Sports Scientist
(Biomechanist)
Fact Sheet
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Performing a skin fold test on a client |
Sports scientists assist sportspeople to achieve the best possible sporting performance, by applying knowledge and techniques from the areas of medicine, physiology, biomechanics (the study of human movement), motor control and development, nutrition, psychology and physiotherapy/massage.
Duties and Tasks
Sports scientists may perform the following tasks:
- devise treatment and exercise programs that support athletes' preparation and recovery, and assist sportspeople to return to training or competition
- conduct experiments, make observations and interpret data in relation to sporting performances, and communicate findings to officials, athletes, coaches and other support staff
- design or assist in designing training programs for sportspeople to improve sporting performance without causing injury, or to strengthen particular areas of the body
- refer clients to medical and paramedical specialists such as orthopaedic surgeons, rheumatologists and physiotherapists
- assist with psychological issues of motivation and stress
Quick Facts
School subjects that include some aspect of BIOLOGY provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a biology-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspects of CHEMISTRY provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a chemistry-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of physical education provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a physical education subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed area protected from the weather. Jobs requiring mainly indoor work are excluded.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are jobs providing health care diagnosis and treatment, such as general medicine, pharmacy, optometry, radiography, speech therapy, dental health, etc. Also covered are community and welfare services, such as social work, family and children services, and counselling, and personal services such as hairdressing and funeral services.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH IDEAS to investigate or seek solutions to scientific, technical, social or other issues. Activities include observing, researching, analysing and interpreting results. The ability to develop theories, apply logic and explore abstract ideas in a specialist area of knowledge is important.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH PEOPLE, to help, inform, teach or treat them. Activities include discussing personal issues, listening to people's problems, and providing advice, instruction, information or treatment to meet their needs.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH THINGS in the natural world, such as conservation, handling animals, raising crops or livestock, or sport. Activities include growing and caring for living things, or an involvement with sport, leisure or the environment.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of a recognised Bachelor Degree, or extensive relevant experience. Some jobs also require post-graduate study, such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master Degree.
Work Conditions
Sports scientists often attend training sessions and sporting fixtures to monitor sporting performances as well as working in an office or testing laboratory. They have a high level of contact with the public.
Personal Requirements
- interest in sport and fitness
- interest in medicine or the sciences
- good observation and problem-solving skills
- able to work with accuracy and attention to detail
Occupation Video - Sports Scientist