UDSPEXSC - BSc Sport and Exercise Science

Knowledge and understanding of the discipline of sport and exercise science is developed through an integrated programme of teacher-led lectures, tutorials, seminars and laboratory based practical sessions, as well as through the guided use of student-centred learning activities such as problem solving exercises, case studies, directed reading and e-learning. Level 4 provides a foundation of general subjects underpinning sports science including chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, physiology and numerical skills, as well as including introductory material to the various branches of this multi-disciplinary subject. In-depth studies of selected areas of sport and exercise science, including biomechanics, exercise physiology and sport psychology are the focus of the level 5 programme, which also includes coverage of research methods. At level 6, emphasis is placed on advanced and applied aspects of the same areas, as well as the completion of a project in an area of the student’s choosing.

Blended learning opportunities are centred around the University’s VLE but also include specialised software such as that used for demonstrating and learning musculoskeletal anatomy, virtual practicals in exercise physiology, and dedicated software for the recording of physiological and biomechanical data.

With regard to learning facilities, the North Campus library offers specialised group study areas as well as access to a comprehensive range of textbooks, journals and online learning resources. Open areas have also been provided on the ground floor of the Tower building and the green lounge in Benwell Road. All these areas have comfortable seating and access to IT and wireless facilities. Utilisation of the University’s VLE has become an invaluable tool with which to disseminate information and to support and assess student learning. In addition students will be using facilities provided within the Science Centre, which include state of the art physiology laboratories and a spacious sports hall.

The principal aim in this pathway is to educate students, from a wide variety of backgrounds, to their full potential at graduate level. The development of potential is viewed as comprising the acquisition and application of subject-specific knowledge, as well as a range of transferable skills. The course has some degree of emphasis on those parts of the subject directly-linked in the natural sciences. This gives rise to substantial components of physiology, anatomy, metabolism and biomechanics. There is also coverage of sport psychology and some attention to sports sociology. Both performance and health related aspects are incorporated in all areas covered. The course furthermore aims to develop students' ability to

• work both independently and in collaboration with others
• develop solutions to problems in a systematic and effective manner
• communicate confidently and clearly both in writing and verbally
• deploy generic work-related skills including time-management and prioritisation of tasks

Students will be encouraged to engage meaningfully with personal development planning (PDP) through the curriculum, to enable them to reflect on, plan and review their own personal and academic skills. PDP will enable students to develop well supported claims to achievements and be able to articulate these to others and the University will enable students to recognise and record their achievements.

The course learning outcomes listed below have been developed in line with the Level 6 descriptors for Bachelor’s Degree with honours as stated in the QAA’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (2008).

1. knowledge and understanding:
On completing the course, students will:

1.1. Have a thorough systematic knowledge of the various scientific topics studied

1.2. Show an ability to apply knowledge in practical settings involving sport and exercise

1.3. Have the capacity to execute and critically evaluate research relevant to sport and exercise science

2. cognitive intellectual skills:
On completing the course, students will:

2.1. Be able to understand and develop coherent arguments in support or criticism of scientific assertions and theories, incorporating literature-based evidence

2.2. Demonstrate a general ability to organise and apply knowledge in a logical and systematic manner appropriate to the purpose or question in hand

2.3. Show fluency with appropriate quantitative and numerical skills, involving relevant mathematical and statistical methods

2.4. Demonstrate academic and scientific literacy at graduate level

3. transferable skills including those of employability and professional practice:

On completing the course, students will:
3.1. Have the ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, in a concise, clear and lively manner

3.2. Demonstrate a range of other key transferable skills including active involvement in learning, exercise of initiative and judgement, use of appropriate resources and technology including IT, the ability to work both independently and with others, and the capacity for self-awareness and self-reflection

3.3. Understand ethical and other professional issues involved in practice as a sport and exercise scientist

3.4. Appreciate the skills necessary to secure and retain employment, including communication, consideration for others, creativity, dedication and self-discipline

4. subject-specific practical skills:
On completing the course, students will:

4.1. Demonstrate an understanding of practical skills relating to sport and exercise science, including competence in collecting data from a range of test equipment and from psychological inventories, and in implementing appropriate interventions.

4.2. Be aware of the principles of scientific measurement, including the appropriate expression of results, and the distinction between analogue and digital information

4.3. Propose appropriate methodologies for a variety of measurements in sports and exercise science

Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism

Of the study areas specified as characterising sports-related programmes (p21), the present course focuses principally on 6.17 and 6.18. There is also some coverage of 6.19 and 6.20.

A variety of assessment methods will be used including unseen and seen written examinations, essays, literature searches/reviews, practical reports, oral presentations and oral examinations. With the exception of written examinations, most assessments have both formative and summative roles. Additional non-assessed formative assessments will be used. The final year project provides the opportunity for an extended piece of formal scientific writing.

An optional work placement module is available in the final year. A core level 6 15 credit module forms part of the final year which focusses on teaching the skill for starting a business

CertHE: core modules at Level 4

DipHE: (core modules at Level 4) + (core modules at Level 5)

BSc (Hons): (core modules at Level 4) + (core modules at Level 5) + (core modules at Level 6)

By way of modules: ST4004, ST5060 and ST6P03 students will progressively develop their PDP which will culminate in a CV and graduation statement. Students will take part in tutorials at all levels designed to facilitate discussion on what has been learnt in order that reflective learning will contribute to identifying objectives, success criteria, and action plans that can be included in PDPs.

Provided as part of the designated employability modules at each level

The Faculty will develop its own employability Web pages on which will be provided model CVs, covering letters, graduation statements, job adverts, job descriptions and person specifications for use by PATs and students. A number of employer and alumni led career events will be organised by the Faculty and each Cluster Group.

Students’ attention is drawn to the professional organisation BASES, and the resources it offers to students

This degree will prepare you for a career in the scientific or commercial worlds, with many students choosing to work in the fitness industry. You'll receive general scientific training that will enable you to take on a wide variety of roles. Previous graduates have gone into careers such as sports therapy at AFC Wimbledon and holistic training at Educogym. Others have continued on to a PGCE, enabling them to work in education.

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

• two A levels with minimum grades BB including biology, PE, human biology, biology, sports science or sports studies (or 80 or more UCAS points from an equivalent qualification)
• English Language and Mathematics GCSEs at grade C (grade 4 from 2017) or above (or equivalent)

Entry from appropriate foundation and access courses will also be considered.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.