Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science
Award abbreviation: BClinExSc
QTAC code: 013251
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: OP-16 / Rank-67
Duration: 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 only
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English; Maths A, B or C; and at least one of the sciences
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 384
USC program code: SC346
CRICOS code: 066298J. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Learn to apply your 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 accreditation as an Exercise Physiologist with Exercise and Sports Science Australia.  

Such professionals improve the health of people with chronic or complex medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis, high blood pressure or arthritis.

Studies include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathophysiology, biomechanics, psychology, motor learning, and sports nutrition.

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

Before undertaking clinical placements you must provide evidence of Hepatitis B immunisation as well as first aid and CPR training, undertake a Criminal History check and obtain or hold a current Suitability Card (Blue Card CCYPCG).  The evidence of these requirements will be included as an assessment item of the initial placement subject conducted in the third year of the Clinical Exercise Science degree, SPX300.  It should also be noted that students may be required to undertake some clinical placements outside the Sunshine Coast region in metropolitan and regional/rural areas.

Career opportunities

Provide Medicare Plus services as an Accreditated Exercise Physiologist; or exercise therapist, cardiac and pulmonary testing and rehabilitation, 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.

Accreditation

USC is 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 requirements

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 thorughout the program)
• You may also be required to complete a Criminal History Check for particular placements, cost of which is to be borne by the student.

In order to graduate you must:

• Complete all required components of this program, to be eligible 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 Clinical Placement and the Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science courses.

* 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.
• 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.
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
• When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan.

Program structure

Core courses (2)

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

Introductory courses (7)

LFS100 Cell Biology
LFS112 Human Physiology
LFS122 Human Anatomy
PSY100 Introduction to Psychology A
SCI105 Chemistry
SCI110 Science Research Methods
SPX102 Introduction to Coaching Science

Advanced courses (23)

BIM341 Biochemical Pharmacology
LFS201 Systemic Physiology I
LFS202 Systemic Physiology II
LFS251 Biochemistry
LFS303 Pathophysiology
PUB351 Health Promotion Implementation and Evaluation
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
SPX300 Clinical Placement
SPX301 Cardiorespiratory Health and Rehabilitation
SPX302 Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
SPX303 Exercise Management in Chronic Disease
SPX331 Exercise Physiology II
SPX352 Sports Nutrition
SPX401A Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science
SPX401B Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science
SPX401C Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science
SPX401D Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science

Study Plan

The Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science Study Plan is for students commencing in the current semester.

Year 1

• One (1) Core course:
  Core course should be studied in Semester 2
• Seven (7) required courses:
  SCI110 should be studied in Semester 1

Core courses (1)

Select 1 course from:

Required courses (7)

Year 2

• One (1) Core course:
  Core course should be studied in Semester 1
• Seven (7) required courses

Core courses (1)

Select 1 course from:

Required courses (7)

Year 3

• Eight (8) required courses:
  SPX300 should be studied in Semester 1

Required courses (8)

Year 4

• Eight (8) required courses:
  SPX401B should be studied in Semester 2
  SPX401C should be studied in Semester 2

Required courses (8)

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

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