School of Human Sciences
Discovering what is it to be human
The School of Human Sciences is a large multi-disciplinary School with research and teaching focused on better understanding what it is to be human, from our structure, function, development and genetics, to adaptation, performance and evolution.
Our students are provided with a fundamental interdisciplinary understanding of human function and the manner in which it adapts to challenging and disruptive change. Our graduates become innovative and integrative scientific thinkers, whose careers can be found in fields relating to human structure, development and performance.
As a School, we deliver master's courses in Anatomical Sciences, Biological Arts, Biomedical Science, Clinical Audiology, Exercise Science, Health Science, Human Biology, and Work Health and Safety. We operate majors in Anatomy and Human Biology, Exercise and Health, Sport Science, and Physiology, contributing to other majors in Biomedical Science and Neuroscience, and Medical Science. We also play a key role in delivery of doctorate programs in medicine, dental medicine and podiatric medicine.
23rd in the world for Anatomy and Physiology (QS 2020)
20th in the world for Sports-Related Subjects (QS 2020)
Our research
Courses
Accreditations
The Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology is a National University Course Accreditation Program (NUCAP) accredited course. Graduates may apply to Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) within two years of completing the course for credentialing as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP).
News
Researchers plot the fastest routes for Port to Pub Swim
A group of scientists have combined their expertise to develop the best routes for swimmers.
Read moreChimpanzees do not need smartphones to take efficient routes
Chimpanzees remember the landscape of their rugged, mountainous habitat and use this recall to choose the best route to their next meal.
Read moreExercise helps young people beat addiction
Enjoyable exercise programs could help young people with substance use disorders overcome their addictions.
Read moreCentres and groups
- Cardiovascular Research Group
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Our laboratory is an international leader in the development and optimisation of peripheral and cerebral vascular function assessment in humans.
As well as focusing on the function and structure of large arteries (i.e. macrovasculature), we have developed techniques to assess microvascular function and structure in vivo.
Find out more - Centre for Neonatal Research and Education
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The Centre for Neonatal Research and Education (CNRE) aims to prevent death and disability associated with diseases in newborns by increasing knowledge and understanding of clinical, biochemical and physiological processes of health and disease in newborn babies.
It co-ordinates the academic activities of the medical, nursing and allied health staff working in the Neonatal Clinical Care Unit based at King Edward and Perth Children’s hospitals.
- Centre for Sleep Science
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Research conducted at the Centre for Sleep Science at The University of Western Australia aims to identify the causes of, and investigate therapies for, poor sleep.
The Centre for Sleep Science has five bedrooms with state-of-the-art sleep recording and analysis equipment for laboratory-based research sleep studies. The Centre for Sleep Science is the base for a number of postgraduate sleep training courses offered through the University.
- International Research Collaborative - Oral Health and Equity (IRCOHE.net)
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The IRCOHE.net develops innovative solutions in health education, research and service to address the global challenges in social inequities.
The IRCOHE.net focus is to provide world-class R&D, facilitate improved health in societies across the world, and address the needs of marginalised communities. Its team of 150 Fellows, Students and Collaborators work through ten international regional hubs to advance the joint agenda of equity for all.
Key issues it addresses include health policy and strategy; accessibility; workforce: skills mix, education and distribution; and research oriented to health care needs and prevention.
- Psychology of Active, Healthy Living Group (PAHL)
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The UWA Psychology of Active, Healthy Living (PAHL) Group was formed in 2013 by Dr Ben Jackson and Dr James Dimmock. Ben and James now act as co-Directors of the PAHL group, working with collaborators from all over the world and coordinating over a dozen graduate students based at UWA.
The guiding principle of the PAHL group is to develop rigorous, innovative, and fundable projects that make a difference to people’s lives.
The three main objectives of the group are to:
- Conduct basic (e.g., experimental) work that advances our understanding of health and physical activity
- Develop and implement sustainable and effective health promotion interventions
- Translate our research by ensuring the group’s work reaches and involves the community
Key staff contacts:
- SymbioticA
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SymbioticA is an artistic laboratory dedicated to the research, learning, critique and hands-on engagement with the life sciences. SymbioticA is the first research laboratory of its kind, enabling artists and researchers to engage in wet biology practices in a biological science department.
It offers a new means of artistic and cultural inquiry, where artists use the tools and technologies of science, not just to comment about them, but to explore their possibilities. It also hosts residents, workshops, exhibitions and symposia.
- UWA Exercise and Performance Centre
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The UWA Exercise and Performance Centre (EPC) is an integrated centre offering exercise and health services using evidence-based, progressive and client centre approaches. Our aim is to promote the restoration of function or optimisation of performance in clients ranging from the general public through to elite or developing athletes and industry.
- UWA Paediatric Living Lab
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Drawing on clinical experience and edidence-based practice, UWA's paediatric lab provides tailored, not-for-profit exercise programs to the wider community to encourage and assist WA kids and teens with physical activity and participation.
Programs include Mini Gym, UniGym, Thriving, UniActive and iFIT.
Facilities
The School of Human Sciences is home to a range of facilities which support world-class research and teaching activities.
Research partners
The School of Human Sciences collaborates with several partners across industry.
Body Donation Program
You can donate your body for medical research through body donation, a program run by the School of Human Sciences at UWA. Your donation allows medical students to study real human bodies, a vital educational step in the process to becoming a professional doctor or other health professional.
Our staff
To view a full list of our staff visit the Contact Directory
