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Australian Catholic University (ACU)

Bachelor of Physical Activity and Health Science

Australian Catholic University (ACU)

Type of institution: University/Higher Education Institution
Level: Undergraduate
CRICOS: 00004G

The Bachelor of Physical Activity and Health Science focuses on the roles and benefits of physical activity, exercise and healthy lifestyles. The degree provides a strong academic base in the foundations of health science, into exercise promotion, prescription and delivery, and for physical activity across the lifespan. It focuses on the practical skills required to become leaders in Outdoor Education, HPE Teaching, Coaching and Health Promotion professions. The skills are developed while studying the promotion, maintenance and enhancement of health, physical activity and sport related behaviours. They are further explored in the contexts of community health, personal well-being, leadership in outdoor education and sports performance. Students can choose from a range of electives in the specialised areas of physical education, leadership in outdoor education, sports coaching, and/or health and health promotion. Opportunities for industry-relevant practicum experience are embedded in the degree. The course aims to produce graduates with a strong academic base in health science disciplines related to physical activity and exercise, with the capacity to apply knowledge and skills in an ethical, fair and respectful manner.From year one, students are introduced to physical activity and exercise engagement, health promotion, and are given a foundation in health science as it relates to human function and performance. This includes fundamental concepts in anatomy, physiology, and human growth and development. Students also commence elective studies in areas of academic or vocational interest.

Structure

240 credit points. Students must complete 140 hours of appropriate industry experience - these can be:commenced, in part, in Year 2 and completed in Year 3orcompleted entirely in Year 3.As part of your course, you will be placed in a range of organisations to integrate the theory you learn with practical workplace experiences (placements). As part of your enrolment, you must complete the Faculty of Health Sciences pre-placement requirements. To ensure you meet these requirements you need to start as soon as possible. Visit ACU's Work Integrated Learning (WIL) website to view your Pre-Placement Requirements checklist.

Subjects

  • Exercise and health science
  • Health management
  • Physical activity and health science
  • Sport and exercise science

Standard entry requirements

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12 level, or equivalent:New South Wales Recommended Studies: English (Standard) Band 3, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE), Mathematics (any) plus one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics Queensland Prerequisites: English (Units 3 and 4, C)Recommended Studies: one of General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Health or Physical Education (Units 3 and 4, C)Victoria Prerequisites : A study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English.

Recognition

Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) - Dependent upon elective unit choices, the offering of a major that meets ESSA Graduate Entry Membership requirements will provide these graduates with an avenue to pursue further study in order to attain EP accreditation; importantly, ACU offers a NUCAP-accredited postgraduate Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology course for EP accreditation (upon application). This major also has provides the potential for these graduates to attain membership of ESSA at the ES level. Teacher registration - Dependent upon elective unit choices, a graduate can seek teacher registration by undertaking a Masters in Teaching, with each state having specific discipline requirements. In Victoria, it is the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT), in New South Wales, the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES) and in Queensland, the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT). This revised degree will continue to meet the specific registration requirements in each state, with the unit sequence structured to meet them. Equivalent registration of Certificate III and Certificate IV in Fitness - The revised course is mapped against the required competencies to facilitate student application for equivalent registration of Certificate III and IV in Fitness by completion of 2nd Year. Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER) - Graduates will be eligible for membership with ACHPER. The benefits of membership are access to professional development programs, reduced registration costs to national conferences and access to seminars and workshops.

Study pathways

Graduates are eligible to apply for admission to: higher degree studies in Education, if seeking teacher registration (dependent upon elective choices); postgraduate studies in High Performance Sport; one-year Honours courses, for meritorious students with a grade point average of 5.75, preparing for higher degree research; postgraduate studies in Clinical Exercise Physiology courses (dependent upon elective choices and relevant practicum experience); further study in other allied health professions; further study in nutrition/dietetics (dependent upon elective choices).

Further information

Examples of the work and settings the course prepares graduates for: Government and non-government health, sport and recreation departments; High performance sport organisations; Sports institutes and academies; Corporate fitness; Commercial and educational outdoor leader; Adventure therapy; Outdoor tourism leadership; Camp director/manager/programmer; Exercise scientist; Sports scientist; Health and fitness consultant; Strength and conditioning coach; Sports coach; Rehabilitation coach; Performance analyst; Fitness advisor; Sports science manager; Physical activity officer; Allied health assistant.

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