Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science
Award abbreviation: BSp&ExSc
QTAC code: 013041
OP/Rank for 2010 entry: OP-17 / Rank-66
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Recommended prior study: English; Maths A, B or C; and at least one of the sciences, preferably Chemistry
Fee type 2010: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic 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.

Highlights

• Learn from experts who work with high-profile sports organisations and teams
• Balance studies between fundamental science and sport and exercise specialisations
• USC is accredited with the Australian Institute of Sport’s National Sport Science Quality Assurance program

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 the exercise sciences including exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, sports psychology, sports medicine, sports nutrition, and sports coaching and performance analysis. You can complete appropriate courses and obtain sports trainer accreditation or Australian Sports Commission certification. Several first aid qualifications are incorporated throughout the degree.

Post-admission requirements

You must complete 140 hours of supervised practice to be eligible for accreditation. Refer to Program requirements and notes.

Career opportunities

Sport/exercise science, exercise prescription/programming, sports coaching, promotion and management, rehabilitation, fitness industry, sports administration, research.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible to apply for accreditation as an Accredited Exercise Scientist with Exercise and Sports Science Australia*. Graduates may also become members of Sports Medicine Australia.

*Pending professional registration from Exercise and Sports Science Australia.

Program structure

Core courses

Introductory/Foundation courses

6 required courses:
LFS103 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
LFS112 Introductory Bioscience
LFS122 Human Physiology
PSY100 Human Anatomy
SCI110 Introduction to Psychology A
SPX102 Science Research Methods

Advanced courses

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

Plus select 6 courses from 1 of the following options:

Option 1

To be eligible for membership within ESSA as an Exercise Scientist, students must choose the following 6 courses:
SPX301 Sports Nutrition
SPX302 Cardiorespiratory Health and Rehabilitation
SPX312 Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
SPX322 Performance Enhancement
SPX300 Biomechanics II #
Plus select 1 course from:
SPX323 Clinical Placement ^
SPX371 Adaptive Physical Activity

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 ESSA 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. ESSA 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”. These hours can be completed as part of the Clinical Placement course.
4. Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
5. Refer to explanation of terms.
6. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
7. Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
8. Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
9. 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.

Enquiries 

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

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