This is a 1-year full-time degree offered through the Centre for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine in the School of Therapeutic Sciences.
The BHSc Hons Exercise Science graduate will specialise in the application of scientific processes to improve individual and team athletic performance and decrease injury risk. The graduate may be a generalist, working across the breadth of scientific disciplines, or a specialist practitioner, who has training and applied experiences predominantly within one or more specific scientific discipline area(s) relevant to sport science and sports performance.
The BHSc Hons Exercise Science will prepare participants to be able to sit the Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) exam of the National Strength and Conditioning Association of America – An internationally recognised qualification.
What is the difference between Exercise Science and Biokinetics?
The qualified Biokineticist may register with the HPCSA and rehabilitates injuries and chronic diseases in the acute, supervised, specialised phase. The Exercise Scientist is a strength and conditioning specialist, and would follow on the work of the Biokineticist, getting the athlete specifically ready for the sport mode season. The Exercise Scientist would also plan the athlete’s annual training programme components, content, and timing, and track and monitor the on-field performance and off-field test performance for updating of training programmes.
The Biokinetist is involved in the clinical aspect of a patient/athlete. The Exercise Scientist should collaborate with the Biokineticist to use the information for effective and safe implementation of the teams’/ athletes’ competitive physical conditioning programme.