Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science (Psychology and Exercise Science) | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science (Psychology and Exercise Science)

Program summary

QTAC code: 014301
OP/Rank for 2009 entry: OP-17 / Rank-66
Award abbreviation: BA/BSc
Degree type: undergraduate
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fee type 2010: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 384
Recommended prior study: English, Maths and one or more of the sciences, preferably Chemistry
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
USC program code: SA305
CRICOS code: 058144E

Program overview

Exercise scientists seek to enhance health and physical performance by using activity analysis and specific physical performance objectives. By combining studies in psychology with more traditional exercise science courses, you will gain an understanding of both the physical and non-physical factors that can influence athletic performance.

As a graduate of this program, you will be equipped to help clients achieve both an optimum mental state and physical conditioning, and will be able to work to ensure that clients remain motivated, perform to the best of their ability, and also enjoy their sport and exercise participation.

In the exercise science component of the degree, you will learn how to apply scientific knowledge and procedures to assess and analyse the human body’s response to acute and chronic physical activity. This includes general physical activity such as fitness regimens and recreational sport, as well as elite sport.

In the psychology component of the program, you will learn how to help athletes and exercisers with motivation, goal-setting, positive thinking, concentration, emotional control, and coping skills to overcome disappointing outcomes in training and competition.

On graduation, you can choose to work as an exercise scientist with specific knowledge in psychology, or you could complete further study to become a registered psychologist.

You will earn two degrees in a shorter amount of time than if you were to study the programs separately, and will receive two testamurs (degree certificates) on completion.

Accreditation

The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) has accredited Pathway 1 of the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science (Psychology and Exercise Science) as a three-year undergraduate sequence in psychology.

To become a registered psychologist in your state/territory, you will need to complete Pathway 1, plus either (1) an accredited honours year, or (2) a postgraduate diploma in psychology. You will then need to complete either (1) further accredited postgraduate study, or (2) supervision that follows the guidelines of the Psychologists Registration Board in your state/territory.

USC offers an accredited honours year—the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) (Honours)—to which you can gain direct entry upon completion of Pathway 1. Please note that a minimum grade point average in the Pathway 1 psychology courses is required for honours entry.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business (Psychology and Exercise Science) may find employment in the areas of:

  • cardiac and pulmonary testing and rehabilitation 
  • coaching 
  • community recreation and fitness 
  • corporate health and fitness 
  • counselling 
  • exercise physiology 
  • exercise prescription and programming 
  • fitness assessment 
  • personal health and fitness/training 
  • physical education 
  • psychology/exercise science research 
  • sports biomechanics 
  • sports management/promotion 
  • sports psychology 
  • state and national sport development 
  • team building

Special features

  • combines studies in physical conditioning with professional training in psychology 
  • provides a holistic approach to motivational training strategies
  • earn two degrees in four years of full-time study

Program structure

Core courses

Select 2 courses from:
COR109 Enabling Occupation: The Child and Adolescent
COR110 Communication and Thought
COR111 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses

Select 1 of the following pathways:

Pathway 1

This pathway may lead to direct entry to the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) (Honours) program, subject to achievement of a minimum grade point average in Psychology courses.

2 required introductory courses:
PSY100 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology A

Plus 12 required advanced courses:
PSY200 Introduction to Psychology B
PSY201 Research Methods in Psychology A
PSY202 Research Methods in Psychology B
PSY203 Physiological Psychology
PSY204 Introduction to Human Development
PSY205 Social Psychology
PSY300 Motivation and Emotion
PSY301 Advanced Methods in Psychology
PSY302 Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
PSY303 Intercultural and Indigenous Psychologies
PSY304 Personality and Assessment
PSY305 Human Associative Learning

Plus select 1 Arts and Social Sciences elective

Pathway 2

This pathway will not lead to direct entry to the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) (Honours) program. Indirect entry to the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) program would require completion of 6 further Psychology courses, and would be subject to achievement of a minimum grade point average in Psychology courses.

2 required introductory courses:
PSY100 Abnormal Psychology
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology A

Plus 2 required level 2 courses:
PSY200 Introduction to Psychology B
PSY201 Research Methods in Psychology A

Plus select 4 courses from:
PSY202 Research Methods in Psychology B
PSY203 Physiological Psychology
PSY204 Introduction to Human Development
PSY205 Social Psychology
PSY300 Motivation and Emotion
PSY301 Advanced Methods in Psychology
PSY302 Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
PSY303 Intercultural and Indigenous Psychologies
PSY304 Personality and Assessment

Plus select an Arts and Social Sciences minor (4 courses)
Plus select 3
Arts and Social Sciences electives

Faculty of Science, Health and Education courses

6 required introductory courses:
LFS122 Human Associative Learning
LFS112 Human Anatomy
LFS100 Human Physiology
SCI105 Cell Biology
SCI107 Chemistry
SCI110 Physics

Plus 6 required advanced courses:
LFS251 Science Research Methods
SPX201 Biochemistry
SPX202 Functional Anatomy
SPX211 Biomechanics I
SPX212 Exercise Physiology I
SPX221 Exercise Prescription and Programming

Plus select 3 300-level SPX coded courses from the Faculty of Science, Health and Education 

Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program

As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider.

Program requirements and notes

  1. An introductory level course has a number less than 200 in its course code. An advanced level course has a number greater than 200 and less than 400 in its course code.
  2. Refer to the Academic Rules.
  3. Refer to explanation of terms.
  4. Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns.
  5. Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including, for example, essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests, and examinations.

Enquiries

How to apply

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259

Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: sheinfo@usc.edu.au


* Course is subject to final approval

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