• Program summary
• Program overview
• Professional recognition
• Career opportunities
• Special features
• Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and articulation
• Program structure
• Program requirements and notes
• Enquiries

Program summary

QTAC code: 013041
OP/Rank for 2009 entry: OP-18 / Rank-64
Award abbreviation: BSp&ExSc
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fee type 2010: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288 units (normally 24 courses)
Recommended prior study: English, Maths and one or more of the sciences, preferably Chemistry
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
USC program code: SC344
CRICOS code: 066289K

Program overview

The sport and exercise sciences are structured and informed disciplines that analyse the human body’s response to acute and chronic physical activity. This ranges from general physical fitness regimens and recreational activities, through to the activities of athletes at the highest levels.

Sport and exercise scientists focus on enhancing both health and sporting achievements by programming, analysing and evaluating specific performance factors. Scientists are trained in the theory and application of the sciences that underpin human movement and performance, and plan, evaluate and advise on coaching and training programs for sport, fitness and health.

In this program, you will gain in-depth knowledge of exercise physiology, and study a range of courses in biomechanics, motor control, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, sports psychology, sports medicine, sports nutrition, coaching and performance analysis.

Opportunities to gain Sports Medicine Australia Sports Trainer accreditations (Level I and Level II) are also available through the degree, if the appropriate courses are completed. Similarly, opportunities to gain Australian Sports Commission certification in Course Presenter, Mentor Training, and Assessor Training are available by completing the appropriate courses. The specific Australian Sports Commission certifications available are:

• Australian Sports Commission, NCAS Level I and Level II General Principles in Coaching
• Australian Sports Commission, NOAS Level I General Principles in Officiating

Please note that any required professional accreditation or membership fees are the responsibility of the student.

Professional recognition

An acknowledgement of the importance of the growing sport and exercise science area is reflected by the evolution of a professional body for specialists in the field—Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA, formerly AAESS).

This program will be submitted for full accreditation with ESSA in early 2009, with the aim of approval by late 2009. Full accreditation will enable graduates to qualify as registered Exercise Scientists.

Career opportunities

Graduates may find employment in:

• community recreation and fitness 
• corporate health and fitness 
• exercise scientist 
• exercise prescription and programming 
• fitness assessment 
• personal health and fitness/training 
• sport and exercise science/research 
• sport scientist 
• state/national sport development

Special features

• several USC lecturers also work with high-profile sports organisations and teams 
• program provides a balance between fundamental science and sport and exercise specialisations 
• sport and exercise laboratories are of the highest standard—USC was the first university in Australia to be accredited with the Australian Institute of Sport’s National Sport Science Quality Assurance program

Program structure

Core courses

Introductory/Foundation courses

6 required courses:
LFS103 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
LFS112 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
LFS122 Introductory Bioscience
PSY100 Human Physiology
SCI110 Human Anatomy
SPX102 Introduction to Psychology A

Advanced courses

10 required courses:
LFS201 Science Research Methods
SPX201 Introduction to Coaching Science
SPX202 Systemic Physiology I
SPX211 Functional Anatomy
SPX212 Biomechanics I
SPX221 Exercise Physiology I
SPX222 Exercise Prescription and Programming 2
SPX231 Introduction to Sports Medicine
SPX331 Sport and Exercise Psychology
SPX352 Motor Control and Learning

Plus select 6 courses from 1 of the following options:

Option 1

To be eligible for membership within ESSA as an Exercise Scientist, students must choose the following 6 courses:
SPX301 Exercise Physiology II
SPX302 Sports Nutrition
SPX312 Exercise in Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Health
SPX322 Exercise in Musculoskeletal Health
SPX300 Performance Enhancement #
Plus select 1 course from:
SPX323 Biomechanics II ^
SPX371 Exercise Science Professional Practicum

Option 2

6 elective courses
Choose any 6 advanced level courses from within the Faculty of Science, Health and Education, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, or Faculty of Business

Students who choose Option 2 above will not be eligible to apply for ESSA accreditation as an Exercise Scientist.

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

1. A maximum of 10 introductory (100 level) courses may be chosen, including the core courses
2. A minimum of 14 advanced (200 and 300 level) courses must be chosen, 5 of which must be 300 level science (not coded NUR or EDU or PAR) courses
3. ESSA requires students to complete a minimum of 140 hours of work experience in “two or more settings directly relevant to the practice of an exercise and sports scientist”. These hours can be completed as part of the Clinical Placement course.
4. Refer to the Academic Rules.
5. Refer to explanation of terms.
6. Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
7. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
8. Only a full-time study option is available to international students.
9. Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including; namely essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.

Enquiries 

How to apply

Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: sheinfo@usc.edu.au

# Subject to special entry requirements. Course Coordinator approval required.

^ Not offered in 2010.

Back to top