- Learn from experts who work with high-profile sports organisations and teams
- Balance studies between fundamental science and sport and exercise specialisations
- USC's Exercise Science laboratories are accredited with the Australian Institute of Sport’s National Sport Science Quality Assurance program
Program summary
Program title: Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science
Award abbreviation: BSp&ExSc
QTAC code: 013041
OP / Rank for 2013 entry: OP-17 / Rank-64
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English; Maths A, B or C; and at least one of the sciences, preferably Chemistry
Fee type 2013: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: SC344
CRICOS code: 066289K. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
Sport and exercise scientists focus on enhancing health and sporting achievements by developing coaching and training programs.
In this program you learn the theory and application of sciences that underpin human movement and performance. You gain in-depth knowledge of exercise sciences including exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control, sports psychology, sports medicine, sports nutrition, performance analysis and sports coaching. If you complete appropriate courses you can obtain sports trainer accreditation or Australian Sports Commission certification and be eligible for membership with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) as an Exercise Scientist. Several first aid qualifications are incorporated throughout the degree.
Career opportunities
Sport / exercise science, exercise prescription / programming, sports coaching, promotion and management, fitness industry, sports administration, research.
Professional recognition
Graduates may apply for Exercise Scientist membersip with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) (Pathway 2 only). Graduates may also become members of Sports Medicine Australia (Pathways 1 and 2).
Please note: Students intending to seek membership with Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) as Exercise Scientist are advised that ESSA will allow recognition of prior learning (RPL) for non-university studies to a maximum of 12.5% of load. Therefore, USC recommends that students holding TAFE studies in Fitness seek RPL for not more than 3 courses upon entering the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science.
Accreditation
USC's Exercise Science laboratories are accredited with the Australian Institute of Sport's National Sport Science Quality Assurance program.
Enquiries
- Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
- Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering for program advice
Program structure
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete no more than 10 introductory (100 level) courses, including the core course.
- Complete a minimum of 14 advanced (200 and 300 level) courses from any Faculty.
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.
- Students have a choice of two study pathways:
Pathway 1 allows students to undertake 6 elective courses within the 3 year program. Graduates who elect to complete Pathway 1 CANNOT apply for membership with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).
Students holding a TAFE Diploma of Fitness are eligible for 8 courses credit if they complete Pathway 1.
Pathway 2 allows students who undertake this pathway and who have completed all the required courses as listed in Pathway 2, to apply for Exercise Scientist membership with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). Note: Students who have a variation to the program will not be able to apply for accreditation with ESSA. - Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- 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. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues. Students undertaking Pathway 2 should be aware there are restrictions applicable to credit transfer in order to obtain ESSA membership and they should contact their Program Advisor.
- When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan.
Core courses (1)
COR109 Biomechanics II
Introductory courses (7)
LFS103 Exercise in Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Health
LFS112 Exercise in Musculoskeletal Health
LFS122 Performance Enhancement
PSY100 Professional Placement in Sport and Exercise Science
SCI110 Advanced Issues in Sport and Exercise Psychology
SPX101 Advanced Motor Learning
SPX102 Communication and Thought
Advanced courses (10)
LFS201 Introductory Bioscience
SPX201 Human Physiology
SPX202 Human Anatomy
SPX211 Introduction to Psychology A
SPX212 Science Research Methods
SPX221 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science
SPX222 Introduction to Coaching Science
SPX231 Systemic Physiology I
SPX331 Functional Anatomy
SPX352 Biomechanics I
Students choose whether they are going to follow Pathway 1 or Pathway 2 in the 3rd year of their program.
Pathway 1:
Elective courses (6)
ESSA membership NOT available
Select 6 elective courses, of which 4 must be at advanced (200 / 300) level. Courses may be chosen from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Students holding TAFE studies in Fitness who seek RPL for 4 or more courses, must follow Pathway 1.
OR
Pathway 2:
To be eligible to apply for membership with ESSA as an Exercise Scientist, students must complete the following:
Minor in Exercise Science (Exercise and Sport Science Australia requirement)
4 required courses:
SPX300 Exercise Physiology I
SPX301 Exercise Prescription and Programming
SPX302 Introduction to Sports Medicine
SPX322 Sports Psychology
Please note: SPX300 should be studied in Semester 1 of your final year of your degree, and requires course coordinator permission.
Plus select 2 Elective courses:
Courses maybe chosen from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering). Students completing the Minor in Exercise Science are encouraged to select 2 elective courses from these four options:
SPX312 Motor Control and Learning
SPX340 Exercise Physiology II
SPX341 Sports Nutrition *
SPX342 Introduction to Clinical Placement *
* Courses not available until 2014.
Study Plan
This Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science Study Plan is for students commencing in the current Semester.
Year 1
- Eight (8) Required courses:
SCI110 should be studied in Semester 1
LFS103 should be studied in Semester 1
COR109 should be studied in Semester 2
Required courses (8)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| LFS103 Organic Chemistry | |||
| PSY100 Chemistry | |||
| SCI110 Changing Planet Earth | |||
| SPX101 Hydrology and Geomorphology | |||
| COR109 Mathematics Foundations | |||
| LFS112 Science Research Methods | |||
| LFS122 Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education | |||
| SPX102 Introductory Bioscience |
Year 2
- Eight (8) Required courses
Required courses (8)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| LFS201 Introduction to Psychology A | |||
| SPX201 Science Research Methods | |||
| SPX221 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science | |||
| SPX231 Communication and Thought | |||
| SPX202 Human Physiology | |||
| SPX211 Human Anatomy | |||
| SPX212 Introduction to Coaching Science | |||
| SPX222 Systemic Physiology I |
Year 3
Students choose either Pathway 1 or Pathway 2
Pathway 1
ESSA membership is NOT available to students who follow Pathway 1:
- Two (2) required courses
- Six (6) elective courses:
3 elective courses should be studied in Semester 1
3 elective courses should be studied in Semester 2
Required courses (2)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPX331 Functional Anatomy | |||
| SPX352 Introduction to Sports Medicine |
Elective courses (6)
Select 6 elective courses, of which 4 must be at advanced (200 / 300) level. Courses may be chosen from either from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Pathway 2
To be eligible for membership with ESSA as an Exercise Scientist students follow Pathway 2 and must complete the courses listed below:
- Two (2) required courses
- Four (4) courses - Minor in Exercise Science
SPX300 should be studied in Semester 1, and requires course coordinator permission - Two (2) elective courses
Note: SPX341 and SPX342 are not available until 2014
Required courses (2)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPX331 Motor Control and Learning | |||
| SPX352 Biomechanics I |
Minor in Exercise Science courses (4)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPX300 Exercise Physiology I | |||
| SPX322 Exercise Prescription and Programming | |||
| SPX301 Sports Psychology | |||
| SPX302 Exercise Physiology II |
Elective courses (2)
Select courses from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPX312 Sports Nutrition | |||
| SPX340 Exercise Physiology II | |||
| SPX341 Sports Nutrition | |||
| SPX342 Introduction to Clinical Placement |
Note: not all elective courses available in 2013.
OR Select advanced elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).