A student of sports and exercise physiology may take courses in biochemistry, nutrition and conditioning. Studies may include a variety of coursework from hands on experimentation to lectures and reports. Assignments may include studying the response of an athlete’s body to stress or an individual unaccustomed to exercise.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.