Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons)

30 credits

Understanding the mechanics of the body is the building block of sport and exercise science.

You will be introduced to the fundamentals of functional anatomy and physiology, particularly the skeletal, neural, muscular, metabolic, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The focus will be on understanding the biomechanics of movement and physiological responses to the demands of physical activity.

30 credits

This module introduces the fundamental constructs of sport and exercise psychology and how they impact on our understanding of human behaviour and learning in sport and exercise environments. These constructs include personality, motivation, anxiety, stress as well as the learning and performance process. You will also learn about the theories of motor control and motor learning.

Topics include: 

• The role of the self in sport and exercise, how this develops and impacts wellbeing and performance
• Theories of personality development and the role it plays in sport and exercise
• Different perspectives on motivation in sport and exercise
• Theories of arousal, stress and anxiety and how they might impact sport/exercise environments
• The role of psychology in the uptake and maintenance of physical activity
• How exercise is linked to maintaining/improving psychological health
• The role of perception and attention in the ability to learn and perform motor skills
• Sport and exercise psychology research methods.

30 credits

This module introduces theories related to coaching, group management and leadership roles in sport and exercise, and how to apply them in practical settings.

You will also gain an understanding of structural, technical and tactical aspects of selected sports.

This module is very practical. You will develop practical coaching experience from assistant/observer to lead coach in a variety of sport and levels.

You will learn how to deliver warm-up/cool-down or technical, tactical skills related to a sport

30 credits

Gain the skills you need to conduct your own research and make a difference in the fields of sport, exercise and nutrition. Learn how to design and carry out experiments, analyse data, and communicate your findings.

You will also be introduced to the principles of qualitative and quantitative research, and how to use statistical techniques to analyse sport science and nutrition data.

30 credits

This module focusses on the approaches to research design, data collection techniques and appropriate analyses to make accurate interpretations. It further investigates quantitative and qualitative research methods introduced at Level 4 and introduces you to more advanced techniques. The module provides an essential introduction to research ethics and the ethical approval procedures that are required when using human participants for research.

Skills developed in this module will form the foundation of your final year project module. This module also provides you with an overview of how to recognise and develop key and transferable skills to enhance employability through relevant professional development and research experience. The Future Skills Explore Learning Outcomes are delivered in this module.

30 credits

This module introduces you to the technical and tactical analysis of sport performance, to develop an appreciation of how data may be used to explain and enhance sporting performance, and reduce the risk of injury.

Performance analysis focuses on analysis techniques used to explore impactful metrics to enhance performance and inform the coaching cycle.

You will also look at technical elements of sport performance such as biomechanical analysis to explore the key mathematical and physical concepts underpinning the analysis of human movement in sport and exercise.

30 credits

This module covers the acute and chronic physiological changes caused by exercise, giving you an understanding of cardio-respiratory health. You will learn to link exercise physiology to performance. You will understand the role of exercise and physical activity as a prescription therapy to clinical diseases. This module will further develop your understanding by equipping you with the scientific skills to monitor and assess health, fitness and performance.

30 credits

You will build on your sport and exercise psychology from your first year. You will explore social psychology in sport and exercise, including group dynamics. You will also explore the psychology and development of the individual in exercise settings and the benefits of exercise to maintain psychological health and wellbeing.

Topics include:

• Motivation in sport and exercise settings and the developments of differing perspectives in this area.
• Group dynamics in sport and exercise settings and how this might influence group satisfaction and performance.
• Aggression in sport contexts.
• Burnout in athletes, including psychological components, mechanisms and experiences.
• Career transitions for sport performers, and the role sport psychology may play in assisting transitions.
• Moral development in young athletes, and the role of morality in competitive sports contexts.
• The role of emotions experienced on an inter and intra personal level in sport and exercise environments.
• Theories of exercise adoption and maintenance.

30 credits

This module has been designed to understand the application of physiological processes to different sport and exercise contexts to improve human performance.

You will advance your understanding of exercise physiology using an integrative/systems approach and apply this to environmental stress, exercise training and different populations for sport performance and health. You will critically evaluate interventions designed to limit the physiological consequences of exercise and environmental stress to improve physical performance in recreationally active to elite athletes. Upon completion of the module, you will be able to apply your knowledge and provide evidence-based practical recommendations to enhance human performance during exercise in different environments, conditions, and populations.

30 credits

This module will develop critical understanding of sport psychology through the evaluation of interventions to promote athletic performance. You will explore the role of the sport psychologist, and the types of skills used by these professionals with individual athletes and teams.

You will build on your existing knowledge of psychological theory, using case studies and stories of professional athletes to propose psychological interventions. You will develop an understanding of frameworks used by sport psychologists working in the field, from needs analysis to intervention and evaluation, and have the opportunity to apply these skills through role play.

30 credits

This module provides a critical, theoretical and practical understanding of applied techniques used in the biomechanical analysis of human movement and sporting activity.

You will learn how the application of biomechanics may be used to improve sports performance and reduce the risk of injury. You will learn about injury prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation.

You will apply knowledge and practical experience of the techniques used for recording and analysing sporting movements, using technology such as 3D motion capture and electromyography to assess muscular activation.

15 credits

This module provides you with a dedicated opportunity to develop your Future Skills Graduate Attributes. At the start of the module, you will be supported to self-assess your current skills profile and determine which attributes and skills you need to develop to support your career ambitions. You will be supported in this process by a dedicated career coach, who will help you to explore a range of options including self-employment/freelancing, starting your own business, higher level study, and other professional Graduate level opportunities. Students will also be given opportunities to engage with external mentors throughout the module to support reflection and to develop a professional network.

You will then undertake a tailored series of activities and projects, aligned to your goals from a menu of development options. This could include short courses, enrichment activities and experiential learning options such as micro-placements.  You will also be able to reflect on activities that you undertake outside the university through which you are developing your graduate attributes, such as work or volunteering.

15 credits

You will undertake a significant piece of original, and independent, research across the final year of your studies. You will make use of your Sport, Exercise, and Nutrition knowledge, identifying a selected topic area related your field of study. You will be tasked with planning and undertaking data collection which will culminate in the writing of a manuscript and the delivery of an oral presentation. This module also provides opportunity to reflect upon and demonstrate a critical understanding of the future skills that you have been developed across the programme of study and how these can enhance your opportunity to gain graduate level employment.