Students prepare for careers in sport and exercise science, coaching or exercise programming.
They learn about each of the exercise science discipline areas, including physiology, biomechanics, motor control, psychology, nutrition, and coaching. Graduates who select the minor in Exercise Science (ESSA requirement) may apply for membership with Exercise and Sports Science Australia as Exercise Scientists. Eleven industry-based certificates have been built into required and elective courses throughout the program.
- 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.
They learn about each of the exercise science discipline areas, including physiology, biomechanics, motor control, psychology, nutrition, and coaching. Graduates who select the minor in Exercise Science (ESSA requirement) may apply for membership with Exercise and Sports Science Australia as Exercise Scientists. Eleven industry-based certificates have been built into required and elective courses throughout the program.
Post-admission requirements
Students must complete 140 hours of supervised practice to be eligible for accreditation.
Career opportunities
Sport / exercise science, exercise prescription / programming, strength and conditioning, sports coaching, fitness industry, sports administration.
Membership
Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) (Pathway 2 only - students must complete 140 hours of supervised practice to be eligible for membership); Sports Medicine Australia (Pathways 1 and 2). Graduates who select the minor in exercise science can apply for membership with ESSA as exercise scientists. Please note: Students intending to seek membership with ESSA as exercise scientists are advised that ESSA will allow recognition of prior learning (RPL) for non-university studies to a maximum of 12.5% of load. USC recommends, therefore, that students holding TAFE studies in fitness seek RPL for not more than three 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.
The Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science - Minor in Exercise Science (ESSA minor) is accredited at the level of Exercise Science with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). Graduates from this program may identify themselves as exercise scientists.
Program structure
For students commencing 2014. All other students please refer to previous handbooks.
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete no more than 10 introductory (100 level) courses, including COR109 .
- 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.
Introductory courses (8)
COR109 Introduction to Pharmacology
LFS103 Systemic Physiology II
LFS112 Molecular Biology
LFS122 Clinical Biochemistry
PSY100 Immunohaematology
SCI110 Organic Chemistry
SPX101 Medical Microbiology
SPX102 Molecular Biotechnology
Advanced courses (10)
LFS201 Microbial Pathogenesis
SPX201 Genetics
SPX202 Advanced Instrumental Techniques
SPX211 Exercise Physiology I
SPX212 Immunology
SPX221 Pathophysiology
SPX222 Biochemical Pharmacology
SPX231 Pharmaceutical and Food Microbiology
SPX331 Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
SPX352 Special Scholarship Project 5
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 Work Place Learning I
SPX301 Communication and Thought
SPX302 Introductory Bioscience
SPX322 Human Physiology
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:
Select 2 advanced elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).