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 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 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.

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.

For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:

• Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
• Select the program in which you are enrolled.
• Either scroll down to the Program Structure, or select the Recommended Enrolment Pattern link.

Program requirements

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.

Program structure

Year 1

Core courses: (1)

Complete one COR coded course in your second semester.

Select 1 course from:

Required courses: (7)

^ Students who have not successfully completed the prerequisite courses of LFS100 or LFS103(or equivalent) must seek permission from the Course Coordinator to enrol in this course. Students who have not met the prerequisite requirements, or who need to refresh their knowledge of biology and chemistry are advised to enrol in ENB126, which is conducted prior to the commencement of Semester 2.

Year 2

Core courses: (1)

Complete 1 COR coded course in your first semester.

Select 1 course from:

Required courses: (7)

Year 3

Required courses: (8)

Please note: SPX300 should be studied in Semester 1.

Year 4

Required courses: (8)

Please note: SPX401B should be studied in Semester 1; SPX401C should be studied in Semester 2.

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

TOTAL UNITS 288

Enquiries 

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