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 Anatomy and Physiology
Introductory courses (7)
LFS100 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science
LFS112 Principles of Nutrition
LFS122 Leading Groups in Outdoor Environments
PUB104 Motor Control and Learning
SCI105 Outdoor Environmental Expeditions
SCI110 Leading Coastal Environmental Studies
SPX102 Nutrition for Health and Exercise
Advanced courses (21)
HLT221 Communication and Thought
PUB351 Cell Biology
SPX201 Human Physiology
SPX202 Human Anatomy
SPX211 Introduction to Behavioural Health
SPX212 Chemistry
SPX221 Science Research Methods
SPX222 Introduction to Coaching Science
SPX231 Human Pathophysiology
SPX300 Health Promotion Implementation and Evaluation
SPX301 Functional Anatomy
SPX302 Biomechanics I
SPX322 Exercise Physiology I
SPX331 Exercise Prescription and Programming
SPX343 Introduction to Sports Medicine
SPX352 Sport and Exercise Psychology
SPX401A Motor Control and Learning
SPX401B Introduction to Clinical Placement
SPX401C Exercise in Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Health
SPX401D Exercise in Musculoskeletal Health
SPX410 Biomechanics II
SPX411 Exercise Physiology II
SPX412 Applying Clinical Exercise Research
SPX413 Sports Nutrition