Sports Science

Course overview

Within the sports world everything is driven by results. No major team nowadays is complete without a sports scientist in their support staff. Sports Science is the study of scientific principles and techniques with the aim of improving athletic performance. The key disciplines that inform this process are physiology, psychology, biomechanics and nutrition.

There are many reasons to study Sports Science. You might excel at one sport, or have a keen interest in sport in general. Perhaps you enjoy science and are looking for a more applied course that will lead to an interesting career.

This exciting and challenging course will take you on a journey through the field of Sports Science developing both your theoretical and applied practical skills. Therefore you will be given the opportunity to learn and apply skills related to athlete testing and support. Key scientific principles relating to Sports Science will also be addressed. All of these will be studied in the context of athlete support both for elite and non-elite individuals and teams.

Module guide

Year one core modules

• Research Methods for Sport and Exercise Sciences
• Exercise Physiology
• Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Anatomy for Motion
• Coaching and Behaviour

Year two core modules

• Research Methods and Project Preparation for Sport and Exercise Sciences
• Exercise Testing
• Psychological Profiling for Sport
• Biomechanics

Year three core modules

• Undergraduate Research Project
• Scientific Basis of Training

Year two optional modules

• Sport and Exercise Nutrition

Year three optional modules

• Applied Biomechanics and Kinesiology
• Applied Sports Psychology
• Strength and Conditioning

Assessment

A wide range of assessments are used to test the skills learnt. This includes; presentations, practical examinations, scientific reports, data- handling exercises, computer assessments, end -of -module examinations and a research project. Reflective practice and self and peer assessment is also encouraged.

You will be given the opportunity to apply your understanding in real-world settings working with athletes, coaches and teams during your Year 3 studies. You will be given the chance to apply your theoretical/practical -based skills and knowledge to both research and applied athlete support.