- Apply to become an accredited exercise physiologist
- Use high-tech on-campus sport and exercise science laboratories
- USC's Exercise Science laboratories are accredited with the Australian Institute of Sport’s National Sport Science Quality Assurance program
Program summary
Program title: Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science
Award abbreviation: BClinExSc
QTAC code: 013251
OP / Rank for 2013 entry: OP-15 / Rank-68
Duration: 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 only
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English; Maths A, B or C; and at least one of the sciences
Fee type 2013: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 384
USC program code: SC346
CRICOS code: 066298J. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
Learn to apply your knowledge of exercise science to professional practice in clinical and community environments, to help people with chronic and complex illnesses.
Use exercise as medicine to improve the health of people with chronic or complex medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis, high blood pressure or arthritis.
Studies include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathophysiology, biomechanics, psychology, motor learning, and sports nutrition.
Advanced courses focus on professional practice in clinical and community environments, with industry placement and workplace learning. First aid and other relevant certificate qualifications are incorporated throughout the degree.
Post-admission requirements
Before undertaking clinical placements you must provide evidence of Hepatitis B immunisation as well as first aid and CPR training, undertake a Criminal History check and obtain or hold a current Suitability Card (Blue Card CCYPCG). The evidence of these requirements will be included as an assessment item of the initial placement subject conducted in the third year of the Clinical Exercise Science degree, SPX300 . Students may be required to undertake some clinical placements outside the Sunshine Coast region in metropolitan and regional/rural areas.
Career opportunities
Accreditated Exercise Physiologist, musculoskeletal, cardiac, pulmonary and chronic disease rehabilitation, research.
Professional recognition
Graduates may apply for accreditation as Exercise Physiologists with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). Graduates may also become members of Sports Medicine Australia.
Students intending to seek accreditation with Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) as Exercise Physiologists are advised that ESSA will allow recognition of prior learning (RPL) for non-university studies to a maximum of 12.5% of program load. Therefore, USC recommends that students holding TAFE studies in Fitness seek RPL for not more than 4 courses upon entering the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science.
Accreditation
USC's Exercise Science laboratories are accredited with the Australian Institute of Sport's National Sport Science Quality Assurance program.
Enquiries
- Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
- Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering for program advice
Program requirements
In order to commence fieldwork placement you must:
- Hold a valid Suitability Card (Blue Card - Working with Children Check - QLD). This is required by week 6 of the third year subject, SPX300 , and is issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG). The application timeline for this Card is usually in the region of 6-8 weeks, therefore it is advised that this process is initiated at the time of enrolment into SPX300 if not before.
- Provide evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B (blood titre level after approved vaccination schedule)
- Hold current Senior First Aid and CPR certificates (currency of certification is to be maintained thorughout the program)
- You may also be required to complete a Criminal History Check for particular placements, cost of which is borne by the student.
- Some courses within this program are taught outside of the standard teaching semesters. Students should refer to the Session Timetables for dates.
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete all required components of this program, to be able to apply for accreditation as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).
- Complete 500 hours of supervised practice (as per ESSA requirement), comprising a minimum of 140 hours for apparently healthy clients, 140 hours for neuromuscular/musculoskeletal clients and 140 hours for metabolic/cardiopulmonary clients. These hours can be completed as part of SPX300 and SPX401 courses.
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. Students should be aware there are restrictions applicable to credit transfer in order to obtain ESSA accreditation and they should contact their Program Advisor if considering participating in the GO program.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan
- Students intending to seek accreditation with Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) as exercise physiologists are advised that ESSA will allow recognition of prior learning (RPL) for non-university studies to a maximum of 12.5 of program load. Therefore, USC recommends that students holding TAFE studies in Fitness seek RPL for not more than 4 courses upon entering the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science.
Program structure
Core course (1)
COR109 Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science
Introductory courses (7)
LFS100 Communication and Thought
LFS112 Cell Biology
LFS122 Human Physiology
PUB104 Human Anatomy
SCI105 Introduction to Behavioural Health
SCI110 Chemistry
SPX102 Science Research Methods
Advanced courses (21)
HLT221 Introduction to Coaching Science
PUB351 Human Pathophysiology
SPX201 Health Promotion Implementation and Evaluation
SPX202 Functional Anatomy
SPX211 Biomechanics I
SPX212 Exercise Physiology I
SPX221 Exercise Prescription and Programming
SPX222 Introduction to Sports Medicine
SPX231 Sports Psychology
SPX300 Motor Control and Learning
SPX301 Introduction to Clinical Placement
SPX302 Exercise in Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Health
SPX322 Exercise in Musculoskeletal Health
SPX331 Biomechanics II
SPX343 Exercise Physiology II
SPX352 Applying Clinical Exercise Research
SPX401A Sports Nutrition
SPX401B Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science
SPX401C Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science
SPX401D Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science
SPX410 Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science
SPX411 Exercise Management in Chronic Disease
SPX412 Exercise in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
SPX413 Exercise in Neurological Rehabilitation
Study Plan
The Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science Study Plan is for students commencing in the current semester.
Year 1
- Eight (8) required courses:
COR109 should be studied in Semester 2
Required courses (8)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| LFS100 Online Journalism | |||
| SCI105 Cell Biology | |||
| SCI110 Chemistry | |||
| PUB104 Science Research Methods | |||
| COR109 Introduction to Behavioural Health | |||
| LFS112 Communication and Thought | |||
| LFS122 Human Physiology | |||
| SPX102 Human Anatomy |
Year 2
- Eight (8) required courses
Required courses (8)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| HLT221 Introduction to Coaching Science | |||
| SPX201 Human Pathophysiology | |||
| SPX221 Functional Anatomy | |||
| SPX231 Introduction to Sports Medicine | |||
| SPX202 Motor Control and Learning | |||
| SPX211 Biomechanics I | |||
| SPX212 Exercise Physiology I | |||
| SPX222 Exercise Prescription and Programming |
Year 3
- Eight (8) required courses:
SPX300 should be studied in Semester 1
Required courses (8)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPX300 Sports Psychology | |||
| SPX322 Introduction to Clinical Placement | |||
| SPX331 Biomechanics II | |||
| SPX343 Exercise Physiology II | |||
| PUB351 Applying Clinical Exercise Research | |||
| SPX301 Health Promotion Implementation and Evaluation | |||
| SPX302 Exercise in Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Health | |||
| SPX352 Exercise in Musculoskeletal Health |
Year 4
- Eight (8) required courses:
SPX401B should be studied in Semester 2
SPX401C should be studied in Semester 2
SPX410 SPX411 are taught in Session 1, prior to the commencement of Semester 1
SPX412 SPX413 are taught in Session 4, prior to the commencement of Semester 2
Required courses (8)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPX410 Sports Nutrition | |||
| SPX411 Exercise Management in Chronic Disease | |||
| SPX401A Exercise in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation | |||
| SPX401B Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science | |||
| SPX412 Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science | |||
| SPX413 Exercise in Neurological Rehabilitation | |||
| SPX401C Case Management and Occupational Rehabilitation | |||
| SPX401D Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science |
# Subject to special entry requirements. Course Coordinator approval only.
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