Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science with Clinical Honours in Exercise Physiology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science with Clinical Honours in Exercise Physiology is a one-year Honours course that builds on the foundations of the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science. Graduates are eligible to become Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) with Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA). AEPs are allied health professionals who specialize in chronic and complex care, providing evidence-based health advice and exercise interventions to prevent and manage chronic diseases and injuries.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science with Clinical Honours in Exercise Physiology is a one-year Honours course that builds on the foundations already acquired in the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science and provides graduates with the knowledge and skills to gain accreditation as Exercise Physiologists with Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA). The Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science with Clinical Honours is accredited by ESSA at Exercise Physiology level. Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are allied health professionals who are trained in the physical and psychological components of health and exercise prescription, and who have specialised knowledge in chronic and complex care. They are skilled in prevention and risk factor modification, providing evidence-based health advice and group education. AEPs have skills in engaging patients in the process of self-managing their health, as well as in community health promotion and can be particularly beneficial to clients for whom regular exercise will be of key preventative or rehabilitative benefit. The AEP matches the immediate aspirations and needs of the client with appropriate exercise interventions. They then develop strategies which promote and assist in these interventions being undertaken regularly for a prolonged period of time. Their range of skills equips them to work in roles ranging from primary practitioner through to population health, and also in workplace health, research, primary prevention, education or in advocacy roles within health. AEPs are eligible to access the MBS through the Enhanced Primary Care initiative. They can register with the Department of Veterans Affairs and are recognised by most private health insurers.

Course Objectives:

• Develop interventions that are based on critical evaluation of scientific evidence and incorporate physical activity, exercise, education or a combination of these to educate, promote and implement the adoption of physical activity and/or exercise for a healthy life and improve fitness, health and wellbeing at an individual, community or population level.
In addition, develop clinical exercise interventions for a broad range of pathological populations including those at risk of developing, or have existing, medical conditions and injuries in order to prevent or manage chronic disease or injury, and assist in restoring optimal physical function, health or wellness.
• Gather, synthesise, and critically analyse aspects of health, exercise science and clinical exercise physiology, and explain why these current aspects are contestable and open to research and further enquiry.
And, create, plan and conduct high quality evidence-based exercise science and clinical exercise physiology research supported by well-developed reasoning.
• Convey complex ideas about health, exercise science and exercise physiology to a range of audiences using a broad range of communication media, including communicating as a professional with apparently healthy people and with people with chronic disease or injury.
• Operate responsibly, ethically and effectively both independently and as a team member in real-life exercise and sport science situations and in clinical exercise physiology practice.

Outline:

• This course is structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of exercise physiology and the application of these principles to the assessment, prescription, and delivery of exercise interventions for a variety of populations.
• The course will cover topics such as:
• The physiology of exercise
• The assessment of exercise capacity
• The prescription of exercise
• The delivery of exercise interventions
• The evaluation of exercise interventions
• The management of chronic diseases and injuries

Assessment:

• The assessment of students in this course will be based on a variety of methods, including:
• Written assignments
• Practical assessments
• Oral presentations
• Clinical placements
• The weighting of each assessment method will vary depending on the specific unit of study.

Teaching:

• The course will be taught by a team of experienced academics and clinicians.
• The teaching methods will include:
• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Practical classes
• Clinical placements
• Online learning
• The course will also make use of a range of resources, including:
• The University of Tasmania's state-of-the-art Exercise Science Laboratory
• The University of Tasmania's Clinical Exercise Physiology Clinic
• The University of Tasmania's Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research

Careers:

• Graduates of this course will be qualified to work as Accredited Exercise Physiologists.
• AEPs can work in a variety of settings, including:
• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation centres
• Fitness centres
• Corporate wellness programs
• Government agencies
• Private practice