Charles Sturt University (CSU) has thrown its muscle behind its successful Human Movement course by committing $3.25 million to a major facelift of the gymnasium at the Bathurst Campus.

The refurbishment enhances the new Bachelor of Human Movement degree, one of the most popular courses at the Bathurst Campus this year, and will complement a high technology training laboratory built recently.

When finished in April 2000, the expanded gymnasium will also include an auditorium with the capacity to seat 800 people and a multipurpose space.

Stage one of the redevelopment, which includes a new weights, aerobics and sports testing area in addition to new changerooms, is due for completion in June this year.

A main design feature of stage one is a curving wall which will clearly divide and enclose the teaching/recreation program area and the public areas of the sports shop and amenities.

The second stage incorporates the auditorium, suitable for graduation ceremonies and examinations, and a new foyer area which will double as a multipurpose space.

The design has been progressed with the flexibility to allow for further development of the sports precinct in the future.

Vice Chancellor, Professor CD Blake, said the University has chosen to invest in one of its most high profile courses that enjoys a solid reputation for producing graduates held in high regard within the industry.

"The course is designed with the industry in mind and its success lies in this strong vocational orientation," Professor Blake said.

The course underwent a change in title and focus this year, with the aim of giving students more flexibility and a broader cross section of career options including sports administration, marketing, media and psychology.

Students now have a choice of specialising in one of three areas: exercise science, sports studies or Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE).

Course Coordinator Dr Frank Marino said the course was one of the first to fill its student quota on the Bathurst Campus. Entry to the course is highly competitive, with 614 UAC applications this year for 60 available places.

"There has been an excellent response following the change of course title and shift in focus to all areas of health-related occupations," Dr Marino said..

"This course gives students a lot of flexibility and doesn't lock them into a particular career path," he added.

In addition to the gymnasium upgrade, the University has also recently built a human performance laboratory with an underwater weighing tank, climate chamber and teaching space with moveable benches