Bachelor of Health Science (Dance)

Bachelor of Health Science (Dance)

The Bachelor of Health Science (Dance) develops students understanding of synergies between dance and health science to facilitate work in public and private organisations across a range of occupations.

Given the main instrument in dance is the human body, students will learn how to apply scientific principles to dance movements and develop a greater understanding of dance techniques and risks associated with improper execution.

Course Snapshot

Important information about the Bachelor of Health Science (Dance) which you can view, download or share.

Course Duration

3 years full time or part time equivalent

Online Learning

Selected units available online for students enrolled in courses that are not fully online. Online units in these courses are taught with a viable cohort of students. If the cohort in these units is too small to ensure an optimal student experience, the College reserves the right to alter the delivery mode to on-campus or mixed mode.

Intakes

7 August 2023
4 March 2024

FEE-Help

FEE-HELP approved (for domestic students) Payment plans & direct payment available Tuition payment arrangements must be confirmed upon admission to the college.

Study Mode

Face to face with selected units available online

Transfer Credit

An applicant may apply for an assessment of their prior learning at the time of applying for entry to an award course of the college.

Course Overview

An overview of the  Bachelor of Health Science (Dance)

About the course

The Bachelor of Health Science (Dance) is a specialised degree that uniquely combines the art of dance with scientific principles.

This innovative new dance course leverages ACPE’s longstanding expertise in Dance and Health & Movement, resulting in a qualification that offers substantial vocational skill and expertise across the breadth of the health science and dance discipline.

This new course will serve to educate aspiring dance practitioners, health and dance researchers, dance educators and dance therapists alike about all aspects fundamental to the science of movement for dance. Given the main instrument in dance is the human body, students will learn how to apply scientific principles to dance movements, and develop a greater understanding of dance techniques and the risks associated with improper execution. Through this course students will gain an insight into somatic education systems and their application to the learning and teaching of dance technique.

Course streams

The Bachelor of Health Science (Dance) is divided into three major study areas.

  • The Determinants of Health (Core) Stream introduces students to health promotion principles and provides an understanding of the social, psychological and cultural factors influencing general health and wellbeing.
  • The Bioscience (Core) Stream provides a background in the structure and function of the human body and explores the concepts of exercise physiology.
  • The Dance (Major) Stream provides students a background in dance with a scientific and evidence based approach to health and dance.

Course Structure

The full time course structure for the Bachelor of Health Science (Dance).

The Bachelor of Health Science (Dance) Degree can be completed in three years of full-time study. The degree program is divided into six semesters.

Semester 1

  •  Foundations of Dance (Work Integrated Learning – WIL)
  •  Understanding Health
  •  Chemistry I
  •  Application of Maths and Statistics for Health and Sport

Semester 2

  •  Dance History
  •  Biology I
  •  Musculoskeletal Anatomy & Physiology
  •  Biochemistry and Nutrition

Semester 3

  •  Dance composition I 
  •  Classical Dance Styles
  •  Systems Anatomy & Physiology
  •  Applied Exercise Physiology

Semester 4

  •  Popular Dance Styles
  •  Dance and Somatics
  •  Principles of Health Promotion
  •  Biomechanics

Semester 5

  •  Dance Composition II
  •  Professional Integrity
  •  Human Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
  •  Research Design and Epidemiology

Semester 6

  •  Research in Action (Dance)
  •  Psychology
  •  Health and Physical Assessments
  • Students undertake one of the following three electives:
    •  Small Business Management Principles
    •  Exercise Prescription Throughout the Lifespan
    •  Dance Performance

Course Outcomes

Discover where the Bachelor of Health Science (Dance) can take you.

If you’re ready to take your love of dance and movement to the next level, then the Bachelor of Health Science (Dance) from ACPE is perfect for you. Study the science of multiple dance techniques with like-minded students, while you practice what you have learnt in our state-of-the-art dance studios. Graduates can find employment in a range of private and public institutions, with further study options available for ambitious students who want to forge a career in the education or health industry.

Career Opportunities
  •  Studio Based Teacher
  •  Dance Studio Consultant
  •  Dance Researcher
  •  Rehabilitation and Performance Advisor
Further Study Options
  •  Health Care Professional
  •  Private Dance Teacher
  •  Qualified Dance Teacher

Inherent Requirements

Inherent requirements of the  Bachelor of Health Science (Dance)

If you are intending to enrol in a Bachelor of Health Science or Bachelor of Health & Movement Course, you should look at these inherent requirement statements and think about whether you may experience challenges in meeting these requirements.

If you think you may experience challenges related to your disability, chronic health condition or any other reason, you should discuss your concerns with Director of Student Services and Campus Wellbeing. The Director can work collaboratively with you to determine reasonable adjustments to assist you to meet the Inherent Requirements. In the case where it is determined that Inherent Requirements cannot be met with reasonable adjustments, the College staff can provide guidance regarding other study options.

These inherent requirements should be read in conjunction with other course information and with material related to accreditation.

Each inherent requirement is made up of the following five levels:

  • Level 1 – introduction to the inherent requirement
  • Level 2 – description of what the inherent requirement is
  • Level 3 – explanation of why this is an inherent requirement of the program
  • Level 4 – the nature of any adjustments that may be made to allow you to meet the inherent requirement
  • Level 5 – examples of things you must be able to do to show you’ve met the inherent requirement

There are eight domains of inherent requirements in the Bachelor of Health Science or Bachelor of Health & Movement Course. Some domains have a number of sub-domains.

  • Ethical Behaviour
  • Behavioural Stability
  • Legal
  • Communication
  • Cognition
  • Sensory abilities
  • Strength & Mobility
  • Sustainable performance
Inherent requirement statements
1 Health is a professional area that is governed by code of conduct and standards where health practitioners are both accountable and responsible for ensuring safe and professional behaviour in all contexts.
2 Student demonstrates knowledge of, and engages in ethical behaviour in practice.
3 Justification of inherent requirement:

Compliance with the standards, codes, guidelines and policies facilitates safe, competent interactions and relationships for students and/or the people with whom they engage. This supports the physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of all.

Understanding and applying key ethical and conduct principles are requirements of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers for students in school settings. Students in school settings must meet graduate teaching standards in order to graduate and to be eligible to apply for registration as a teacher

4 Adjustments must ensure the codes and standards are not compromised or result in unethical behaviour. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with Director of Student Services and Campus Wellbeing.
5 Exemplars:

Demonstrate ability to reflect on ethical dilemmas and issues and take responsibility for ensuring awareness of ethical behaviour.

Complying with requirements relating to informed consent, privacy and confidentiality with client information in academic and professional settings.

Inherent requirement statements
1 Behavioural stability is required to function and adapt effectively and sensitively in this role
2 Student demonstrates:

Behavioural stability to work constructively in diverse and challenging academic and professional environment.

3 Justification of inherent requirement:

Behavioural stability is required to work individually and in teams in changing and unpredictable environments. Health students may be exposed to emergency situations, and will be required to have behavioural stability to manage these events.

4 Adjustments must support stable, effective and professional behaviour in both academic and clinical settings. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with Director of Student Services and Campus Wellbeing.
5 Exemplars:

Reflecting on practice and responding appropriately to constructive feedback.

Coping with own emotions and behaviour effectively when dealing with individuals in the professional setting.

Inherent requirement statements
1 Health practitioners practice is mandated by legislation to enable the safe delivery of care.
2 Student demonstrates knowledge and compliance with Australian Law and professional regulation and scope of practice.
3 Justification of inherent requirement:

Knowledge, understanding and compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements and standards are necessary pre-requisites to work integrated learning placements, to reduce the risk of harm to self and others.

Compliance with these professional regulations and the Australian Law ensures that students are both responsible and accountable for their practice.

4 Adjustments must be consistent with legislative and regulatory requirements. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with Director of Student Services and Campus Wellbeing.
5 Exemplars:

Complying with the policies of work integrated learning facilities e.g. Work Health and Safety Act and uniform requirements.

This course requires effective, verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills.

Verbal

Inherent requirement statements
1 Effective verbal communication, in English, is an essential requirement to provide safe delivery of instruction and care.
2 Student demonstrates:

Sensitivity to individual and/or cultural differences.

The ability to understand and respond to verbal communication accurately, appropriately and in a timely manner.

The ability to provide clear instructions in the context of the situation.

Timely clear feedback and reporting.

3 Justification of inherent requirement:

Communicating in a way that displays respect and empathy to others and develops trusting relationship.

Communication may be restricted to verbal because of limitations of the individual (e.g. injury, disease or congenital conditions).

Speed and interactivity of communication may be critical for individual safety or treatment.

Timely, accurate and effective delivery of instructions is critical to individual safety, treatment and management.

4 Adjustments: Adjustments must address effectiveness, timeliness, clarity and accuracy issues to ensure appropriate treatment and management. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with Director of Student Services and Campus Wellbeing.
5 Exemplars:

Participating in tutorial discussions and practising verbal communication skills during practical classes.

Establishing rapport with “clients” required for student assessment or other health professionals in the work placement setting.

Non-Verbal

Inherent requirement statements
1 Effective non-verbal communication is fundamental to physiotherapy and needs to be respectful, clear, attentive, empathetic and non-judgemental.
2 Student demonstrates: 

The capacity to recognise, interpret and respond appropriately to behavioural cues and gestures.

Consistent and appropriate awareness of own behaviour.

Sensitivity to individual differences and/or cultural differences.

3 Justification of inherent requirement:

The ability to observe and understand non-verbal cues assists with building rapport with people and gaining their trust and respect in academic and professional relationships.

Displaying consistent and appropriate facial expressions, eye contact, being mindful of space, time boundaries and body movements and gestures promotes trust in academic and professional relationships.

Being sensitive to individual and/or cultural differences, displays respect and empathy to others and develops trusting relationships.

The ability to observe and understand non -verbal cues is essential for safe and effective observation of client symptoms and reactions to facilitate the assessment and treatment of patients.

4 Adjustments must enable the recognition, initiation of or appropriate response to effective non-verbal communication in a timely and appropriate manner.Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with Director of Student Services and Campus Wellbeing.
5 Exemplars:

Recognising and responding appropriately to cues and activities in classroom situations.

Recognising and responding appropriately to cues in the work placement setting.

Written

Inherent requirement statements
1 Effective written communication, in English, is a fundamental health practitioner’s responsibility with professional and legal ramifications.
2 Student demonstrates the capacity to construct and model coherent written communication appropriate to the circumstance.
3 Justification of inherent requirement:

Construction of written text based assessment tasks to reflect the required academic standards are necessary to convey knowledge and understanding of relevant subject matter for professional practice.

4 Adjustments: Adjustments must meet necessary standards of clarity, accuracy and accessibility to ensure effective recording and transmission of information in both academic and clinical environments. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with Director of Student Services and Campus Wellbeing.
5 Exemplars:

Constructing an essay to academic standards.

Constructing client notes, reports and data in a timely manner that meets legal and professional standards.

This course requires knowledge of theory and the skills of cognition, literacy, numeracy.

Knowledge and cognitive skills

Inherent requirement statements
1 Consistent and effective knowledge and cognitive skills must be demonstrated to provide safe, effective and timely information.
2 Student demonstrates:

The capacity to locate appropriate and relevant information.

The ability to process information relevant to practice.

Ability to integrate and implement knowledge into practice in a timely manner.

3 Justification of inherent requirement: Safe and effective practice is based on comprehensive knowledge that must be sourced, understood and applied appropriately.
4 Adjustments: must ensure that a clear demonstration of knowledge and cognitive skills is not compromised or impeded. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with Director of Student Services and Campus Wellbeing.
5 Exemplars:

Ability to conceptualise and use appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items.

Appropriately applying knowledge of theory, research evidence, policies and procedures in the workplace setting.

Literacy (language)

Inherent requirement statements
1 Competent literacy skills are essential to provide safe and effective delivery of care.
2 Student demonstrates:

The ability to accurately acquire information and convey appropriate, effective messages.

Ability to read and comprehend a range of literature and information.

The capacity to understand and implement academic conventions to construct written text in a scholarly manner.

3 Justification of inherent requirement:

The ability to acquire information and to accurately convey messages is fundamental to ensure safe and effective assessment, treatment and delivery of care.

The ability to read, decode, interpret and comprehend multiple sources of information is fundamental for safe and effective delivery of care.

4 Adjustments: Adjustments must demonstrate a capacity to effectively acquire, comprehend, apply and communicate accurate information. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with Director of Student Services and Campus Wellbeing.
5 Exemplars:

Conveying spoken and written messages accurately and effectively in a professional setting.

Paraphrasing, summarising and referencing in accordance with appropriate academic conventions in written assignments.

Numeracy

Inherent requirement statements
1 Competent and accurate numeracy skills are essential for safe and effective health practitioner management.
2 Student demonstrates the ability to interpret and correctly apply data, measurements and numerical criteria.
3 Justification of inherent requirement: Competent application of numeracy skills is essential in health to facilitate the safe and effective delivery of relevant health services
4 Adjustments: Adjustments must demonstrate a capacity to interpret and apply concepts and processes appropriately in a timely, accurate and effective manner. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with Director of Student Services and Campus Wellbeing.
5 Exemplars: Interpreting and analysing testing and result outputs» Recording accurately measurements in client notes.
Not Applicable.

This course requires adequate visual, auditory and tactile abilities.

Visual

Inherent requirement statements
1 Adequate visual acuity is required to provide safe and effective health management.
2 Student demonstrates sufficient visual acuity to perform the required range of skills.
3 Justification of inherent requirement:

Sufficient visual acuity to demonstrate the required range of skills, tasks and assessments to maintain consistent, accurate and safe care of self and to others.

Visual observations, examinations and assessment are fundamental to safe and effective health practice.

4 Adjustments: Adjustments must address the need to perform the full range of tasks involved in clinical practice. Any strategies to address the effects of the vision impairment must be effective, consistent and not compromise treatment or safety. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with Director of Student Services and Campus Wellbeing.
5 Exemplars: Safely operating equipment.

Auditory

Inherent requirement statements
1 Adequate auditory ability is required to provide safe and effective health management.
2 Student demonstrates sufficient aural function to perform the required range of skills
3 Justification of inherent requirement: Sufficient auditory ability is necessary to monitor, assess and manage an individual’s health needs consistently and accurately.

Auditory assessments and observations are fundamental to safe and effective professional practice.

4 Adjustments: Adjustments must address the need to perform the range of tasks involved in clinical practice. Any strategies to address the effects of the hearing loss must be effective, consistent and not compromise treatment of safety. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with Director of Student Services and Campus Wellbeing.
5 Exemplars:

Performing accurately cardiopulmonary assessment by auscultation.

Detecting care requests by calls for help.

Tactile

Inherent requirement statements
1 Sufficient tactile ability is required to perform competent and safe health care management.
2 Student demonstrates sufficient tactile function to undertake a range of skills and assessments.
3 Justification of inherent requirement:

Sufficient tactile ability is necessary to monitor, assess and detect patients’ physical characteristics and act on any abnormalities detected to provide appropriate management.

Tactile assessments and observations are fundamental to safe and effective practice.

4 Adjustments must have the capacity to make effective assessments of physical characteristics and abnormalities within safe time frames. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with Director of Student Services and Campus Wellbeing.
5 Exemplars: Palpating joints, muscles, and soft tissues to detect anatomical or movement abnormalities.

This course requires strength and mobility involving fine and gross motor skills.

Gross motor skills

Inherent requirement statements
1 Health practitioners practice may involve physical demands and requires gross motor function.
2 Student demonstrates the ability to perform gross motor skills to function within the scope of practice.
3 Justification of inherent requirement:

Sufficient gross motor skills are necessary to perform, coordinate and prioritise care.

Tasks that involve gross motor skills include sitting, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, standing, twisting and bending. Students must be able to demonstrate and perform these tasks consistently and safely to reduce the risk of harm to themselves and others.

4 Adjustments: Adjustments must facilitate functional effectiveness, safety of self and others and a capacity to provided appropriate care. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with Director of Student Services and Campus Wellbeing.
5 Exemplars:

Maintaining own and client’s balance, while providing client support, when transferring and mobilising individuals in a safe manner.

Evaluating clients, in a safe and effective manner, who have varying physical capacity.

Fine motor skills

Inherent requirement statements
1 Careers in health are a profession that requires manual dexterity and fine motor skills.
2 Student demonstrates the ability to use fine motor skills to provide safe effective care.
3 Justification of inherent requirement: Sufficient fine motor skills are necessary to perform, coordinate and prioritise education and care. Tasks that involve fine motor skills include being able to grasp, press, push, turn, squeeze and manipulate various objects. Students must be able to demonstrate and perform these tasks consistently and safely to reduce the risk of harm to themselves and others
4 Adjustments: Adjustments must facilitate functional effectiveness, safety to self and others and a capacity to provide appropriate care. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with Director of Student Services and Campus Wellbeing.
5 Exemplars: Performing assessment techniques
Inherent requirement statements
1 Health Practitioners require both physical and mental performance at a consistent and sustained level.
2 Student demonstrates:

Consistent and sustained level of physical energy to complete a specific task in a timely manner and over time.

The ability to perform repetitive activities with a level of concentration that ensures a capacity to focus on the activity until it is completed appropriately.

The capacity to maintain consistency and quality of performance throughout the designated period of time.

3 Justification of inherent requirement:

Sufficient physical and mental endurance is an essential requirement needed to perform multiple tasks in an assigned period to provide safe and effective care.

4 Adjustments: Adjustments must ensure that performance is consistent and sustained over a given period. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with Director of Student Services and Campus Wellbeing.
5 Exemplars:

Participating in tutorials and lectures.

Providing consistent health care management over a negotiated time frame.

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