Deakin’s School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences is the only university department nationally and one of only a few internationally that is specifically focused on teaching and research in both nutrition and physical activity. Our work is important as poor nutrition and inadequate physical activity are known to increase the risk of a range of chronic health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, osteoporosis, cancer and depression, all of which are common in developed countries like Australia.
Poor nutrition and inadequate physical activity are major contributors to the burden of disease. Given this, and the fact that Australia has an ageing population, the development of strategies to improve nutrition and promote physical activity across the lifespan are important health priorities.
Our aim is to provide the evidence base to promote health and improve performance, drawing on our expertise in basic science, clinical science and population health. The School strives to meet this aim by:
- Conducting applied research into the roles of exercise and nutrition in health and wellbeing, and in disease prevention.
- Teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students to prepare them for careers where they can promote physical activity and optimal nutrition.
- Translating our research and working with government, the community and industry partners to promote health and wellbeing.
The School currently offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in exercise and nutrition:
We also have over 50 masters and PhD students and 35 honours working with us in the School who are integral to our research activities. The School has strong programs of research in:
- Behavioural Epidemiology
- Musculoskeletal Health
- Applied Exercise Science
- Healthy Ageing
- Molecular Nutrition
- Nutrition and Dietetics
The School provides a vibrant environment of learning about nutrition and exercise and conducts leading edge research. I welcome you to the School.
Alfred Deakin Professor David Crawford
Head, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
