6 things we discovered about studying exercise and sports science

Here are six things we discovered about studying Health Sciences at the University of Sydney from Ali. To hear the full list, watch the video.

1. Where the best spot at Cumberland campus is

Ali's favourite spot at Cumberland campus is the weights lab. The weights labs provide a safe environment where students like Ali can practice instructing clients on correct weight machine use, while developing confidence in the procedures they are learning in lectures.

The Faculty of Health Sciences offers a range of purpose-built laboratories, on-site health clinics and high-end equipment to support our training and research. The whole campus is dedicated to the Faculty of Health Sciences, providing you with an ideal learning base for your professional development.

2. Which lab or practical classes she attends

Ali takes lab classes in both the weights lab and the Anatomy and Body System laboratory. The Discipline of Exercise and Sports Science currently has nine comprehensive laboratories dedicated to learning, including a world-class biomechanics laboratory equipped with 14 motion cameras, seven force-plates, and a 16-channel telemetric system, acceleration track and Olympic specification sand pit to facilitate the analysis of elite athletes.

3. Why she chose an exercise and sports science degree

Studying exercise and sport science can make a genuine difference to people's lives. When we asked Ali why she chose an exercise and sports science degree, she told us her main reason was, " I much prefer working hands-on, face to face with people rather than doing bookwork and research, so this degree gives me the opportunity to interact with others, and also combine my degree with my love of exercise and sport."

4. What surprised her about being at university

Studying exercise and sport science offers students a supportive environment in which to learn. They are taught by leading academics, clinicians and researchers who play an important role the healthcare community. The student experience at university is a time to learn, change, grow and for recent high school graduates, and it's often an opportunity to become more independent. Ali said that she was most surprised by "how different it is to school; I love the flexibility of the timetables and I learn much better with the practical, hands-on learning".

5. What her favourite thing about studying exercise and sports science is

Ali says she "loves sport and exercise and wants to help others to be able to live long, healthy lives". The Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science focuses on the integration of exercise and physical activity into healthcare, sports performance, disease prevention and rehabilitation.

Ali's favourite subject is "Anatomy, even though it is hard". Students also explore metabolism and physiology, human motor learning and control, the principles of exercise programming, nutrition and musculoskeletal principles of exercise.

6. How much she loves studying with different people

As highly trained and valued professionals, exercise and sports scientists work with a diverse range of people, including other healthcare professionals and clients from all walks of life. Ali has loved that she has been able to study and work alongside people from a diverse range of backgrounds from around Australia and the world. "My classmates are awesome, there are so many different people from different backgrounds that I've made friends with," said Ali.

Students at the Faculty of Health Sciences learn how to thrive in complex health environments and build an understanding of how to work with other health professionals to provide the highest quality patient-centered care.

Find out more about our Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise and Sports Science) and where a degree in exercise and sport science can lead you.