Courses - Faculty of Science
Exercise Sciences
Stage I
Exercise and Fitness: Myths and Reality
An introduction to the principles of physical exercise, with a focus on understanding how the body moves and responds to exercise, how performance can be measured, and how fitness can be developed and maintained to optimise health. Particular emphasis will be placed on the debunking of common myths about exercise, and offering evidence-based advice on the benefits of appropriate physical activity.
Restriction: BIOSCI 107, EXERSCI 101, 105, SPORTSCI 100G, 101, 105, MEDSCI 142
Foundations of Exercise and Sport Sciences
Introduction to the scientific principles and concepts underpinning the sub-disciplines of Exercise and Sport Sciences: Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Movement Neuroscience and Psychology. Content experts will provide a broad overview of the applications and career pathways of each sub-discipline using examples from research or industry. Academic literacy skills required in all sub-disciplines will be developed.
Restriction: SPORTSCI 101
Human Anatomy
The study of the gross anatomical organisation of the neural, muscular and skeletal systems, with particular reference to the neck, limbs, back and abdominal wall. Practical work includes gross anatomy laboratories and CD-ROM study.
Restriction: SPORTSCI 103
Exercise Prescription
An introduction to the risks and benefits of exercise, exercise policy and safety, physical fitness testing, guidelines for exercise test administration, principles of exercise prescription, cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular training.
Restriction: SPORTSCI 105, 205
Stage II
Exercise Physiology 1
Introduction to the physiological and biochemical requirements and provision of energy for acute exercise and recovery. A key focus is on the mechanisms involved in physiological system responses to aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Practical experiences will cover experimental and scientific procedures of measuring and reporting on physiological responses to acute exercise.
Prerequisite: 15 points from BIOSCI 107, EXERSCI 101, MEDSCI 142
Restriction: SPORTSCI 201
Biomechanics 1
Covers the mechanical basis of human movement, using quantitative and qualitative modelling approaches. Focuses on the analysis of sporting performance, locomotion, and musculoskeletal stress. Practical work explores key techniques in measurement and data analysis of human movement and the forces involved.
Restriction: SPORTSCI 203
Motor Learning
Introduction to the principles and stages of motor skill acquisition, and their application to sport and exercise. Key concepts include the structure of practice tasks, feedback, individual differences, growth and development, aging, injury, and relationships to the underlying neurobiology. Develops practical skills in the measurement of human motor performance, and in the development and assessment of individualised training programmes to improve skill.
Exercise Nutrition
A cross-disciplinary focus on nutrition, examining nutritional enhancement of sports performance, diet and physiological function, eating disorders, energy balance, body composition and the role of diet in growth and exercise.
Prerequisite: 30 points from MEDSCI 100-320 or BSc courses
Restriction: SPORTSCI 206
Sport Psychology
An introduction to the study of psychology as it relates to human behaviour and performance in sport settings. Key concepts include achievement motivation, individual differences, performing under pressure, psychological skills training, team dynamics, and their relationships to human motor behaviour and performance.
Prerequisite: 45 points passed at Stage I or II
Restriction: EXERSCI 304, SPORTSCI 304
Advanced Exercise Assessment and Prescription
This theoretical and workplace-based course integrates behavioural competencies in the application of advanced physical fitness assessment and design, and implementation of evidence-based, effective and individualised exercise programmes for the maintenance of health and physical fitness in apparently healthy individuals. Supervised practice of not less than 70 hours is provided.
Prerequisite: 45 points: EXERSCI 101, 103, 105
Stage III
Exercise Physiology 2
Systemic physiological responses and adaptations to exercise training and physical inactivity relevant to selected athletic and medical populations and across the lifespan. Skills will be developed in the interpretation of experimental methods and findings in human exercise physiology.
Prerequisite: 15 points from EXERSCI 201, MEDSCI 205, SPORTSCI 201
Restriction: SPORTSCI 301
Biomechanics 2
Advanced quantitative techniques in biomechanics used to study human movement including mathematical modelling and signal processing. An application area such as occupational ergonomics or clinical gait analysis will be used to demonstrate the biomechanical techniques.
Prerequisite: 15 points from ENGGEN 121, PHYSICS 160, EXERSCI 203, SPORTSCI 203
Restriction: SPORTSCI 303
Sport Psychology
The study of psychology as it relates to human behaviour and performance in sport settings. Key concepts include achievement motivation, individual differences, performing under pressure, psychological skills training, team dynamics, and their relationships to human motor behaviour and performance.
Prerequisite: EXERSCI 204 or SPORTSCI 204, or 45 points passed at Stage II or III
Restriction: EXERSCI 207, SPORTSCI 304
Movement Neuroscience
Examines brain and spinal cord organisation and function related to movement, and the neurological mechanisms involved in the planning, execution and control of movement in health and disease. Introduces the concept of neural plasticity as it relates to motor skill learning and recovery after injury in both healthy and neurologically impaired populations. An understanding of human anatomy at the level covered in EXERSCI 103 will also be assumed.
Prerequisite: 15 points from EXERSCI 201, 205, MEDSCI 206, 309, 320, PSYCH 202, SPORTSCI 201
Restriction: SPORTSCI 305
Psychology of Physical Activity
Introduction to the study of psychology as it relates to physical activity, sedentary behaviour and health. Key concepts include exercise motivation, mental health benefits of exercise, models of behaviour change, intervention design, special populations, and the relationship to the underlying neurophysiology and implications for physical activity behaviour.
Prerequisite: 45 points passed at Stage II or III
Restriction: EXERSCI 204, SPORTSCI 204
Project in Exercise Sciences
A supervised individual practical project in a clinical or other research laboratory setting to explore and assess how science underpins practical skills.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II or III in Exercise Sciences and Departmental approval
Restriction: SPORTSCI 309
To complete this course students must enrol in EXERSCI 309 A and B, or EXERSCI 309
Practicum in Exercise and Sport Sciences
A workplace-based course of supervised practice of not less than 100 hours. Competencies will be developed in the application of advanced physical fitness assessment and design of evidence-based, effective and individualised exercise programmes for the maintenance of health and physical fitness in apparently healthy individuals.
Prerequisite: EXERSCI 271
Capstone: Applying Exercise Sciences
A supervised project course that will focus on applying theoretical knowledge to practical skills. Opportunities will include laboratory and clinic-based research projects, science communication or public engagement projects. Students will work in groups, but will also engage in individual activities to demonstrate their own understanding of topics.
Prerequisite: 15 points from EXERSCI 301, 303, 305, 307
Postgraduate 700 Level Courses
Projects in the Exercise Sciences
Provides students with an opportunity to collect data in an area of interest, with the aim of validating an area of study towards their theses.
Restriction: SPORTSCI 702
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Seminal literature is used to explore the effects of exercise, physical activity and sedentary behaviour on cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology within the context of disease prevention and rehabilitation.
Restriction: EXERSCI 720, 721, SPORTSCI 703
Advanced Techniques in Biomechanics
A laboratory-based course which explores the current biomechanics methodology for quantifying human movements. Emphasis on motion capture, force measurement, accelerometers, clinical gait analysis, balance assessment, and electromyography. Students will apply biomechanical methods to clinical assessment.
Restriction: SPORTSCI 704
Research in the Exercise Sciences
Examines the nature and value of research contributions in the Exercise Sciences and their application to further research and evidence-based practice. Evaluates the process of research, inclusive of the development of research questions and hypotheses, the planning and collection of data in an ethical and unbiased manner, the analysis, interpretation and presentation of data and the dissemination of results.
Restriction: SPORTSCI 705
Seminar in Advanced Exercise Physiology
A seminar-based course examining the physiological responses and adaptations to physical exercise or inactivity. Students evaluate, present, and discuss seminal and contemporary research publications on selected topics largely focusing on the cardiovascular, metabolic, and musculoskeletal systems. Emphasis will be placed upon investigations of the explanatory elements of adaptation, from the level of the genome to the living human, and the use of relevant contemporary experimental techniques.
Restriction: PHYSIOL 706, SPORTSCI 706
Advanced Seminar in Movement Neuroscience
Seminar based course which examines brain organisation and function related to movement in health and disease. Emphasis is placed on contemporary techniques and paradigms in the field of movement neuroscience, with special emphasis on clinical populations that exhibit impaired movement. Neural plasticity is a central theme.
Restriction: SPORTSCI 708
Exercise Rehabilitation
The role of exercise and physical activity in the rehabilitation of people living with chronic and long-term health conditions. Professional practice in Aotearoa New Zealand. Evidence-based exercise prescription and outcome measurement for selected client populations.
Restriction: EXERSCI 720, 721, SPORTSCI 710
Exercise and Performance Psychology
Examines the basis of exercise motivation and to examine how psychological states can influence movement control and performance in work, sports, and daily life. The course covers theoretical foundations and involves active discussion of recent empirical studies.
Special Topics in the Exercise Sciences
Prerequisite: Head of Department approval
Restriction: SPORTSCI 714
Seminar in Exercise Physiology
A seminar-based course examining physiological responses and adaptations to exercise, physical activity and inactivity. Students evaluate, present, and discuss seminal and high-quality contemporary research on selected topics with a focus on cardiorespiratory, metabolic, neuromuscular and mental health condition responses to exercise, physical activity and inactivity. Emphasis is on critical analysis of contemporary experimental techniques to explain physiological responses and adaptations.
Clinical Exercise Physiology 1
Develops specialist knowledge in clinical exercise physiology practice, clinical exercise testing, and the effects of medication on exercise responses in people with cardiovascular, pulmonary and metabolic health conditions. Explores the evidence-based, physiological foundations underlying exercise assessment and prescription for people with these chronic health conditions.
Clinical Exercise Physiology 2
Develops specialist knowledge in the evidence-based, physiological foundations underlying exercise assessment and prescription for people with orthopaedic, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, neoplastic, immunologic and mental health-related chronic conditions. Covers treatment planning and reporting, and the critical analysis of the role of exercise in short and long-term chronic disease management.
Prerequisite: EXERSCI 720
Critical Evaluation of Research in Rehabilitation - Level 9
Evaluating existing research to inform the design of rehabilitation-focused research studies. This course requires students to obtain and critically evaluate relevant literature, use evidence-based arguments to develop a suitable research question, and design a rehabilitation-related study with appropriate ethical considerations.
Prerequisite: EXERSCI 719
Research in Rehabilitation - Level 9
A seminar-based course providing opportunities to collect and analyse, perform appropriate statistical analyses on, and report on results from data obtained from research in clinical rehabilitation settings. Students interpret, disseminate and defend findings in a forum that replicates the rehabilitation setting.
Prerequisite: EXERSCI 722
Seminar in Advanced Clinical Exercise Physiology - Level 9
A body of advanced, specialised and emerging areas of clinical exercise physiology practice. Students will be introduced to advanced practitioner roles and associated leadership opportunities within the profession. Professional and inter-professional relations will be addressed.
Prerequisite: EXERSCI 720, 721
Physiotherapy Healthcare
Students will apply specialist knowledge about the regulation of the practice of physiotherapy in New Zealand supporting professional, legal, ethical, evidence-based and culturally safe practice. Knowledge and skills include Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Māori models of health, government legislation and health strategies, whānau-centred care, interprofessional practice, teamwork, effective communication, and developing a critical consciousness to promote equity in healthcare delivery.
To complete this course students must enrol in EXERSCI 731 A and B, or EXERSCI 731
Exercise for Rehabilitation
Students will apply clinical reasoning and deduction to assessment and treatment of individuals across the lifespan living with chronic health conditions to increase life-long physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviours. Knowledge and skills include aerobic capacity testing, functional assessments, exercise intervention, outcome measurement and self-management support for people undergoing cardiac rehabilitation or living with chronic health conditions and older adults.
Musculoskeletal Outpatients
Students will evaluate assessments, planning and delivery of interventions for clients with musculoskeletal, orthopaedic, women’s health and rheumatologic conditions across the lifespan. Client scenarios will develop clinical reasoning skills underpinning safe, effective and holistic delivery of therapy. Students will learn to formulate differential diagnoses, prioritise clinical problems and implement an evidence-based treatment plan, using manual therapy, exercise and modality-based interventions.
Physiotherapy Practice
Students will assess, plan and deliver interventions for case-studies with spinal musculoskeletal, orthopaedic, and rheumatological conditions across the lifespan. Students will formulate differential diagnoses, prioritise clinical problems and generate solutions using knowledge and skills of physiotherapy practice. Students will implement culturally safe, evidence-based treatment plans to a range of clinical case scenarios across the lifespan.
Neurological Rehabilitation
Students will apply specialist knowledge to develop skills in evidence-based assessment and intervention across health care settings, focusing on interdisciplinary rehabilitation of neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions through the lifespan. The emphasis will be on normal development and milestones to underpin learning in paediatric rehabilitation. Motor learning principles will be applied to rehabilitate mobility, walking, balance and upper-limb function, including integration of assistive technology.
Acute Care
Students will apply advanced knowledge in physiotherapy management of acute respiratory, cardiac, surgical and neurological conditions across the lifespan, and to operate effectively in an interdisciplinary healthcare team. Students will learn to provide cardiopulmonary care for medical, surgical and acute neurological patients and the fundamentals of managing patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) including the role of physiotherapist in an ICU.
Physiotherapy in the Community
Students will advance generic skills to manage chronic conditions commonly delivered by healthcare services in urban and rural communities. Learning will include manual therapy and exercise interventions for spinal conditions, chronic pain management, falls prevention, movement disorders, amputees, cancer survivors and paediatric respiratory conditions. Students will learn to deliver e-health rehabilitation and to deliver whānau-centred care for Māori and Pasifika communities.
Professional Practice
Students will apply specialist knowledge and skills to support graduate practice. Topics include: advanced professional practice, registration and ongoing professional competency, reflections to enhance critical consciousness, and strategies to maintain physical and mental health. Students will gain essential knowledge for business practices such as Accident Compensation Corporation, private insurance, legal and ethical obligations and occupational health and safety.
Prerequisite: EXERSCI 741, 752, 753
Advanced Physiotherapy Practice - Level 9
Students will apply advanced knowledge and skills in specialised and emerging areas of physiotherapy practice, including advanced practitioner roles. Applying critical thinking and evidence-based practices, students will independently develop and evaluate management plans for complex cases. Case scenarios include integration of Hauora Māori, paediatric/neonatal ICU, burns/plastics, spinal cord injury, gender health, hand therapy, palliative care and emergency department physiotherapy.
Prerequisite: EXERSCI 735-737
Physiotherapy Practicum 1
Students will undertake supervised practice in clinical settings. This is the first of 5 clinical practicums across different physiotherapy settings. Students will complete supervised practice for 25 days, usually during a 5- or 6-week block, following a compulsory pre-clinical programme. Students will develop competencies in assessment of clients' problems, analysis of findings, goal setting and implementation and evaluation of interventions.
To complete this course students must enrol in EXERSCI 751 A and B, or EXERSCI 751
Physiotherapy Practicum 2
Students will undertake supervised practice in a clinical setting. This is the second of 5 clinical practicums across different physiotherapy settings. Students will complete supervised practice for 25 days over a 5-week block. Students will develop competencies in assessment of clients' problems, analysis of findings, goal setting and implementation and evaluation of interventions appropriate to the specific clinical setting.
Prerequisite: EXERSCI 751
Physiotherapy Practicum 3
Students will undertake supervised practice in a clinical setting. This is the third of 5 clinical practicums across different physiotherapy practice settings. Students will complete supervised practice for 25 days over a 5-week block. Students will develop competencies in assessment of clients' problems, analysis of findings, goal setting and implementation and evaluation of interventions appropriate to the specific clinical setting.
Prerequisite: EXERSCI 751
Physiotherapy Practicum 4
Students will undertake supervised practice in a clinical setting. This is the fourth of 5 clinical practicums across different physiotherapy practice settings. Students will complete supervised practice for 25 days over a 5-week block. Students will develop competencies in assessment of clients' problems, analysis of findings, goal setting and implementation and evaluation of interventions appropriate to the specific clinical setting.
Prerequisite: EXERSCI 751-753
Physiotherapy Practicum 5
Students will undertake supervised practice in a clinical setting. This is the final of 5 clinical practicums across different physiotherapy practice settings. Students will complete supervised practice for 25 days over a 5-week block. Students will develop competencies in assessment of clients' problems, analysis of findings, goal setting and implementation and evaluation of interventions appropriate to the specific clinical setting.
Prerequisite: EXERSCI 751-753
Seminar in Clinical Exercise Physiology
A body of advanced theoretical and administrative work related to exercise prescription and service delivery. The principles of exercise physiology related to clinical populations, especially individuals who have cardiac, musculoskeletal, neurological, pulmonary, immunological, neoplastic, mood, and metabolic disorders, post-surgical cases, the elderly, and for individuals at risk of developing diseases as a consequence of inactivity. Professional and inter-professional relations will be addressed.
Restriction: SPORTSCI 775, 783
Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum I
Individual interdisciplinary practice in exercise screening, exercise and physical activity assessment, exercise prescription and supervision, exercise, physical activity and health education and promotion in clinical populations. The course integrates ethical, safe, reflective and culturally responsive practice through supervised clinical work of not less than 200 hours.
Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum II
Individual interdisciplinary practice in exercise screening, exercise and physical activity assessment, exercise prescription and supervision, exercise, physical activity and health education and promotion in clinical populations. The course integrates ethical, safe, reflective and culturally responsive practice through supervised clinical work of not less than 200 hours.
Prerequisite: EXERSCI 776
Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum III
Individual and interdisciplinary practice in exercise screening, exercise and physical activity assessment, exercise prescription and supervision, exercise, physical activity and health education and promotion in clinical populations. The course integrates ethical, safe, reflective and culturally responsive practice through supervised clinical work placements of not less than 200 hours.
Prerequisite: EXERSCI 777
To complete this course students must enrol in EXERSCI 778 A and B, or EXERSCI 778
Clinical Exercise Practicum 4
Individual and interdisciplinary practice in exercise screening, exercise and physical activity assessment, exercise prescription and supervision, exercise and physical activity counselling and health education and promotion in clinical populations. The course integrates ethical, safe, reflective and culturally responsive practice through supervised clinical work of not less than 200 hours.
Prerequisite: EXERSCI 771 or 776, and EXERSCI 772 or 777, and EXERSCI 773 or 778
Restriction: EXERSCI 774, SPORTSCI 774, 782
BSc(Hons) Dissertation in Exercise Sciences - Level 9
Restriction: SPORTSCI 788, 789
To complete this course students must enrol in EXERSCI 780 A and B
Research Project - Level 9
Restriction: SPORTSCI 691
To complete this course students must enrol in EXERSCI 781 A and B, or EXERSCI 781
Dissertation - Level 9
Restriction: EXERSCI 780
To complete this course students must enrol in EXERSCI 782 A and B, or EXERSCI 782
Research Project in Physiotherapy - Level 9
Students will apply skills in research and rangahau to undertake a practice-oriented research project. Students will critically interpret and disseminate project findings with reference to systematic reviews, meta-analyses and clinical guidelines to inform evidence-based physiotherapy practice. Individually, or as part of a small group, students will work under the direct supervision of a staff member.
Prerequisite: EXERSCI 741, 752, 753
Corequisite: EXERSCI 738
To complete this course students must enrol in EXERSCI 790 A and B
MSc Dissertation in Clinical Exercise Physiology - Level 9
A scholarly discussion of a topic related to clinical exercise physiology.
Restriction: SPORTSCI 786, 787
To complete this course students must enrol in EXERSCI 792 A and B