School of Human Sciences

Find out how to study anatomy and human biology at UWA:

• Anatomy and Human Biology major
• Human Sciences (Anatomy and Physiology) extended major
• Bachelor of Human Sciences and Master of Bioinformatics

Biological anthropology
Biological anthropology investigates how the biology and behaviour of humans are influenced by genetic, developmental, ecological and cultural factors. We focus on evolutionary principles as applied to human evolution, the behavioural ecology of primates, the process of gene-environment interaction during development, and the interplay of cultural and biological factors in human behaviour.

Cell and molecular biology
Research in cell biology looks at cellular and molecular networks, and the interactions underpinning human biology. This research helps us understand how our genetic information and signalling networks give rise to distinct cell types, and how our cells respond to environmental challenges, including disease states.

Reproductive biology and endocrinology
Research in reproduction examines the impact and interaction of stress and nutritional factors on male and female fertility, placental function, fetal growth, pregnancy outcome and fetal programming of the adult phenotype.
Human studies centre on the use of assisted reproductive technology, particularly psychosocial and lifestyle factors influencing treatment outcome and issues surrounding the use of donated gametes and embryos.

Sleep science
Sleep science research explores the causes of, and treatments for, sleep disorders including sleep apnoea and insomnia.
Research is undertaken at the Centre for Sleep Science, the University's purpose-built sleep training and research facility, in collaboration with the West Australian Sleep Disorders Research Institute at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.

Find out how to study audiology at UWA:

• Master of Clinical Audiology

Hearing deafness and sensory neuroscience
Deafness is one of the most common sensory deficits. The Auditory Laboratory specialises in research into the physiology of hearing, deafness and tinnitus, and associated aspects of neurophysiology and membrane transport. It is one of Australia's leading research institutions in auditory physiology, and hosts UWA’s Master of Clinical Audiology.

Paediatric and Educational Audiology
Hearing loss, middle ear disorders and auditory processing disorder in children are highly prevalent in Australia and globally. Hearing ability is one of the several factors that can influence a child’s learning at school. We specialise in the use machine learning techniques to improve detection of hearing loss and middle ear disorders and developing novel treatments to help children with auditory processing disorder achieve their full potential. The use of tele-health in audiology is also being investigated to provide services to those who may not have regular access to Audiological services.

Find out how to study exercise health at UWA:

• Exercise and Health major
• Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Sciences and Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
• Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology

Lifespan physical activity and health
Our research focuses on modifying behaviours that lead to a healthier lifestyle. Paediatric exercise science is an emerging specialty in this theme, with applied research and community outreach programs complementing best-practice physical activity interventions among adults of all ages. Additional areas of research emphasis include health promotion, exercise psychology, school-based physical activity, exercise during pregnancy, and exercise among older adults.

Research strengths

• Clinical exercise physiology
• Exercise benefits for older adults
• Exercise during pregnancy
• Exercise psychology
• Health promotion
• Paediatric exercise science
• School-based physical activity

Prevention and management of chronic diseases
Premature death has been associated with conditions such as coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia and various cancers, but 80 per cent of these can be prevented through regular exercise. Our research investigates how appropriate exercise can play an important role in preventing and managing chronic conditions.

Research strengths

•  Bone and joint
• Cardiovascular
• Clinical exercise physiology
• Metabolic
• Neuromuscular

Find out how to study neuroscience at UWA:

• Neuroscience major
• Human Science and Neuroscience extended major
• Bachelor of Human Sciences and Master of Biomedical Science (Neuroscience Specialisation)
• Master of Biomedical Science (Neuroscience Specialisation)

Hearing deafness and sensory neuroscience
Deafness is one of the most common sensory deficits. The Auditory Laboratory specialises in original research into the physiology of hearing, deafness and tinnitus, and associated aspects of neurophysiology and membrane transport. It is one of Australia's leading research institutions in auditory physiology, and hosts UWA’s Master of Clinical Audiology.

Neuroscience and neurotherapy
Our research focuses on developing and testing novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of neurotrauma and neurodegenerative diseases in the central nervous system. Strategies include stem cell and neural tissue transplantation, pharmacotherapy, gene therapy, and the application of biocompatible polymer systems, with an emphasis on protection and repair of the spinal cord and visual system.

Spinal Cord Repair Laboratory
The Spinal Cord Repair Laboratory researches a variety of preclinical strategies aimed at repairing the damaged spinal cord, including stem cell transplantation, tissue engineering with self-assembling peptides, inducing plasticity in the brain using gene therapy to promote enhanced repair in the spinal cord, neuroprotective peptides, in vivo reprogramming and non-invasive methods such as infra-red/near infra-red irradiation and transcranial magnetic stimulation. The laboratory is also a core facility to enable collaboration with other neurotrauma researchers who aim to transfer their own promising regenerative therapies into a spinal cord setting.

Our research specialises in the following areas:

• Stem cell transplantation
• Tissue engineering
• Gene therapy
• Neuroprotection
• Non-invasive therapies
• Behavioural testing
• Modulation of the immune system

Find out how to study physiology at UWA:

• Physiology
• Human Sciences (Anatomy and Physiology)

Cardiovascular electrophysiology
The Cardiovascular Electrophysiology Laboratory specialises in research into the mechanisms leading to sudden cardiac death in the young due to genetic mutations in the heart muscle and coronary artery disease that leads to heart attack.

Neonatal physiology
Preterm birth is a serious neonatal disorder causing death and long-term ill health for surviving infants. This multidisciplinary research program strives to understand and reduce the morbidity associated with preterm birth.

Respiratory physiology
This research program examines the underlying mechanisms of common obstructive airway diseases reducing the quality of life and life expectancy. The tracheobronchial tree is a physiological piping system that supplies the alveoli where gas exchange occurs with the pulmonary circulation. Airway passages are susceptible to disease processes which present early, for example asthma, and later in life, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Skeletal muscle physiology
Skeletal muscles are essential for all aspects of movement as well as heat generation and metabolism. Our research looks at the physiology of skeletal muscle under healthy, aged and diseased conditions. We are particularly interested in the molecular processes underlying muscle contraction, the mechanisms of contractile dysfunction associated with injury and ageing, and the evaluation of medical treatments for sarcopenia and muscular diseases, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Thermal and comparative physiology
The Thermal and Comparative Physiology Laboratory specialises in research into the mechanisms and ecological consequences of temperature regulation and the physiological adaptation of birds and mammals, including humans, to different environments. Our research has implications for native animal conservation, production animal systems, and the ability of humans to maintain active lifestyles.

Find out how to study sport science at UWA:

• Sport Science, Exercise and Health extended major
• Sport Science
• Bachelor of Human Sciences and Master of Applied Human Performance Science
• Master of Applied Human Performance Science

We draw expertise from several sub-disciplines including:

• Sports physiology and nutrition
• Sports biomechanics and motor learning
• Applied sports psychology
• Sports medicine and injury prevention

Our key research strengths include:

• Athletic performance optimisation
• Injury prevention and rehabilitation
• Technology and innovation
• Safe and productive workplaces

Principles and mechanisms of movement
This research focuses on understanding the fundamental physiological, molecular, psychological and neuromusculoskeletal principles and mechanisms of biological systems and human movement and activity. We use basic science to develop and improve best practice methods, experimental procedures and computational models. Through a multidisciplinary approach, we create empirical foundations to best inform applied and clinical research.

Our key research strengths include:

• Neuromusculoskeletal modelling and simulation
• Macro and molecular comparative biology
• Cardiovascular biology
• Psychometrics