- Become an accredited exercise physiologist
- Use high-tech on-campus sport and exercise science laboratories
- 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 Clinical Exercise Science
Award abbreviation: BClinExSc
QTAC code: 013251
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: OP-16 / Rank-67
Duration: 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 only
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English; Maths A, B or C; and at least one of the sciences
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 384
USC program code: SC346
CRICOS code: 066298J. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
Learn to apply your knowledge of exercise science to professional practice in clinical and community environments, to help people with chronic and complex illnesses.
This program meets guidelines for accreditation as an Exercise Physiologist with Exercise and Sports Science Australia.
Such professionals improve the health of people with chronic or complex medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis, high blood pressure or 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 placement and workplace learning. Several first aid qualifications are incorporated throughout the degree.
Post-admission requirements
Before undertaking clinical placements you must provide evidence of Hepatitis B immunisation as well as first aid and CPR training, undertake a Criminal History check and obtain or hold a current Suitability Card (Blue Card CCYPCG). The evidence of these requirements will be included as an assessment item of the initial placement subject conducted in the third year of the Clinical Exercise Science degree, SPX300. It should also be noted that students may be required to undertake some clinical placements outside the Sunshine Coast region in metropolitan and regional/rural areas.
Career opportunities
Provide Medicare Plus services as an Accreditated Exercise Physiologist; or exercise therapist, cardiac and pulmonary testing and rehabilitation, research.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible to apply for accreditation as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with Exercise and Sports Science Australia. Graduates may also become members of Exercise and Sports Science Australia *; Sports Medicine Australia.
* Pending professional registration from Exercise and Sports Science Australia.
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 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 thorughout the program)
- You may also be required to complete a Criminal History Check for particular placements, cost of which is to be borne by the student.
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete all required components of this program, to be eligible 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 Clinical Placement and the Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science courses.
* Pending professional registration from Exercise and Sports Science Australia.
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. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan.
Program structure
Core courses (2)
Select 2 courses from:
COR109
COR110
COR111
Introductory courses (7)
LFS100 Cell Biology
LFS112 Human Physiology
LFS122 Human Anatomy
PSY100 Introduction to Psychology A
SCI105 Introductory Chemistry
SCI110 Science Research Methods
SPX102 Introduction to Coaching Science
Advanced courses (23)
BIM341 Biochemical Pharmacology
LFS201
LFS202
LFS251 Biochemistry
LFS303 Pathophysiology
PUB351 Health Promotion Implementation and Evaluation
SPX201 Functional Anatomy
SPX202 Biomechanics I
SPX211 Exercise Physiology I
SPX212
SPX221 Sports and Exercise Medicine
SPX222 Sport and Exercise Psychology
SPX231 Motor Control and Learning
SPX300 Exercise Science Professional Practicum
SPX301 Exercise in Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Health
SPX302 Exercise in Musculoskeletal Health
SPX303
SPX331 Exercise Physiology II
SPX352
SPX401A
SPX401B
SPX401C
SPX401D
Study Plan
The Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science Study Plan is for students commencing in the current semester.
Year 1
- One (1) Core course:
Core course should be studied in Semester 2 - Seven (7) required courses:
SCI110 should be studied in Semester 1
Core courses (1)
Select 1 course from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COR109 | ||||
| COR110 | ||||
| COR111 |
Required courses (7)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| LFS100 Cell Biology |
| 12 | Anti: SCI103 or LFS101 or LFS103 |
| SCI105 Introductory Chemistry |
| 12 | Anti: SCI505 |
| SCI110 Science Research Methods |
| 12 | Anti: SCI201 or CPH261 |
| PSY100 Introduction to Psychology A |
| 12 | Anti: SCS101 |
| LFS112 Human Physiology |
| 12 | Anti: LFS201 or LFS202 or LFS203 |
| LFS122 Human Anatomy |
| 12 | |
| SPX102 Introduction to Coaching Science |
| 12 | Anti: SPX321 |
Year 2
- One (1) Core course:
Core course should be studied in Semester 1 - Seven (7) required courses
Core courses (1)
Select 1 course from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COR109 | ||||
| COR110 | ||||
| COR111 |
Required courses (7)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LFS201 | ||||
| SPX201 Functional Anatomy |
| 12 | Pre: LFS122 | |
| SPX221 Sports and Exercise Medicine |
| 12 | Pre: LFS122 | |
| SPX202 Biomechanics I |
| 12 | Pre: LFS122 | |
| LFS202 | ||||
| SPX212 | ||||
| SPX211 Exercise Physiology I |
| 12 | Pre: LFS112 or SPX103 |
Year 3
- Eight (8) required courses:
SPX300 should be studied in Semester 1
Required courses (8)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPX231 Motor Control and Learning |
| 12 | Pre: LFS122 or HLT100 or SPX103 | |
| SPX300 Exercise Science Professional Practicum |
| 12 | Pre: Instructor Consent Required. SPX121 and SPX203 and SPX221 and SPX222 and enrolled in Program SC344, or SC304. Mandatory requirements need to be submitted to SONIA before you attend a manual enrolment meeting with the Course Coordinator. | |
| LFS251 Biochemistry |
| 12 | Pre: SCI105 and (LFS100 or LFS103) Anti: MBT251 | |
| SPX331 Exercise Physiology II |
| 12 | Pre: SPX211 | |
| SPX222 Sport and Exercise Psychology |
| 12 | Pre: PSY100 or PUB104 or SPX101 or SPX102 | |
| SPX301 Exercise in Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Health |
| 12 | Pre: SPX331 Co: SPX300 | |
| SPX302 Exercise in Musculoskeletal Health |
| 12 | Pre: SPX221 and (SPX201 or SPX202) | |
| SPX352 |
Year 4
- Eight (8) required courses:
SPX401B should be studied in Semester 2
SPX401C should be studied in Semester 2
Required courses (8)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIM341 Biochemical Pharmacology |
| 12 | Pre: MBT251 or LFS251 Anti: MBT351 | |
| LFS303 Pathophysiology |
| 12 | Pre: (LFS201 and LFS202) or LFS203 or Co: LFS201 or LFS203 and enrolled in Program SC357 Anti: LFS302 or NUR221 or PAR221 or HLT221 | |
| SPX303 | ||||
| SPX401A | ||||
| PUB351 Health Promotion Implementation and Evaluation |
| 12 | ||
| SPX401B | ||||
| SPX401C | ||||
| SPX401D |
# Subject to special entry requirements. Course Coordinator approval only.