Students will ultimately gain an understanding of the difference between exercise for health, and exercise for sporting performance.
Areas of study include performance analysis, exercise and health, physical activity, exercise metabolism, injury prevention and rehabilitation, biomechanics, motor learning, skill acquisition, and exercise prescriptions for a range of health conditions. Students of the course also benefit from access to specialised laboratories and equipment, playing fields and the Bundoora Netball and Sports Centre.
As a leader in exercise and sports science education, RMIT provides practical experience opportunities with industry partners including elite sporting clubs, academies and institutes such as Tennis Australia, Netball Australia, AFLW, AFL, Victorian Institute of Sport and many more.
Exercise and sports scientists may work as part of an athlete's team. They conduct research, make observations and interpret data in relation to sporting or physical performance and communicate their findings to support staff to improve performance. Sports scientists often attend training sessions and sporting events to monitor sporting performances, in addition to working in an office or testing laboratory. They devise treatment and exercise programs to support an individual's preparation and recovery to either help them return to training or competition following injuries or develop programs to mitigate the risks of injury.
They also refer clients to sports medicine physicians and other health professionals such as physiotherapists, dieticians, sports psychologists and podiatrists.
Career outlook
The growth of Australia's aging population and an increase in our sedentary lifestyle is creating a need for more expertise in the health sector.
Graduates work with all ages - from children through to the elderly - in rehabilitation, prevention and reduction of disease and the effects associated with aging, and mental health.
In a sporting context, sport scientists will work alongside support staff and coaches to assess and improve fitness (physiology) and skills using biomechanics and motor skill assessments.
In a health setting, accredited exercise physiologists can work alongside other health professionals such as physiotherapists, providing expertise on what exercise will benefit a person and designing their workout program. This can be for those recovering in hospital from musculoskeletal injuries, heart attacks, or other conditions. People may also be referred to an exercise physiologist by a general practitioner as part of a strategy to reduce their risk of suffering from disease.
Exercise and sports scientists are employed in a wide range of areas including:
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience. Find out if you might be eligible.