Learn to use exercise as a means of prevention and treatment of chronic diseases and conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis 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. 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 placement 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, undergo a criminal history check and obtain or hold a current Suitability Card (Blue Card CCYPCG).
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 may be required to undertake some clinical placements outside the Sunshine Coast region in metropolitan and regional / rural areas. Students must complete 500 hours of supervised practise included within the program (SPX300 , SPX401 ).
Career opportunities
Accredited exercise physiology, exercise therapy, cardiac and pulmonary testing, rehabilitation, case management, research.
Membership
Graduates may apply for accreditation as exercise physiologists with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). Graduates may also become members of Sports Medicine Australia.
Students intending to seek accreditation with Exercise and Sports 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. USC recommends, therefore, that students holding TAFE studies in Fitness seek RPL for not more than 4 courses upon entering the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science.
Accreditation
USC's exercise science laboratories are accredited with the Australian Institute of Sport's National Sport Science Quality Assurance program.
Program structure
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 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
Core course (1)
COR109 Human Anatomy
Introductory courses (7)
LFS100 Participation in Occupation
LFS112 Introduction to Psychology B
LFS122 Health Research and Evidence
PUB104 Therapeutic Skills
SCI105 Introduction to Human Development
SCI110 Functional Anatomy
SPX102 Occupational Therapy Theory
Advanced courses (21)
HLT221 Evaluation of Occupational Performance
PUB351 Neurological Causes of Occupational Dysfunction
SPX201 Foundations of Practice 1: Exploring Core Concepts of Professional Practice
SPX202 Enabling Occupation: The Child and Adolescent
SPX211 Enabling Occupation: The Adult
SPX212 Occupational Therapy in Mental Health
SPX221 Occupational Therapy Reasoning, Research & Evaluation (Project Pathway)
SPX222 Enabling Occupation: The Older Person
SPX231 Foundations of Practice: Identifying Occupational Therapist Skills in Practice
SPX300 Integrating Theory and Skills into Practice: Doing, Being, Becoming an OT I
SPX301 Integrating Theory and Skills into Practice: Doing, Being and Becoming an OT II
SPX302 Professional Issues in Occupational Therapy
SPX322 Occupational Therapy Innovation
SPX331 Public Health Foundations
SPX343 Communication and Thought
SPX352 Cell Biology
SPX401A Human Physiology
SPX401B Human Anatomy
SPX401C Introduction to Behavioural Health
SPX401D Chemistry
SPX410 Science Research Methods
SPX411 Introduction to Coaching Science
SPX412 Human Pathophysiology
SPX413 Health Promotion Implementation and Evaluation