Sports scientists work with athletes and sportspeople in devising training, competition and recovery programs based on knowledge and techniques from biomedical science, physiology, biomechanics (the study of human movement), nutrition, psychology and sport assessment.
Where sports scientists are employed
Sports scientists work at sports institutes (such as the South Australian Sports Institute), professional sports clubs, sports medicine clinics and sporting associations. A number of professionals working in sports medicine are self-employed and may subcontract their services. Sports scientists may work as consultants in fitness performance analysis and injury rehabilitation. Some sports scientists volunteer at sporting clubs.
Pay
Full-time sports scientists in South Australia generally earn between $1,000 and $1,249 per week.
Job prospects
In 2011 there were 96 people employed full-time as sports scientists in South Australia compared with 29 in 2006.
How to become one
Usually you need a degree in sport and exercise science or human movement studies. You could also do a degree in a relevant area, such as nutrition, physiotherapy or medicine, followed by a postgraduate qualification in sport science. At school consider doing biology, chemistry and physical education.
For information on course admission requirements and how to apply to the universities and TAFE in South Australia visit the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC).
Check South Australian Universities at The University of Adelaide, Flinders University and University of South Australia.
For information about Australian universities visit Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT).
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