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 Mathematical Economics
COR110 Econometrics
COR111 Introductory Calculus

Introductory courses

7 required courses:
LFS100 Trade and Finance in a Global Economy
LFS122 Introduction to Economics
LFS112 Applied Microeconomics
PSY100 Applied Macroeconomics
SCI105 Money and Banking
SCI110 Communication and Thought
SPX102 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship

Advanced courses

23 required courses:
BIM263 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
LFS201 Cell Biology
LFS202 Human Anatomy
LFS251 Human Physiology
LFS303 Introduction to Psychology A
SPX201 Chemistry
SPX202 Science Research Methods
SPX211 Introduction to Coaching Science
SPX212
SPX221 Sports and Exercise Medicine
SPX222 Sport and Exercise Psychology
SPX231 Motor Control and Learning
SPX300 Exercise Science Professional Practicum #
SPX301 Exercise in Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Health
SPX302 Exercise in Musculoskeletal Health
SPX312 Performance Enhancement
SPX322 Biomechanics II
SPX331 Exercise Physiology II
SPX352
SPX401A #
SPX401B #
SPX401C #
SPX401D #

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