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Courses - Faculty of Science


Exercise Sciences

Stage I

EXERSCI 100G
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 101
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 103
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 105
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 201
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 203
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 205
15 Points

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.

EXERSCI 206
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 207
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 210
15 Points

Special Topic

EXERSCI 271
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 301
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 303
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 304
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 305
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 307
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 309
15 Points

EXERSCI 309A
7.5 Points

EXERSCI 309B
7.5 Points

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

EXERSCI 310
15 Points

Special Topic

EXERSCI 371
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 399
15 Points

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

Diploma Courses

EXERSCI 690A
15 Points

EXERSCI 690B
15 Points

Graduate Diploma Research Project

To complete this course students must enrol in EXERSCI 690 A and B

Postgraduate 700 Level Courses

EXERSCI 702
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 703
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 704
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 705
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 706
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 708
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 710
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 711
15 Points

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.

EXERSCI 714
15 Points

Special Topics in the Exercise Sciences

Prerequisite: Head of Department approval

Restriction: SPORTSCI 714

EXERSCI 720
15 Points

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.

EXERSCI 721
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 731
15 Points

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.

EXERSCI 732
15 Points

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.

EXERSCI 733
15 Points

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.

EXERSCI 734
15 Points

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.

EXERSCI 735
15 Points

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.

EXERSCI 736
15 Points

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.

EXERSCI 737
15 Points

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.

EXERSCI 738
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 741
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 751
15 Points

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.

EXERSCI 752
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 753
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 754
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 755
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 775
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 776
30 Points

Clinical Exercise Practicum 1

Individual 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.

Restriction: EXERSCI 771, SPORTSCI 771, 781

EXERSCI 777
30 Points

Clinical Exercise Practicum 2

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 776

Restriction: EXERSCI 772, SPORTSCI 772, 781

EXERSCI 778
30 Points

Clinical Exercise Practicum 3

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 and 772, or EXERSCI 776 and 777

Corequisite: EXERSCI 775

Restriction: EXERSCI 773, SPORTSCI 773, 782

EXERSCI 779
30 Points

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

EXERSCI 780A
22.5 Points

EXERSCI 780B
22.5 Points

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

EXERSCI 781
30 Points

EXERSCI 781A
15 Points

EXERSCI 781B
15 Points

Research Project - Level 9

Restriction: SPORTSCI 691

To complete this course students must enrol in EXERSCI 781 A and B, or EXERSCI 781

EXERSCI 782
60 Points

EXERSCI 782A
30 Points

EXERSCI 782B
30 Points

Dissertation - Level 9

Restriction: EXERSCI 780

To complete this course students must enrol in EXERSCI 782 A and B, or EXERSCI 782

EXERSCI 790A
15 Points

EXERSCI 790B
15 Points

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

EXERSCI 792A
22.5 Points

EXERSCI 792B
22.5 Points

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

EXERSCI 796A
60 Points

EXERSCI 796B
60 Points

MSc Thesis in Exercise Sciences - Level 9

Restriction: SPORTSCI 796

To complete this course students must enrol in EXERSCI 796 A and B

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