Exercise Science

Professor John Hawley

Professor John Hawley has a primary research focus which includes the interaction of exercise and diet on the regulation of fat and carbohydrate metabolism, particularly within skeletal muscle, the molecular basis of exercise training adaptation and the cellular bases underlying exercise-induced improvements in insulin action.

Professor Hawley holds a joint appointment as Professor of Exercise Metabolism and Nutrition at the Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool in the United Kingdom.

Professor Hawley has published over 220 scientific manuscripts, written over 100 articles for technical journals and has authored numerous book chapters for exercise biochemistry and sports medicine texts. He is an Associate Editor for Diabetologia and currently sits on the Editorial Boards of many international journals including the American Journal of Physiology (Endocrinology and Metabolism), The Journal of Applied Physiology (USA), The Journal of Sports Sciences (UK), Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise (USA), Sports Medicine (New Zealand) and The International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism (USA). He is a frequently invited speaker at both national and international scientific meetings.

RESEARCH

acu.edu.au/research

ACU has prioritised the intensification of research.

In line with the University’s mission, each priority research area strives to make a positive difference in communities and the world at large.

An exciting part of research intensification at ACU is the establishment of seven new research institutes, including three focusing on health.

Reflecting the University’s Catholic ethos, ACU’s priority research areas revolve around key societal needs. These priority research focus areas are as follows.

Research concerned with quality, equity and diversity in education with emphases on leadership, numeracy, literacy, Indigenous and religious education.

Research that progresses the quality of health care, especially for the vulnerable.

Research concerned with the elucidation, development and expression of Catholic intellectual thought.

Cross-disciplinary research in the liberal arts and social sciences that enhances the social and cultural wellbeing of communities.

The Institute for Positive Psychology and Education (IPPE) was established in February 2014. Based at Australian Catholic University’s Strathfield Campus, and led by Professor Rhonda Craven, the Institute focuses on conducting world-class multi-disciplinary research in positive psychology and education that makes a difference in addressing critical educational and psychosocial issues.

IPPE prides itself on the calibre of its internationally renowned researchers and scholars, supported by a highly skilled professional staff team.

IPPE has been highly successful with external grants awarded from the Australian Research Council and the National Health Medical Research Council and other national and international bodies as well as significant partnerships with government, non-government organisations, small to medium business enterprises and others.

IPPE has eight synergistic research programs spanning a variety of areas:

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  Indigenous Culture, Education, and Well-Being
  
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  Mindfulness, Compassion, and Action
  
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  Physical Activity, Sport, and Health Psychology
  
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  Positive Education
  
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  Positive Organisational and Social Context
  
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  Positive Psychological and Social Development
  
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  Positive SELF and Well-Being
  
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  Substantive-Methodological Synergy
  

IPPE has a fundamental concern for justice, equity, diversity, and the dignity of all human beings. The Institute’s core values include empowerment, ethical research, harmony, cultural security, academic freedom, and respect.

Based in Melbourne, the Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research is committed to research that promotes health and wellbeing in all Australians. In line with ACU’s dedication to the common good, the Institute advances health research with a particular focus on helping those who are affected by inequality and socio-economic disadvantages.

There are four semi-autonomous centres within the Institute. Each reflects a different theme within the ACU priority research area of health.

Professor Stewart leads the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence to Reduce Inequality in Heart Disease. The Centre focuses on improving the heart health and outcomes of groups and communities including regional Australians, Indigenous Australians and people in low to middle-income countries such as South Africa and Mozambique.

The Centre for the Heart and Mind, led by Professor David Thompson, focuses on the psychological aspects of heart disease and how patients and their carers cope accordingly.

The Centre for Exercise and Nutrition is led by Professor John Hawley and includes Professor Louise Burke OAM and international experts. ACU received a rating of “Well above World Standard” in Human Movement and Sports Science by ERA in 2015. Research conducted within this Centre includes exploring the interaction between exercise and diet, and developing interventions to combat sarcopenia in ageing Australians as well as nutritional intervention strategies for optimum sporting performance.

The Institute is working to attract the very best talent and nurture students and staff, including developing the potential of early career researchers and higher degree research students.

INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH AND AGEING

Director: Professor Marita McCabe

Aim: The Institute for Health and Ageing (IHA) undertakes research to meet the challenges of an ageing population; enhancing the social connectedness and the physical and mental health of both older people and those who care for them. The work of IHA recognises that positive ageing does not occur in isolation, and our mission is to utilise our multi-disciplinary expertise to identify and address intersecting factors across mind, body and the external environment to achieve positive ageing for all.

Professor Prue Cormie leads the Supportive Care and Cancer team whose research aims to enhance outcomes for people with cancer by developing and evaluating interventions that improve physical, psychological and social wellbeing. The main focus of the team’s research is the application of exercise as medicine for the management of cancer.

We seek to build resilience in older people across a range of physical, social, economic and cultural settings, and to influence societal structures for an age-friendly future.

The Institute provides a supportive, positive and productive research environment and has world class expertise in a range of research areas including: active living, biostatistics, built environment, cancer, health economics, and inequalities in health, mental health, musculoskeletal health and nutrition.

COURSE LISTINGS 2017

ALL OUR COURSES ARE COMPLIANT WITH THE Australian Qualifications Framework

Please note: Fees cited are for domestic student fees for 2017, based on 2017 unit costs. Each unit of study is normally worth 10 credit points but there are some exceptions to this rule. Each year there is a fee increase; fees for programs undertaken over a number of years will therefore differ from those cited here. International students should refer to ACU’s International Course Guide.

CLINICAL EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY