Sport and Exercise Science / Clinical Exercise Physiology - Placement | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Sport and Exercise Science / Clinical Exercise Physiology - Placement

There are three placement courses which are available in the Sport and Exercise and Clinical Exercise Science Programs:

Students must be prepared to attend Professional Experience Placement when required. Circumstances, which are a normal part of life, will not be considered as reasons for not attending Placement. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to:

  • travel, transportation and accommodation requirements;
  • Student work or other business commitments;
  • being a parent, except in circumstances such as medical emergencies; specialised local medical treatment for the child; caring for a disabled child;
  • weddings and other celebratory events;
  • sporting commitments except for University approved elite sporting programs;
  • holidays, family commitments including non-urgent appointments; and
  • exemptions to study or prepare for assessment or examinations.

Students must notify their Discipline Placement Coordinator of any specific circumstances that may impact or influence their Placement allocation. Special consideration for Professional Experience Placement allocation will be given only in the following circumstances:

  • Students with a Learning Access Plan from AccessAbility Services;
  • Students who are registered carers for a sick or disabled dependent child or relative, with the relevant documented evidence;
  • Students with a major health problem requiring frequent and specialised treatment which is only available at certain locations, with the relevant documented evidence; and
  • Other highly extenuating medical, compassionate or special circumstances.

Please also note reasonable adjustments in practicum placement or assessments methods can be made for students provided those adjustments do not compromise the inherent academic (IAR) requirements of the program. The IAR of the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology are the fundamental skills and abilities that the student must be able to achieve, in order to demonstrate the essential learning outcomes of the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology, and to graduate.

This course is designed to give you further opportunity to develop your practical and applied skills. It is offered Semester 1, Semester 2 and Session 8. SPX 340 requires 130 hours of structured and supervised vocational work placement in which students gain a greater understanding of the work requirements of the areas of the sport and exercise science industry in which they may seek future employment. Potential placements include, but are not limited to, sports coaching, strength and conditioning, sports science assessment, sport management and sports training (for example sports first aid).


Students undertake a Sport and Exercise Science placement for many different reasons, including:

  • Exposure to a particular Sport and Exercise position (for example strength and conditioning)
  • Exposure to a position with a particular organisation (for example the Queensland Academy of Sport - QAS)
  • Opportunity to work in a particular organisation (for example Swim Australia)
  • Opportunity to work in a position where they may be exposed to a particular skill they are interested in (for example sport coaching across a number of sports).
  • Specific mandatory information for SPX 340 can be found on the Sport and Exercise Science Community page once enrolled in an SPX program.
Frequently asked questions
How do I enrol in SPX 340?

All enrolments are completed manually in a face to face meeting with the course coordinator. YOU DO NOT ENROL VIA CENTRAL.

How do I organise an enrolment meeting?

You are required to upload all of your mandatory documents to Sonia Online before you can select an enrolment meeting time. SHSSPlacements@usc.edu.au will let you know once you can select an enrolment meeting time.

What do I do if I have uploaded all of my Mandatory documents but have not received a confirmation email?

Send an email to the placement office SHSSPlacements@usc.edu.au to follow up and confirm you are able to email the course coordinator for an enrolment meeting. If all documents are in Sonia Online the placement office will then forward you the confirmation email.

What do I bring to my enrolment meeting?

Unless otherwise informed you only need to bring your laptop to the enrolment meeting.

Can I use SPX 340 as an elective?

This course is a required course for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology. However, students in the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology degree can also use SPX340 as an elective. They must seek program advice to ensure their program has elective space to do this.

What do I do if I'm interested in a placement in an institution that has an application process?

Some SPX 340 placements require students to submit applications. Students should inform the placement coordinator of their interest in an institution placement (eg QAS) 6-8 months prior to the year they plan to enrol in SPX 340 to undertake their placement. Typically students should let the placement coordinator know their interest in such placements early in their 2nd year of study.

For UniSC students requiring more specific details regarding mandatory checks and enrolment deadlines, this information can be found on the Sport and Exercise Science Community Page, under the SPX 340 tab, on Blackboard.

When do I need to complete my online PrePlace modules?

Preplace modules must be completed the week before the first lecture for the session or semester.

Are there any lectures I must attend?

Yes. There are 2 lectures you must attend. The first lecture is in Orientation Week of a Semester; or the week before a Session is due to start. The second lecture is in the week 11 of a Semester 1 and 2 or Session (Week 7/8).

 

Do I need to read the course outline?

Students are encouraged to read a prior course outline from a previous semester or session (because the current course outline will not be available in time for preparation of mandatory requirements). Any changes to the course outline will be discussed in the student's enrolment meeting.

Is there a pre-requisite for SPX 340?

Yes. The pre-requisite for SPX340 is SPX121 Exercise Prescription and Programming l.

Are there specific requirements and mandatories for SPX 340? 

Yes. Mandatory checks for SPX 340+ are listed below these FAQs. UniSC students can also access this information via the Sport and Exercise Science Community Page, under the SPX 340 tab, on Blackboard.

Mandatory checks

Before you can enrol in, and commence, placement you must complete important mandatory checks* and upload them to Sonia Online **. Once enrolled in an SPX course, and degree/ program, you will have access to the Sport and Exercise Science Community page where you will find all the relevant information about the SPX placement mandatory checks, access to Sonia Online, as well as the time frames and deadlines for the requirements.

NOTE: some of the mandatory checks take up to 6 weeks to organise, so students are asked to commence working on obtaining their checks as soon as possible to ensure they meet the manual enrolment time frames.

*For PDF documents you must have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded from the Adobe Download page

**Access to Sonia Online for current enrolled students only.

Important SPX 340 Semester 1 enrolment dates
Due date Requirement/s

Previous Year

Complete the following requirements in the year prior to enrolment

Late September -the year prior

Submit your Blue Card paperwork if you want the paperwork back in time for enrolments.

End of October -the year prior

Enrolments open for SPX 340 in Semester 1 of the following year. Enrolment is completed manually in a face to face meeting with the course coordinator. NB: Enrolment forms will be held until a pass is noted in the Semester 2 prerequisite/s
Enrolment Year  Complete the following requirements in the year of enrolment

Mid/End-January

Latest date to upload mandatory documents to Sonia Online

Late-January

Enrolments close for SPX 340 in Semester 1, last enrolment meeting will occur late January

Early-February

Allocation of placements. Sonia Online will display placement allocations. If there is something unique to your commencement date your course coordinator will contact you
Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) placements

Students hoping to be placed at a QAS placement for a 10 week block must express interest to the course coordinator as soon as possible. QAS usually post expressions of interest for student applications to the UniSC SPX 340 course coordinator in April. These dates are dependent on QAS time frames and communications with QLD universities.

Important SPX 340 Semester 2 enrolment dates
Due date Requirement/s

Early April

Latest date to submit Blue Card application

Late May

Enrolments open for SPX 340 in Semester 2. Enrolment is completed manually in a face to face meeting with the course coordinator

Mid-June

Latest date to upload mandatory documents to Sonia Online

Late-June

Enrolments close for SPX 340 in Semester 2

Early-July

Allocation of placements. Sonia Online will display placement allocations. If there is something unique to your start date your course coordinator will contact you
Important SPX 340 Session 8 enrolment dates
Due date Requirement/s
Late July Submit your Blue Card application if you want the paperwork back in time for enrolments.

Late August

Latest date to upload mandatory documents to Sonia Online

Early September

Enrolments open for SPX 340 in Semester 2. Enrolment is completed manually in a face to face meeting with the course coordinator.

End October

Enrolments Close for SPX 340 in Session 8, last enrolment meeting will occur at the end of October

Early November

Allocation of placements. Sonia Online will display placement allocations. If there is something unique to your start date your course coordinator will contact you.

SPX300 is a third year required course in the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science (ESSA minor) and Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology programs. It is offered in Semester 1 and Semester 2. This course provides students with 140 hours experience working with healthy populations which assists students in the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science to meet 140 hours of placement for the Exercise Science membership with ESSA, and is an important introduction to students in the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology in helping them meet their 500hrs in total for their Accredited Exercise Physiology application.

All hours that occur during placements are to be recorded in Exercise and Sport Science Australia's standard clinical logbooks.

Specific mandatory information for SPX300 can be found on the Sport and Exercise Science Community page once enrolled in an SPX program.

Frequently asked questions
How do I enrol in SPX 300?

All enrolments are completed manually in a face to face meeting with the course coordinator. YOU DO NOT ENROL VIA CENTRAL UNTIL AFTER THIS MEETING.

How do I organise an enrolment meeting?

You are required to upload all your mandatory documents to Sonia Online before you can select an enrolment meeting time. SHSSPlacements@usc.edu.au will let you know once you can select an enrolment meeting time.

For UniSC students requiring more specific details regarding mandatory checks and enrolment deadlines, this information can be found on the Sport and Exercise Science Community Page, under the SPX 340 tab, on Blackboard.

What do I do if I have uploaded all my Mandatory documents but have not received a confirmation email?

Send an email to the placement office SHSSPlacements@usc.edu.au to follow up and confirm you are able to email the course coordinator for an enrolment meeting. If all documents are in Sonia Online the placement office will then forward you the confirmation email.

What do I bring to my enrolment meeting?

Unless otherwise informed you only need to bring your laptop to the enrolment meeting.

What are the cut off dates for enrolments?

Semester 1: by 5 December

Semester 2: by 29 June

When do I need to complete my online PrePlace modules?

Preplace modules must be completed the week before the first lecture for the semester.

Are there any lectures I must attend?

Yes. There are 2 lectures and 5 workshops you must attend to ensure you meet ESSA’s requirements. The first lecture is in Orientation Week of a Semester, the second lecture is in week 8 of a Semester. The workshops are run from O week to week 3. You are required to do some homework prep for your workshops.

Do I need to read the course outline?

Students are encouraged to read a prior course outline from a previous semester or session (because the current course outline will not be available in time for preparation of mandatory requirements). Any changes to the course outline will be discussed in the student's enrolment meeting.

Is there a pre-requisite for SPX 300?

Yes. The pre-requisite for SPX 300 is SPX212 or SPX121 and SPX221 and SPX222.

Are there specific requirements and checks for SPX 300? 

Yes. Mandatory checks for SPX 300+ are listed below these FAQ and on the Sport and Exercise Science Community page.

Mandatory checks

Before you can enrol in, and commence, placement you must complete important Mandatory checks* and upload them to Sonia Online**. Once enrolled in an SPX course, and degree/ program, you will have access to the Sport and Exercise Science Community page where you will find all the relevant information about the SPX placement mandatory checks, access to Sonia Online, as well as the time frames and deadlines for the requirements.

NOTE: some of the mandatory checks take up to 6 weeks to organise, so students are asked to commence working on obtaining their checks as soon as possible to ensure they meet the manual enrolment time frames.

*For PDF documents you must have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded from the Adobe Download page

**Access to Sonia Online for current enrolled students only.

Important SPX 300 Semester 1 enrolment dates - specific dates are given on the Sport and Exercise Community page
Due date Requirement/s

Previous Year

Complete the following requirements in the year prior to enrolment in SPX 300

Early September

Latest date to submit Blue Card application

End October

to Early December

Enrolments open for SPX 300 in Semester 1. Enrolment is completed manually in a face to face meeting with the course coordinator
NB: Enrolment forms will be held until a pass is noted in the prerequisite/s

Late November

Latest date to upload mandatory documents to Sonia Online

 5th December

Enrolments close for SPX 300 in Semester 1

Mid January

Allocation of placements. Sonia Online will display placement allocations. If there is something unique to your start date your course coordinator will contact you
Important SPX 300 Semester 2 enrolment dates -specific dates are given on the Sport and Exercise Community page 
Due date Requirement/s

Previous Year

Complete the following requirements in the year prior to enrolment in SPX 300

Mid-April

Latest date to submit Blue Card application.

Late May

Enrolments open for SPX 300 in Semester 2. Enrolment is completed manually in a face to face meeting with the course coordinator

NB: Enrolment forms will be held until a pass is noted in the prerequisite/s

Mid-June

Latest date to upload mandatory documents to Sonia Online

29th June

Enrolments close for SPX 300 in Semester 2

Mid July

 Allocation of placements. Sonia Online will display placement allocations. If there is something unique to your start date your course coordinator will contact you

These two semesters of clinical Exercise Physiology placement have been renamed. Previously known as SPX401A and B (semester 1), and SPX401C and D (semester 2) is now SPX402(semester 1) and SPX403(semester 2)

Students enrolled in placement for the clinical degree are required to adhere to the ESSA guidelines. Clinical placements are designed meet the requirement for 500 practicum hours for the ESSA Exercise Physiology Accreditation across the last 2 years of the 4 year Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology. These hours include 140 Exercise Science hours completed in SPX300 and 360 Clinical hours completed in SPX402 and SPX403(previously known as SPX401A, B, C,D.

SPX402 and SPX403 provide students with an advanced level of supervised professional experience in two - three clinical settings. You will engage in a range of activities relevant to the AEP professional standards including activities to demonstrate attainment of competency as an entry level practitioner in exercise assessment, prescription and delivery as demonstrated through effective assessment methods. Pathology Domains will include cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, metabolic, cancer, kidney, mental health, neurological, and respiratory/pulmonary. Students will undertake a total of 360 hours of work placement - 200hrs in cardiovascular, musculoskeletal domains, metabolic; 100hrs in cancer, kidney, mental health, neurological, and respiratory/pulmonary domains; and 60hrs in any of the EP domains and EP standards.

Specific mandatory information for SPX402 and SPX403 can be found on the Sport and Exercise Science Community page once enrolled in an SPX program.

Frequently asked questions
How do I enrol in SPX 402 and 403?

All enrolments are completed manually in a face to face meeting with the course coordinator. YOU DO NOT ENROL VIA USC CENTRAL UNTIL AFTER THIS MEETING.

How do I organise an enrolment meeting?

You are required to upload all of your mandatory documents to Sonia Online before you can select an enrolment meeting time. SHSSPlacements@usc.edu.au will let you know once you can select an enrolment meeting time.

What do I do if I have uploaded all my Mandatory documents but have not received a confirmation email?

Send an email to the placement office SHSSPlacements@usc.edu.au to follow up and confirm you are able to email the course coordinator for an enrolment meeting. If all documents are in Sonia Online, the placement office will then forward you the confirmation email.

What do I bring to my enrolment meeting?

Unless otherwise informed you only need to bring your laptop to the enrolment meeting.

What are the cut off dates for enrolment?

SPX402 December 

SPX403 June 

When do I need to complete my online PrePlace modules?

Preplace modules are completed once you are enrolled and before the first lecture for the semester.

Are there any lectures I must attend?

Yes.

SPX402 week 1, 3 lectures/workshops in preparation for placement. Week 13, 1 lecture.

SPX403 week 1, 1 lecture. Week 13, review meeting.

Do I need to read the course outline?

Students are encouraged to read a prior course outline from a previous semester or session (because the current course outline will not be available in time for preparation of mandatory requirements). Any changes to the course outline will be discussed in the student's enrolment meeting. Information is also found on the Sport and Exercise Community page.

Mandatory checks

Before you can enrol in, and commence, placement you must complete important Mandatory checks* and upload them to Sonia Online **. Once enrolled in an SPX course, and degree/ program, you will have access to the Sport and Exercise Science Community page where you will find all the relevant information about the SPX placement mandatory checks, access to Sonia Online, as well as the time frames and deadlines for the checks.

NOTE: some of the mandatory checks take up to 6 months to organise, so students are asked to commence working on obtaining their checks as soon as possible to ensure they meet the manual enrolment time frames.

*For PDF documents you must have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded from the Adobe Download page

**Access to Sonia Online for current enrolled students only.

Important SPX 402 Semester 1 enrolment dates
Due date Requirement/s

Previous Year

Complete the following requirements in the year prior to enrolment in SPX 401

Mid May

Latest date to commence Hepatitis B vaccination schedule

Early September

Latest date to submit Blue Card application

October

to December

Enrolment meetings: Enrolments open early November for SPX402 and close 5 December. Enrolment is completed manually in a face-to-face meeting with the course coordinator

NB: Enrolment forms will be held until a pass is noted in the prerequisite/s

Mid November

Latest date to upload mandatory documents to Sonia Online

5th December

Enrolments Close for SPX402 in Semester 1

Early January

Allocation of placements: Sonia Online will display placement allocations. If there is something unique to your start date your course coordinator will contact you. You will be allocated the placement roster for both SPX402 and SPX403 so you can plan around the placements for the year. If you fail SPX402 then you will not be eligible to enrol in SPX403 and completed the SPX403 semester 2 allocation roster.

Remuneration and insurance

No remuneration or payment is made by placement organisations to the students or to the University for hosting the student. Students undertaking an approved paramedic science placement are covered by the University’s insurance policies.

Contact

For course information or to discuss your interest in placement contact:

Michelle Small

Placement Coordinator and Course Coordinator
School of Health

For general enquiries about School of Health work integrated learning opportunities please contact:

Clinical Placements Administrative Assistant
Email: SHSSplacements@usc.edu.au
Telephone: +61 7 5456 5036