Program summary

• Become an accredited exercise physiologist
• Use high-tech on-campus sport and exercise science laboratories
• USC is accredited with the Australian Institute of Sport’s National Sport Science Quality Assurance program

Learn to apply the knowledge of exercise science to professional practice in clinical and community environments, to help people with chronic and complex illnesses.

This program meets guidelines for an exercise physiologist qualification. These professionals improve the health of people with chronic or complex medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis, high blood pressure or arthritis. Your studies include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathophysiology, biomechanics, psychology, motor learning, sports nutrition, and sports coaching. Advanced courses focus on professional practice in clinical and community environments, with industry placement and workplace learning. Several first aid qualifications are incorporated throughout the degree.

Post-admission requirements

You must complete 500 hours of supervised practice to be eligible for accreditation.

Career opportunities

Provide Medicare Plus services as an exercise physiologist, or exercise therapy, cardiac and pulmonary testing and rehabilitation, community recreation and fitness, sports biomechanics, personal training, research.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible to apply for accreditation as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with Exercise and Sports Science Australia. Graduates may also become members of Exercise and Sports Science Australia *; Sports Medicine Australia.

* Pending professional registration from Exercise and Sports Science Australia.

Program structure

Core courses

Select 2 courses from:
COR109 Science Research Methods
COR110 Biodiversity and Ecology
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability

Introductory courses

7 required courses:
LFS100 Plant Diversity and Ecology
LFS122 Communication and Thought
LFS112 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
PSY100 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
SCI105 Cell Biology
SCI110 Human Anatomy
SPX102 Human Physiology

Advanced courses

23 required courses:
BIM263 Introduction to Psychology A
LFS201 Chemistry
LFS202 Science Research Methods
LFS251 Introduction to Coaching Science
LFS303 Introduction to Pharmacology
SPX201 Systemic Physiology I
SPX202 Systemic Physiology II
SPX211 Biochemistry
SPX212 Pathophysiology
SPX221 Functional Anatomy
SPX222 Biomechanics I
SPX231 Exercise Physiology I
SPX300 Exercise Prescription and Programming #
SPX301 Introduction to Sports Medicine
SPX302 Sports Psychology
SPX312 Motor Control and Learning
SPX322 Clinical Placement
SPX331 Cardiorespiratory Health and Rehabilitation
SPX352 Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
SPX401A Performance Enhancement #
SPX401B Biomechanics II #
SPX401C Exercise Physiology II #
SPX401D Sports Nutrition #

Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program

As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider

Program requirements and notes

1. To be eligible for accreditation as an AEP, you must complete all required components of this program. This consists of the, 2 core courses, 7 introductory/foundation courses and 23 advanced courses. In addition, ESSA requires students to complete 500 hours of supervised practice comprising 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  Clinical Placement and the Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science courses.
2. Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
3. Refer to explanation of terms.
4. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
5. Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa. 
6. Refer to the recommended enrolment pattern. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
7. 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.

Enquiries 

How to apply

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