Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science

Fight chronic disease with the science of exercise.

Exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have available to us to prevent disease, treat acute injuries, and manage long term diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Exercise physiologists work within our health system, making important contributions to health care at relatively low cost.

Study location
  • Sippy Downs
Refer to the program footnotes
CRICOS code
066298J
Commence
Semester 1 only
Program length (full-time)
4 years
Semester tuition fee 2017
A$12,800
Estimated total tuition fee *
A$102,400

Study location QTAC code
  • Sunshine Coast 013251
Minimum selection threshold
OP - 16 Rank - 65
UniSC program code
SC346
Commence
Semester 1 only
Duration
4 years full time or equivalent part time
Recommended prior study
English; Maths A, B or C; and at least one of the sciences
Fee type 2017
  • What will I pay?
Total courses
32
Total units
384

Exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have available to us to prevent disease, treat acute injuries, and manage long term diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Exercise physiologists work within our health system, making important contributions to health care at relatively low cost.

This program is a professionally focussed degree to educate clinical exercise physiologists and prepare them for employment in the Australian health system. Studies include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathophysiology, biomechanics, psychology, motor learning, and sports nutrition. Advanced courses focus on professional practice in clinical and community environments, followed by industry placements and workplace learning.

Post-admission requirements

Students must complete 500 hours of supervised placement. Students may be required to undertake some clinical placement hours outside the Sunshine Coast region in metropolitan and regional / rural areas. Before undertaking placements (ie: by year 3), students must provide evidence of immunisations, first aid training, satisfactory criminal history check, and hold a current Suitability Card.

Career opportunities

Accredited exercise physiology (exercise as medicine), cardiac and pulmonary testing, occupational rehabilitation, case management, research.

Accreditation and Memberships

This degree is professionally accredited at the levels of Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). Graduates from this program may practise as exercise physiologists and seek provider status with Medicare.

Also, graduates may apply to become members of Sports Medicine Australia.

Note: ESSA will allow recognition of prior learning (RPL) for non-university studies to a maximum of 12.5% of program load. USC recommends, therefore, that students holding TAFE studies in fitness seek RPL for not more than four courses upon entering the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science.

Program structure

Introductory courses (8)

COR109 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
HLT140 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
LFS100 Understanding Society: An Introduction to Social Theory
LFS112 Punishment and Corrections
LFS122 Policing
PUB104 Social Research
SCI110 Social Justice, Welfare and the State
SPX121 Justice and the Australian Legal System

Advanced courses (24)

HLT221 Working Effectively with Aboriginal People
PUB351 Working With Children, Youth and Families
SPX201 Mental Health and Social Work
SPX202 Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice
SPX203 Criminal Law: An Introduction
SPX211 Health & Mental Health in Australia
SPX221 Complexity and Social Work: Group-Based Approaches
SPX222 Diversity, Crime and Justice
SPX231 Ethical Practice in the Helping Professions
SPX300 Social Work Field Education 1
SPX301 Professional Ethics and Integrity Management
SPX302 Critical Social Policy Analysis
SPX322 Organisational Contexts for Social Work Practice
SPX331 Context Responsive Social Work Practice
SPX352 Applied Crime Prevention
SPX410 Understanding Cultural Diversity
SPX411 Community Development and Social Action
SPX412 Social Work Field Education 2
SPX413 Communication and Thought
SPX401A Human Physiology *
SPX401B Human Anatomy *
SPX401C Introduction to Behavioural Health *
SPX401D Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science *

PLUS select 1 advanced level (200 / 300 coded) elective course from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

* Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) requires students to complete 500 hours of supervised practice comprising of a minimum of 140 hours for apparently healthy clients, 140 hours for neuromuscular/musculoskeletal clients and 140 hours for metabolic/cardiopulmonary clients. These hours will be completed as part of SPX300 and SPX401 courses.

Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.

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Total units: 384

Program requirements and notes

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

  • Successfully complete 384 units as outlined in the Program Structure
  • Complete all required components of this program, to be able to apply for accreditation as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
  • Complete 500 hours of supervised practice (as per ESSA requirement), comprising a 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 SPX300 and SPX401 courses

In order to commence fieldwork placement you must:

  • Hold a valid Suitability Card (Blue Card - Working with Children Check - QLD). This is required by week 6 of the third year subject, SPX300 , and is issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG). The application timeline for this Card is usually in the region of 6-8 weeks, therefore it is advised that this process is initiated at the time of enrolment into SPX300 if not before
  • Provide evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B (blood titre level after approved vaccination schedule)
  • Hold current Senior First Aid and CPR certificates (currency of certification is to be maintained throughout the program)
  • You may also be required to complete a Criminal History Check for particular placements, cost of which is borne by the student
  • Some courses within this program are taught outside of the standard teaching semesters. Students should refer to the Session Timetables for dates
Program notes
  • For Sippy Downs students some courses in this program will be taught at the Sunshine Coast Heath Institute
  • 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
  • As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues. Students should be aware there are restrictions applicable to credit transfer in order to obtain ESSA accreditation and they should contact their Program Advisor if considering participating in the GO program
  • Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
  • Refer to the Planning your study page to manage your progression
  • Students intending to seek accreditation with Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) as exercise physiologists are advised that ESSA will allow recognition of prior learning (RPL) for non-university studies to a maximum of 12.5 of program load. Therefore, USC recommends that students holding TAFE studies in Fitness seek RPL for not more than 4 courses upon entering the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science