Program summary
Program overview
Career opportunities
Advanced standing, recognition of prior learning, credit and articulation
Program requirements and notes
Enquiries
Recommended enrolment pattern
Program summary
QTAC code: 013251
OP/Rank for 2008 entry: OP-18/Rank-62
Award abbreviation: BExSc
Duration: 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Total units: 384 units (normally 32 courses)
Fee type: Commonwealth supported places, domestic fee-paying places, international fee-paying places
Recommended prior study: English, maths, and at least one of the sciences
Commence: Semester 1 only
CRICOS code: 062355D (only a full-time study option is available to international students)
Program overview
The Bachelor of Exercise Science is one of the few national programs that have been designed to meet the guidelines of the specialised Exercise Physiologist qualification established by the Australian Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (AAESS). Qualified Exercise Physiologists can improve the health of people with chronic and complex medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis, high blood pressure and arthritis.
During this degree program students will gain knowledge and understanding of many aspects of exercise and sport science including specific studies in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathophysiology, biomechanics, psychology, motor learning, sports nutrition, and sports coaching. In addition to these more traditional studies, advanced courses will focus on the application of the knowledge of exercise science to professional practice in clinical and community environments. This program also contains a significant amount of placement and workplace learning within the industry.
Following completion of the entire program graduates may apply for accreditation as an AAESS accredited Exercise Physiologist. Since January 2006, exercise physiologists were able to provide Medicare Plus services to people with chronic and complex illnesses.
Professional membership
Graduates may be eligible to become members/associate members of the following organisations:
- Australian Association of Sport and Exercise Science (AAESS)
- Sports Medicine Australia
Career opportunities
Exercise physiologist, exercise therapist, cardiac and pulmonary testing and rehabilitation, community recreation and fitness, corporate health and fitness, exercise prescription and programming, fitness assessment, sports biomechanics personal health and fitness, personal training, sport and exercise scientist or researcher.
Program structure
Core courses
Select 2 courses from:
COR109 Communication and Thought
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
Introductory courses
7 required courses:
LFS122 Human Anatomy
LFS112 Human Physiology
SCI105 Chemistry
SCI103 Cell Biology
PSY100 Introduction to Psychology A *
SCI110 Science Research Methods
SPX102 Introduction to Coaching Science
Advanced courses
21 required courses:
BIM263 Introduction to Pharmacology
LFS201 Systemic Physiology 1
LFS202 Systemic Physiology 2
LFS303 Pathophysiology
MBT251 Biochemistry
SPX201 Functional Anatomy
SPX202 Biomechanics 1
SPX211 Exercise Physiology 1
SPX212 Exercise Prescription and Programming
SPX221 Introduction to Sports Medicine
SPX222 Sports Psychology
SPX231 Motor Control and Learning
SPX301 Cardiac Health and Rehabilitation
SPX302 Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
SPX312 Performance Enhancement
SPX331 Exercise Physiology II
SPX352 Sports Nutrition
WPL310 Workplace Learning I (12 units)
WPL311 Workplace Learning I (12 units)
WPL320 Workplace Learning II (24 units)
WPL321 Workplace Learning II (24 units)
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
- To be eligible for accreditation as an AEP, students must complete all required components of this program. This consists of the 7 introductory/foundation courses and 22 advanced courses. In addition, AAESS requires students to complete 500 hours of supervised practice comprising minima of 140 hours for apparently healthy clients, 140 hours for neuromuscular/musculoskeletal clients, and 140 hours for metabolic/cardiopulmonary clients. This can be completed via the four listed work place learning (WPL) courses.
- Refer to the Academic Rules.
- Refer to explanation of terms.
- Refer to the recommended enrolment pattern.
- International students need to refer to the English language requirements.
How to apply
Apply for an undergraduate program.
Enquiries
Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: sheinfo@usc.edu.au
* subject to final approval