- Learn from experts who work with high-profile sports organisations and teams
- Balance studies between fundamental science and sport and exercise specialisations
- 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 Sport and Exercise Science
Award abbreviation: BSp&ExSc
QTAC code: 013041
OP / Rank for 2013 entry: OP-17 / Rank-64
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English; Maths A, B or C; and at least one of the sciences, preferably Chemistry
Fee type 2013: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: SC344
CRICOS code: 066289K. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
Sport and exercise scientists focus on enhancing health and sporting achievements by developing coaching and training programs.
In this program you learn the theory and application of sciences that underpin human movement and performance. You gain in-depth knowledge of exercise sciences including exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control, sports psychology, sports medicine, sports nutrition, performance analysis and sports coaching. If you complete appropriate courses you can obtain sports trainer accreditation or Australian Sports Commission certification and be eligible for membership with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) as an Exercise Scientist. Several first aid qualifications are incorporated throughout the degree.
Career opportunities
Sport / exercise science, exercise prescription / programming, sports coaching, promotion and management, fitness industry, sports administration, research.
Professional recognition
Graduates may apply for Exercise Scientist membersip with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) (Pathway 2 only). Graduates may also become members of Sports Medicine Australia (Pathways 1 and 2).
Please note: Students intending to seek membership with Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) as Exercise Scientist are advised that ESSA will allow recognition of prior learning (RPL) for non-university studies to a maximum of 12.5% of load. Therefore, USC recommends that students holding TAFE studies in Fitness seek RPL for not more than 3 courses upon entering the Bachelor of Sport and 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 structure
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete no more than 10 introductory (100 level) courses, including the core course.
- Complete a minimum of 14 advanced (200 and 300 level) courses from any Faculty.
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.
- Students have a choice of two study pathways:
Pathway 1 allows students to undertake 6 elective courses within the 3 year program. Graduates who elect to complete Pathway 1 CANNOT apply for membership with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).
Students holding a TAFE Diploma of Fitness are eligible for 8 courses credit if they complete Pathway 1.
Pathway 2 allows students who undertake this pathway and who have completed all the required courses as listed in Pathway 2, to apply for Exercise Scientist membership with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). Note: Students who have a variation to the program will not be able to apply for accreditation with ESSA. - Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- 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. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues. Students undertaking Pathway 2 should be aware there are restrictions applicable to credit transfer in order to obtain ESSA membership and they should contact their Program Advisor.
- When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan.
Core courses (1)
COR109 Exercise in Musculoskeletal Health
Introductory courses (7)
LFS103 Performance Enhancement
LFS112 Professional Placement in Sport and Exercise Science
LFS122 Advanced Issues in Sport and Exercise Psychology
PSY100 Advanced Motor Learning
SCI110 Communication and Thought
SPX101 Introductory Bioscience
SPX102 Human Physiology
Advanced courses (10)
LFS201 Human Anatomy
SPX201 Introduction to Psychology A
SPX202 Science Research Methods
SPX211 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science
SPX212 Introduction to Coaching Science
SPX221 Systemic Physiology I
SPX222 Functional Anatomy
SPX231 Biomechanics I
SPX331 Exercise Physiology I
SPX352 Exercise Prescription and Programming
Students choose whether they are going to follow Pathway 1 or Pathway 2 in the 3rd year of their program.
Pathway 1:
Elective courses (6)
ESSA membership NOT available
Select 6 elective courses, of which 4 must be at advanced (200 / 300) level. Courses may be chosen from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Students holding TAFE studies in Fitness who seek RPL for 4 or more courses, must follow Pathway 1.
OR
Pathway 2:
To be eligible to apply for membership with ESSA as an Exercise Scientist, students must complete the following:
Minor in Exercise Science (Exercise and Sport Science Australia requirement)
4 required courses:
SPX300 Introduction to Sports Medicine
SPX301 Sports Psychology
SPX302 Motor Control and Learning
SPX322 Exercise Physiology II
Please note: SPX300 should be studied in Semester 1 of your final year of your degree, and requires course coordinator permission.
Plus select 2 Elective courses:
Courses maybe chosen from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering). Students completing the Minor in Exercise Science are encouraged to select 2 elective courses from these four options:
SPX312 Sports Nutrition
SPX340 Introduction to Clinical Placement
SPX341 Exercise in Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Health *
SPX342 Exercise in Musculoskeletal Health *
* Courses not available until 2014.
Study Plan
This Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science Study Plan is for students commencing in the current Semester.
Year 1
- Eight (8) Required courses:
SCI110 should be studied in Semester 1
LFS103 should be studied in Semester 1
COR109 should be studied in Semester 2
Required courses (8)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| LFS103 Research Project A | |||
| PSY100 Research Project B | |||
| SCI110 Research Project C | |||
| SPX101 Research Project F | |||
| COR109 Quantitative Research Methods | |||
| LFS112 Introductory Bioscience | |||
| LFS122 Introduction to Psychology A | |||
| SPX102 Science Research Methods |
Year 2
- Eight (8) Required courses
Required courses (8)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| LFS201 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science | |||
| SPX201 Communication and Thought | |||
| SPX221 Human Physiology | |||
| SPX231 Human Anatomy | |||
| SPX202 Introduction to Coaching Science | |||
| SPX211 Systemic Physiology I | |||
| SPX212 Functional Anatomy | |||
| SPX222 Introduction to Sports Medicine |
Year 3
Students choose either Pathway 1 or Pathway 2
Pathway 1
ESSA membership is NOT available to students who follow Pathway 1:
- Two (2) required courses
- Six (6) elective courses:
3 elective courses should be studied in Semester 1
3 elective courses should be studied in Semester 2
Required courses (2)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPX331 Motor Control and Learning | |||
| SPX352 Biomechanics I |
Elective courses (6)
Select 6 elective courses, of which 4 must be at advanced (200 / 300) level. Courses may be chosen from either from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Pathway 2
To be eligible for membership with ESSA as an Exercise Scientist students follow Pathway 2 and must complete the courses listed below:
- Two (2) required courses
- Four (4) courses - Minor in Exercise Science
SPX300 should be studied in Semester 1, and requires course coordinator permission - Two (2) elective courses
Note: SPX341 and SPX342 are not available until 2014
Required courses (2)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPX331 Exercise Physiology I | |||
| SPX352 Exercise Prescription and Programming |
Minor in Exercise Science courses (4)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPX300 Sports Psychology | |||
| SPX322 Exercise Physiology II | |||
| SPX301 Sports Nutrition | |||
| SPX302 Exercise Physiology II |
Elective courses (2)
Select courses from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPX312 Sports Nutrition | |||
| SPX340 Introduction to Clinical Placement | |||
| SPX341 Biomechanics II | |||
| SPX342 Exercise in Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Health |
Note: not all elective courses available in 2013.
OR Select advanced elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).