Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science
Award abbreviation: BSp&ExSc
QTAC code: 013041
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: OP-17 / Rank-65
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 2012: 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 the 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 as an Exercise Scientist. Several first aid qualifications are incorporated throughout the degree.

Post-admission requirements

You must complete 140 hours of supervised practice to be eligible for accreditation. Refer to Program requirements and notes.

Career opportunities

Sport/exercise science, exercise prescription/programming, sports coaching, promotion and management, fitness industry, sports administration, research.

Professional recognition

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

*Pending professional registration from Exercise and Sports Science Australia.

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 courses.
• Complete a minimum of 14 advanced (200 and 300 level) courses, 5 of which must be 300 science level (not NUR or EDU or PAR coded) courses.
• 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”, in order to be eligible to apply for accreditation as an Accredited Exercise Scientist with Exercise and Sports Science Australia* (ESSA) requirement. These hours can be completed as part of the Clinical Placement course.

* Pending professional registration from Exercise and Sports Science Australia.

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.
• 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.
• When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan.

Core courses (2)

Select 2 courses from:
COR109 Communication and Thought
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability

Introductory courses (6)

LFS103 Introductory Bioscience
LFS112 Human Physiology
LFS122 Human Anatomy
PSY100 Introduction to Psychology A
SCI110 Science Research Methods
SPX102 Introduction to Coaching Science

Advanced courses (10)

LFS201 Systemic Physiology I
SPX201 Functional Anatomy
SPX202 Biomechanics I
SPX211 Exercise Physiology I
SPX212 Exercise Prescription and Programming
SPX221 Introduction to Sports Medicine
SPX222 Sports Psychology
SPX231 Motor Control and Learning
SPX331 Exercise Physiology II
SPX352 Sports Nutrition

Elective courses (6)

Select 6 advanced level elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

OR

To be eligible for membership within ESSA as an Exercise Scientist, students must complete the following courses:

SPX300 Clinical Placement
SPX301 Cardiorespiratory Health and Rehabilitation
SPX302 Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
SPX312 Performance Enhancement
SPX322 Biomechanics II

Plus select 1 course from:
SPX371 Advanced Coaching Science
SPX323 Adaptive Physical Activity ^

Please note: SPX300 should be studied in Semester 1 of your final year of your degree, and requires course coordinator permission.

^ Not currently offered

Study Plan

This Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science Study Plan is for students commencing in the current Semester.

Year 1

• Two (2) Core courses:
  Complete one Core course in Semester 1 and one in Semester 2
• Six (6) Required courses:
  SCI110 should be studied in Semester 1

Core courses: (2)

Select 2 courses from:

Required courses: (6)

Year 2

• Eight (8) Required courses

Required courses: (8)

Year 3

To be eligible for membership within ESSA as an Exercise Scientist , students must complete the following courses:

• Seven (7) Required courses:
  SPX300 should be studied in Semester 1, and requires course coordinator permission
• One (1) Elective course:
  Elective course should be studied in Semester 1

Required courses: (7)

Elective courses: (1)

Select 1 course from:

^ Not currently offered

OR

Year 3

Students not requiring eligibility for membership within ESSA as an Exercise Scientist

• Two (2) required courses
• Six (6) elective coureses:
  3 elective courses should be studied in Semester 1
  3 elective courses should be studied in Semester 2

Required courses: (2)

Elective coures: (6)

Select 6 advanced level elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Why choose USC? 

It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.

Am I eligible for university study?

Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.

If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer.

If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.

How do I submit an application?

• Current Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website
• Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website
• Postgraduate applicants apply directly to USC
• International students apply directly to USC International
• All other applicants

When should I apply?

Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.

What happens next?

Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to apply:

• Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering

As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.

Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:

1. Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
2. Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
3. Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable 
4. Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
5. Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
6. Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
7. Pay required study fees by the fee due date

Useful links

• Getting Started Guide
• USC Central Guide
• Common enrolment problems
• Class timetables
• Academic Calendar
• Faculty major and minor offerings
• Student-related policies, plans and procedures
• Contact Student Administration

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to enrol:

• Online: Refer to the USC Central Guide 
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering