UWA Handbook 2026

Extended Major Overview

Description

The Medical Science - Exercise as Medicine extended major will focus on mechanisms of health and human disease, providing students with the essential preclinical knowledge that will prepare them for a broad range of careers in health- and biomedical science-related fields. The level 1 and 2 units focus on preclinical disciplines. These disciplines will be integrated within the two Level 3 Body Systems units which will have a strong focus on functional human anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology. Communication and research skills for the health professional will be presented throughout the major, including aspects of Australian society and Aboriginal health. The structure of the Major provides for a broad, pre-clinical, pan-discipline education, while accommodating a single discipline focus.

The Exercise as Medicine focus, enables students to apply knowledge of human physiology, exercise and nutrition science to assist people in maintaining health and preventing disease. In the first year students will be introduced to various concepts in physical fitness and health and begin to apply their knowledge to build training programs to enhance all aspects of physical fitness. In the level two units' students will explore human physiology in response to exercise and the role of nutrition in enhancing human health. In the level 3 units students will develop an understanding of the impact of modern lifestyles and the role of exercise and nutrition for health and wellbeing and in the prevention of chronic disease at an individual and community level. Students will gain competency in health and fitness assessments and designing exercise programs targeted at risk factor modification to prevent chronic disease. Students will also gain expertise in applying evidence-based strategies to optimise nutrition for individuals from a variety of backgrounds.

Outcomes

Students are able to:

1. articulate a broad knowledge of the structure, function and physiology of the human body at a molecular, cellular, organ and body system level
2. demonstrate an understanding of communicable and non-communicable disease processes and health interventions based on knowledge of human body functions and pharmacological principles
3. communicate biomedical concepts and knowledge to diverse audiences in effective and appropriate ways
4. evaluate and adopt research methodologies including research design and the analysis and interpretation of health and medical data
5. demonstrate high level academic and interpersonal skills
6. demonstrate an understanding of the human musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems' response to exercise
7. demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles of nutrition and the role of nutrition in supporting health, physical activity, and human performance
8. apply evidence-based strategies to optimise nutrition for individuals engaged in a variety of health related activities
9. assess and measure health and fitness related parameters in individuals prior to engaging in exercise related activities; (10) evaluate the presence of chronic disease in individuals and conduct pre-exercise risk assessment screenings; and (11) create and evaluate exercise based programs to enhance health and fitness that target prevention of common chronic diseases.

Broadening guidelines

All students studying towards a Bachelor's Degree at UWA are required to broaden their studies by completing a minimum of four units (24 points) of study outside their degree specific major. Broadening is your opportunity to explore other areas of interest, investigate new disciplines and knowledge paradigms and to shape your degree to suit your own aspirations and interests. Many of you will be able to undertake more than this minimum amount of broadening study and we encourage you to do so if this suits your aspirations. Over the next few months you will find here some broadening suggestions related to your degree-specific major. While we know that many students value guidance of this sort, these are only suggestions and students should not lose sight of the opportunity to explore that is afforded by your Broadening Choices. Advice can also be sought from your Allocated Student Advising Office.

Prerequisites

ATAR Chemistry or equivalent.

ATAR Mathematics Applications or equivalent.

Incompatibilities

None

Courses

Medical Science - Exercise as Medicine can only be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:

• BP056 Bachelor of Biomedicine (Specialised)
• BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)

Units