• Program summary
• Program overview
• Professional recognition
• Career opportunities
• Special features
• Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and articulation
• Program structure
• Program requirements and notes
• Enquiries

Program summary

QTAC code: 013041
OP/Rank for 2009 entry: OP-18 / Rank-64
Award abbreviation: BSp&ExSc
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fee type 2009: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288 units (normally 24 courses)
Recommended prior study: English, Maths and one or more of the sciences, preferably Chemistry
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
USC program code: SC344
CRICOS code: 066289K

Program overview

The sport and exercise sciences are structured and informed disciplines that analyse the human body’s response to acute and chronic physical activity. This ranges from general physical fitness regimens and recreational activities, through to the activities of athletes at the highest levels.

Sport and exercise scientists focus on enhancing both health and sporting achievements by programming, analysing and evaluating specific performance factors. Scientists are trained in the theory and application of the sciences that underpin human movement and performance, and plan, evaluate and advise on coaching and training programs for sport, fitness and health.

In this program, you will gain in-depth knowledge of exercise physiology, and study a range of courses in biomechanics, motor control, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, sports psychology, sports medicine, sports nutrition, coaching and performance analysis.

Opportunities to gain Sports Medicine Australia Sports Trainer accreditations (Level I and Level II) are also available through the degree, if the appropriate courses are completed. Similarly, opportunities to gain Australian Sports Commission certification in Course Presenter, Mentor Training, and Assessor Training are available by completing the appropriate courses. The specific Australian Sports Commission certifications available are:

• Australian Sports Commission, NCAS Level I and Level II General Principles in Coaching
• Australian Sports Commission, NOAS Level I General Principles in Officiating

Please note that any required professional accreditation or membership fees are the responsibility of the student.

Professional recognition

An acknowledgement of the importance of the growing sport and exercise science area is reflected by the evolution of a professional body for specialists in the field—the Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science (AAESS).

This program will be submitted for full accreditation with the AAESS in early 2009, with the aim of approval by late 2009. Full accreditation will enable graduates to qualify as registered Exercise Scientists.

Career opportunities

Graduates may find employment in:

• community recreation and fitness 
• corporate health and fitness 
• exercise scientist 
• exercise prescription and programming 
• fitness assessment 
• personal health and fitness/training 
• sport and exercise science/research 
• sport scientist 
• state/national sport development

Special features

• several USC lecturers also work with high-profile sports organisations and teams 
• program provides a balance between fundamental science and sport and exercise specialisations 
• sport and exercise laboratories are of the highest standard—USC was the first university in Australia to be accredited with the Australian Institute of Sport’s National Sport Science Quality Assurance program

Program structure

Core courses

Introductory/Foundation courses

6 required courses:
LFS103 Introductory Bioscience
LFS112 Human Physiology
LFS122 Human Anatomy
PSY100 Introduction to Psychology A
SCI110 Science Research Methods
SPX102 Introduction to Coaching Science

Advanced courses

10 required courses:
LFS201 Systemic Physiology I
SPX201 Functional Anatomy
SPX202 Biomechanics I
SPX211 Exercise Physiology I
SPX212 Exercise Prescription and Programming
SPX221 Introduction to Sports Medicine
SPX222 Sports Psychology
SPX231 Motor Control and Learning
SPX331 Exercise Physiology II
SPX352 Sports Nutrition

Plus select 6 courses from 1 of the following options:

Option 1

To be eligible for membership within AAESS as an Exercise Scientist, students must choose the following 6 courses:
SPX301 Cardiorespiratory Health and Rehabilitation
SPX302 Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
SPX312 Performance Enhancement
SPX322 Biomechanics II
SPX371 Advanced Coaching Science
Plus select 1 course from:
SPX323 Adaptive Physical Activity ^
WPL310 Work Place Learning I #

Option 2

6 elective courses
Choose any 6 advanced level courses from within the Faculty of Science, Health and Education, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, or Faculty of Business

Students who choose Option 2 above will not be eligible to apply for AAESS accreditation as an Exercise Scientist.

Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program

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

Program requirements and notes

1. A maximum of 10 introductory (100 level) courses may be chosen, including the core courses
2. A minimum of 14 advanced (200 and 300 level) courses must be chosen, 5 of which must be 300 level science (not coded NUR or EDU or PAR) courses
3. AAESS requires students to complete a minimum of 140 hours of work experience in “two or more settings directly relevant to the practice of an exercise and sports scientist”. This can be completed either through enrolment in the listed Work Place Learning courses, or via an approved work experience program.
4. Refer to the Academic Rules.
5. Refer to explanation of terms.
6. Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
7. Only a full-time study option is available to international students.
8. International students need to refer to the English language requirements.
9. Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including; namely essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.

Enquiries 

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

# Subject to special entry requirements. Course Coordinator approval required.

^ Not offered in 2009.

Back to top