Human Performance Science (2023)

The Human Performance Science major represents a distinctive approach to sport and exercise science. It is based on four pillars; namely, strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, biomechanics and injury prevention, and psychology. The science of human performance extends beyond high performance sport and includes links to the general population, movement-related professions, exercise, nutrition and physical health.

Human Performance Science is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Health, Sport and Human Performance (BHSHP). Human Performance Science may also be included as a second major or minor in other undergraduate degrees, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled.

To complete Human Performance Science as a single major for the BHSHP, students must gain 135 points from papers listed for Human Performance Science, including 105 points above 100 level, and 60 points above 200 level. Students must complete BIOMD101, HPSCI101, HPSCI201; 30 points from HPSCI202, HPSCI203 and HPSCI204; and 60 points from HPSCI301, HPSCI302, HPSCI303, HPSCI304 and SDCOA304.

To complete Human Performance Science as part of a double major for the BHSHP or other undergraduate degree, students must gain 120 points from papers listed for Human Performance Science, including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must complete BIOMD101, HPSCI101, HPSCI201; 30 points from HPSCI202, HPSCI203 and HPSCI204; and 45 points from HPSCI301, HPSCI302, HPSCI303, HPSCI304 and SDCOA304.

To complete a minor in Human Performance Science, students must complete 60 points from the papers listed for the Human Performance Science major, including at least 30 points above 100 level.

Note: From 2024, new students enrolled in Human Performance Science as a major or a second major, please see below the Prescriptions from 2024 for more information.


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  • Prescriptions for the GradCert(HPS) and GradDip(HPS)

    A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Human Performance Science at an advanced level in their first degree. To complete the Graduate Diploma, students must take a total of 120 points including at least 75 points at 300 level or above in Human Performance Science. Programmes of study are planned according to interests and prior academic background and experience, and intending candidates should therefore consult the Head of the School of Health.

    For further details, contact the Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science.

  • Prescriptions for Human Performance Science Major and Second Major from 2024

    From 2024, new students enrolled in Human Performance Science as a single major for the BHSHP, students must gain 135 points from papers listed for Human Performance Science, including 105 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must complete BIOMD101, HPSCI101; 60 points from HPSCI202, HPSCI203, HPSCI204, HPSCI205, HPSCI206, or HPSCI207; and 45 points from HPSCI301, HPSCI302, HPSCI303, HPSCI304, HPSCI306 or SDCOA304.

    From 2024, new students enrolled in Human Performance Science as part of a double major for the BHSHP or other undergraduate degree, students must gain 120 points from papers listed for Human Performance Science, including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must complete BIOMD101, HPSCI101; 45 points from HPSCI202, HPSCI203, HPSCI204, HPSCI205, HPSCI206, or HPSCI207; and 45 points from HPSCI301, HPSCI302, HPSCI303, HPSCI304, HPSCI306 or SDCOA304.

  • 100 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    BIOMD101Introduction to Human Biology - Tinana Tangata Koiora15.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
    This paper will introduce the student to the basics of human anatomy and physiology. He whakataki tenei pepa i te hunga tauira ki nga tuapapa o te matai tinana me te matai whaiaroaro o te ira tangata.
    HPSCI101Introduction to Human Performance Science15.023B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
    This paper will provide an introduction to Human Performance Science.
  • 200 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    HPSCI201Exercise Physiology and Prescription15.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
    The paper examines the physiological mechanisms, adaptations and subsequent exercise prescription that impact on performance and wellbeing.
    HPSCI202Psychomotor Learning and Performance15.023B (Hamilton)
    The paper provides a broad research-informed introduction to themes associated with perceptual and psychological factors that influence how people learn and perform movement skills.
    HPSCI203Nutrition for Health and Exercise15.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
    This paper will include an overview of nutrition in the context of sport and health related settings, with focus on understanding the roles of macro and micro-nutrients, energy balance, measurement of resting, exercising energy expenditure, chronic lifestyle related disease and influences on current diet practices.
    HPSCI204Biomechanics in Sport: Functional Anatomy and Biomechanical Principles15.023B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
    This paper covers basic biomechanics concepts, including static mechanics, dynamic mechanics, kinematics, and kinetics. Injury mechanics, prevention and rehabilitation principles and practices are also addressed in the context of sport.
  • 300 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    HPSCI301Advanced Exercise Physiology and Prescription15.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
    The paper critically examines complex physiological mechanisms and explores innovative strategies to manipulate these mechanisms to enhance fitness, performance and health.
    HPSCI302Advances in Human Performance Psychology15.023B (Hamilton)
    The paper examines historical and contemporary approaches to the psychology of human performance in physical activity, sport and other domains, with emphasis on the role of conscious and nonconscious psychological processes that underlie movement.
    HPSCI303Advanced Biomechanics in Sport: Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention15.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
    The paper critically examines the theoretical/biomechanical concepts involved in analysing and monitoring human movement to enhance health and performance outcomes.
    HPSCI304Advanced Strength Conditioning and Exercise Prescription15.023B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
    This paper explores technological innovations in sport and human performance. It aims to investigate the various forms of technologies used to measure and monitor human performance in sport.
    SDCOA304Analysing Coaching for Learning15.023B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
    This paper critically examines the instructional strategies and practices adopted to promote effective instruction in selected settings. A range of technologies to support the analysis and reflection process are utilised. Students will have the opportunity to apply these in a broad range of coaching and instructional settings.

2023 Catalogue of Papers information current as of : 22 March 2024 8:11pm

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