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Careers: Physical Sciences (including PE)

Physical Science (including PE)

Physical Sciences (including P.E)

Click here for a list of examples of where an interest in Physical Sciences, such as Outdoor Education, can lead  you - including University Courses, TAFE courses and Apprenticeships. Information provided by the IMVC in their Subject Selection Kit

Outdoor and Environmental Studies

Outdoor and Environmental Studies is a study of the ways humans interact with and relate to natural environments. The study is directed towards enabling students to make critically informed comment on questions of environmental sustainability and to understand the importance of environmental health, particularly in local contexts. In this study both passive and active outdoor activities provide the means for students to develop experiential knowledge of natural environments. Such knowledge is then enhanced through theoretical study of natural environments from perspectives of environmental history, ecology and the social studies of human–nature relationships. The blend of direct practical experience of natural environments with other more theoretical ways of knowing, enables informed understanding of human–nature relationships.

Human relationships with the natural environment, different understandings of nature and motivations for interacting with natural environments are considered. The study also focuses on human impacts on natural environments and nature’s impact on humans, with a particular focus on outdoor recreation. Ecological, historical and social contexts of relationships between humans and natural environments are investigated as well as use of natural environments and the need to balance outdoor experiences and conservation.

Outdoor and Environmental Studies is relevant to students with a wide range of expectations, including those who wish to pursue further formal study at tertiary level or in vocational education and training settings, as well as providing valuable knowledge and skills for participation in contemporary society.

Environmental Science  

Environmental Science provides the opportunity for students to understand the structure, function and diversity of natural ecosystems on this planet and evaluate the impact of human activities on them. Students examine strategies to maintain and protect the ecological health of the environment while meeting the needs and desires of human populations. Environmental Science investigates the interactions between natural and human systems. This study examines the application of environmental science to ecologically sustainable development and environmental management. Students should understand the values and attitudes that underpin environmental decisions and reflect on effective ways for modifying behaviour of individuals and groups for positive environmental outcomes.

While undertaking this study, students will develop skills in practical scientific investigations, environmental fieldwork techniques, report writing, research and analysis.

Physical Education

Physical Education examines the biological, physiological, psychological, social and cultural influences on performance and participation in physical activity. Physical Education focuses on the complex interrelationship between motor learning and psychological, biomechanical, physiological and sociological factors that influence physical performances, together with the wider social attitudes to and understanding of physical activity.

A theoretical and practical approach towards physical activity is taken in this study. It provides the means by which theory and practice are integrated. Participation in physical activity and development of performance skills provide opportunities for students to reflect on factors that affect performance and participation in physical activity, as well as improve their own performance. This study prepares students for such fields as human movement, nursing or physiotherapy, as well as providing valuable knowledge and skills for participating in their own sporting and physical activity pursuits.

(Extracts from V.C.A.A. Study Summaries: Outdoor & Enviro., Phys.Ed.,and Environmental Science)

Career Possibilities Related to Physical Sciences:

§  Aerobics/Fitness  instructor/

§  Agricultural  & forestry scientist

§  Agricultural  and resource economist

§  Ambulance  officer

§  Animal  attendant or trainer

§  Aquaculture  technician

§  Biochemist  / Botanist

§  Chemical  engineer

§  Council  worker

§  Diver /  Ecologist

§  Environmental  or urban & regional planner

§  Environmental  scientist

§  Ergonomist

§  Farmhand/manager

§  Firefighter  / Fisheries officer

§  Forest worker/technical officer

§  Gardener  / Geologist

§  Health  promotion officer

§  Horticultural  tradesperson

§  Inspector  or regulatory officer

§  Landcare  worker

§  Landscape  architect

§  Meteorological technical officer

§  Naturopath

§  Park  ranger

§  Physiologist

§  Physiotherapist

§  Postal  employee

§  Recreation  officer

§  Rigger /  Science technician

§  Sports  coach/instructor/administrator

§  Sports  editor/journalist

§  Sports scientist

§  Stablehand

§  Stunt  performer

§  Teacher /  Viticulturist

§  Wool  broker

§  Yoga  instructor

§  Zoologist 

PHYSICAL SCIENCES – industry and related information

www.fitnessnetwork.com.au/ Welcome to Australian Fitness Network's web site. Australian Fitness Network is the pre-eminent member-based fitness organisation in Australia. With more than 13,000 members in Australia, New Zealand and around the globe, 'Network' (as it is known in the industry) is the leading source for information, fitness education, personal trainer certification, fitness conventions and events in fitness.

www.vicfit.com.au/  Victoria Council on Fitness and General Health (VICFIT) has now become Kinect Australia which will focus on the national promotion of active living.

www.sportspeople.com.au/ Jobsearch site and other related links for Sports People.

www.cse.csiro.au/ CSIRO, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, is Australia's national science agency and one of the largest and most diverse research agencies in the world.

www.dpi.vic.gov.au  The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) designs and delivers government policies and programs that enable Victoria's primary and energy industries to sustainably maximise the wealth and wellbeing they generate.

www.education.vic.gov.au Department of Education& Early Childhood Development (Workforce Planning Unit) – includes downloadable brochures and information sheets about teaching as a career.

Acknowledgement of St Kevins Careers Department for sharing this content. 2014

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