Exercise science examines theories of the biological, physiological, biomechanical and psychological, the interrelationship and influences on performance and participation in physical activity. Students develop insights into the science underpinning sports performance and movement. When students undertake practical activities in Exercise Science they gain knowledge through experiential learning.

This course prepares students for further study and provides pathways into careers such as physiotherapy, sport and injury prevention, fitness training and allied health.

The Exercise Science course is written under The HEALTH, OUTDOOR AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION FRAMEWORK 2016: BSSS HEALTH, OUTDOOR AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION Framework

Achievement Standards for HEALTH, OUTDOOR AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION courses can be found within the Framework.

Health, Outdoor and Physical Education are the study of biological, physiological, psychological, social and cultural influences on performance and participation in physical activity. Students develop knowledge, understanding and skills, including health literacy competencies, to support them to be resilient, to strengthen their sense of self, to build and maintain satisfying relationships, and to make decisions to enhance their health and physical participation.

Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Body

In this unit students will examine and explore the structure and function of musculoskeletal and cardio respiratory systems and analyse how these systems adapt and adjust to the demands of physical activity. Students will investigate these systems from a cellular to systemic level allowing them to develop an understanding of how each system acts as an enabler or barrier to physical performance. Students may be introduced to other systems such as the nervous and endocrine systems.

Factors Affecting Performance

In this unit students will examine the physiological, psychological and behavioural theories that influence athletic performance. Students will be introduced to factors affecting performance and develop basic insights into the science underpinning the management of sports injuries and athletic mindset. Students will examine and explore how the extent and intensity of sports participation relates to the incidence of sports injuries. Students will explore a range of technical and scientific approaches for maintaining the physical and mental well-being of athletes.

Preparation for Training and Performance

In this unit students investigate the factors that influence sports performance. Students will critically analyse the effectiveness of training and nutritional guidelines and how they contribute to the improvement of athletic performance. Students will explore a variety of training and nutritional principles to develop an understanding of the varying needs of community target groups and elite athletes.

The Body in Motion

In this unit students will explore the biomechanical and physiological principles involved in analysing and interpreting the body in motion and energy production. Students will apply a variety of methods used to analyse movement patterns and examine the physiological adaptations to exercise. Students will investigate the biomechanical and physiological factors that influence athletic performance.

Independent Study

An Independent Study unit has an important place in senior secondary courses. It is a valuable pedagogical approach that empowers students to make decisions about their own learning. An Independent Study unit can be proposed by an individual student for their own independent study and negotiated with their teacher. The program of learning for an Independent Study unit must meet the unit goals and content descriptions as they appear in the course. Students must have studied at least THREE standard 1.0 units from this course. A student can only study a maximum of one Independent study unit in each course. An Independent Study unit requires the principal’s written approval. Independent study units are only available to individual students in Year 12. Principal approval is also required for a student in Year 12 to enrol concurrently in an Independent unit and the third 1.0 unit in a course of study.

Exercise Science A/T/M (747 KB)

Exercise Science A/T/M (305 KB)