Students learn to use exercise as a means of prevention and treatment for chronic diseases and conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis, and 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 placements and workplace learning. The program is under consideration for accreditation with Exercise and Sports Science Australia.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
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 placements and workplace learning. The program is under consideration for accreditation with Exercise and Sports Science Australia.
Post-admission requirements
Before undertaking clinical placements, students must provide evidence of hepatitis B immunisation, first aid and CPR training, undertake a criminal history check, and obtain or hold a current Suitability Card. The evidence of these requirements is requested in the initial placement
subject (SPX300 ) conducted in the third year of the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science. Students must complete 500 hours of supervised placement. Students may be required to undertake some clinical placement hours outside the Sunshine Coast region in metropolitan and regional / rural areas.
Career opportunities
Accredited exercise physiology (exercise as medicine), cardiac and pulmonary testing and rehabilitation, case management, research.
Membership
Students intending to seek accreditation 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. USC recommends, therefore, that students holding TAFE studies in fitness seek RPL for not more than four courses upon entering the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science. Also, graduates may apply to become members of Sports Medicine Australia.
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science (Pass-Level Pathway) program is accredited at the levels of Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). Graduates from this program may practise as exercise physiologists and seek provider status with Medicare.
The Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science (Honours Pathway) is under consideration for accreditation with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).
Program structure
For students commencing Semester 1, 2014. All other students please refer to previous handbooks.
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 throughout 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
Introductory courses (8)
COR109 Planning Project B
LFS100 Planning Project A
LFS112 Planning Project B
LFS122 Communication and Thought
PUB104 Cell Biology
SCI105 Human Physiology
SCI110 Human Anatomy
SPX102 Introduction to Behavioural Health
Advanced courses (16)
HLT221 Chemistry
SPX201 Science Research Methods
SPX202 Introduction to Coaching Science
SPX211 Human Pathophysiology
SPX212 Functional Anatomy
SPX221 Biomechanics I
SPX222 Exercise Physiology I
SPX231 Exercise Prescription and Programming
SPX300 Introduction to Sports Medicine
SPX301 Sport and Exercise Psychology
SPX302 Motor Control and Learning
SPX322 Introduction to Clinical Placement
SPX331 Exercise in Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Health
SPX352 Exercise in Musculoskeletal Health
SPX411 Biomechanics II
SPX412 Exercise Physiology II
Plus one (1) of the following pathways:
Pass-Level Pathway (8) courses (96 units)
PUB351 Sports Nutrition
SPX410 Exercise in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
SPX413 Exercise in Neurological Rehabilitation
SPX401A Health Promotion Implementation and Evaluation *
SPX401B Exercise Management in Chronic Disease *
SPX401C Case Management and Occupational Rehabilitation *
SPX401D Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science *
Plus choose an one (1) advanced elective (12 units)
* Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) requires students to complete 500 hours of supervised practice comprising of a minimum of 140 hours for apparently healthy clients, 140 hours for neuromuscular/musculoskeletal clients and 140 hours for metabolic/cardiopulmonary clients. These hours will be completed as part of SPX300 and SPX401 courses.
Honours Pathway (7) courses (96 units)
SPX343 Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science
SPX410 Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science
SPX420 Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science
SPX421A Applying Clinical Exercise Research Honours *
SPX421B Exercise Management in Chronic Disease *
SPX421C Clinical Exercise Honours Thesis: Honours *
SPX421D Advanced Professional Experience in Clinical Exercise Science (Honours)A *
* Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) requires students to complete 500 hours of supervised practice comprising of a minimum of 140 hours for apparently healthy clients, 140 hours for neuromuscular/musculoskeletal clients and 140 hours for metabolic/cardiopulmonary clients. These hours will be completed as part of SPX300 , SPX420 and SPX421 courses. Students enrolled in the Honours Pathway will complete their placements in clinical research centres.
Note: SPX420 , SPX421A , SPX421B , SPX421C and SPX421D are not available in 2014