Sport and Exercise Science - BSc (Hons)

This module aims to provide an insight into the strategies that can be used to analyse and profile an athlete in a valid and consistent manner to help inform training and competition/match-play outcomes. Topics relating to Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Fitness Testing, Biomechanics, and Notational Analysis will be explored, and specific focus is placed upon the process of conducting a comprehensive ‘Needs Analysis’ for an individual, including physical, tactical, technical and bioenergetic elements. Objective analysis of athlete status and performance is achieved through the collection of real-time data, which will be analysed and reported in a useable manner. The means by which performance analysis data can be used to enhance training interventions, augment learning, and improve decision-making in competitive situations will be the focus of discussion in sessions. The evidence base for this module is drawn from professional guidelines and accreditor requirements for the International Society of Performance Analysis of Sport (ISPAS) and British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).

This module will prepare students for the Independent Research Project at level 6. The module will provide scenarios and conditions that will improve students’ ability to interpret and critique research, as well as make logical conclusions. Learning and teaching will be carried out on aspects such as how to answer research questions by analysing and presenting data, and a variety of ‘soft skills’, such as organisation and communication are developed.

This module focuses upon the application of evidence of physiological mechanisms and assessment to help inform exercise/ physical activity implementation. There will be a strong focus on conducting physiological assessment in practical/ laboratory sessions through a range of relevant tests that are appropriate to athletic populations and public health. The underpinning rationale for these tests, the validity and reliability considerations, as well as the application of the information acquired will be discussed within lectures and seminars. Evaluation and reflection upon physiological assessment and the application of the information, using associated physiological mechanisms and relevant evidence will also be explored. This module requires participation in a large amount of group work which will help to develop a range of interpersonal skills and is reflective of the Sport and Exercise industry.

This module will provide the foundations that underpin Strength and Conditioning practices. The use of biomechanical tools, such as force plates, EMG, and cameras to analyse technique during athletic tasks will be taught, and then applied to physiological theory to help understand how technique impacts performance. Knowledge of Physiology and Biomechanics will be applied so that the student can make training recommendations, informed by scientific evidence.

This module aims to provide a more advanced understanding of the psychological issues, techniques, and skills that are relevant to individuals in sport and exercise contexts. The module will provide an understanding of evidence-based psychological skills and techniques for the promotion of health, well-being, and sporting performance. During the module, important aspects of ethical conduct and other professional competencies (e.g., reflective practice, professional philosophy) needed to be a sport and exercise psychology practitioner will be explored.

This module will consider the link between nutrition, training, and competition for sports performance. Empirical study of the effect of nutritional strategies on sports performance across a range of performance types (e.g., strength, power, endurance) and the efficacy of the nutritional strategies will be examined in relation to critically evaluating findings of previous studies. This module will also consider the role of both nutrition and physical activity in health, and how these are integrated in the aetiology, management, and prevention of nutrition-related diseases. There will also be a consideration into the effects of disease processes on both diet and nutrition, as well as exercise and sport performance. The assessment activities require students to demonstrate a range of skills, including the ability to translate evidence-based research into practical advice for a client, creativity, scientific writing skills, and the ability to analyse data.

Students may opt to complete the Professional Placement Year, whereby they will need to complete a minimum of 1200 hours with a professional sports team or club. As part of this year, they will complete a SWOT analysis, formulate learning outcomes, and regularly reflect on their practice and development of skills in relation to the goals / outcomes set. There are quarterly student reflections and supervisor feedback, alongside reviews with the placement lead to ensure the placement is meeting the requirements of the course. The completed documentation will need to be submitted and will receive a pass/ fail grade.

This module provides the opportunity to design and carry out a substantive piece of independent research, which is focused on the student’s interest. This in-depth, self-managed study will encourage the examination of a critical issue from a particular sector or discipline. The skills, knowledge, and experience that students have gained from level 4 and 5 will be important in this module. The core learning within this module will involve independent work, and this will be supported by regular tutorial sessions with a project supervisor. The use of the department’s state-of-the-art facilities will be available to students to use for their projects. There may also be the opportunity to work with selected external partners.

In this module theoretical and practical knowledge will be applied as to how different environments affect human function, in reference to both performance and health. This module considers the human capability to exercise in, tolerate, and adapt to, the conditions encountered in various environments. The skills gained in this module will support students to advise individuals/teams on the necessary preparations to perform in extreme environments on placements or future employment. As the international athlete is a growing concept, this module ensures contemporary knowledge is covered on how to best support them in difficult environments. Data collection skills within the human performance laboratory will be enhanced in this module.

This module aims to develop an understanding of exercise prescription for those with health conditions, so an understanding of how a programme can be designed, monitored, and adapted for specific individuals can be developed. Knowledge of a range of health conditions and how exercise/ physical activity may be beneficial is explored, enabling the student to identify, agree, and review goals to help ensure realistic client achievements. This module will cover appropriate assessment and monitoring of individuals, as well as the management of risk that may arise from exercise/physical activity participation. The means to promote a range of exercise/physical activity opportunities in accordance with current initiatives, as well as the needs and health status of an individual, will also be explored. The development and application of strategies to enhance adherence and promotion of the development of healthy behaviours and long-term positive well-being for those with health conditions will be taught.

This module will consider contemporary topics in sport, exercise, and health, utilising emerging research. Consideration of the latest nutritional strategies that may be implemented to improve health, exercise and performance will be made. Critical reviewing of literature will be carried out to assess the impact of nutritional interventions. Essential communication skills, reflection of practice, and evaluation of the role of a Sport and Exercise Nutritionist alongside other multi-disciplinary professionals will be made.

This module will focus on the analysis of team, opposition, and individuals, through the process of coding match footage and interpreting the data collected. By discussing pre- and post-match analysis, students will analyse performances, making use of the principles of data visualisation, and create a report which will form the basis of the assessment. Emphasis will be placed upon reliability and validity of collected data, data visualisation, and information dissemination through understanding of athlete learning. This module will advance the concept of data which underpins everyday sports performance. Students will develop knowledge, skills and experience of data analysis and applicable frameworks to appraise measures of performance, and how this can be utilised to improve individual and team performance. This module will make use of industry leading technologies to prepare students for the field of Performance Analysis. The evidence base for this module is drawn from professional guidelines and accreditory requirements for the International Society of Performance Analysis of Sport (ISPAS) and British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).

This module has already been approved as part of the Sports Coaching and Physical Education validation. The aim of this module is to further develop an understanding of the psychological aspects of development and progress in sport. The module also explores the various ways this topic is researched. The underlying aim of the module is to contribute to the student’s development as a more thoughtful and effective sport scientist. It will equip them with a range of strategies and tools for investigating the psychological aspects of athletic development. The teaching team will use case studies similar to the approach in Sport and Exercise Psychology at level 5, to highlight the most common areas of sport and exercise topics and research related to athlete development. 

This module will develop the skills required to coach and evaluate training methods in Strength and Conditioning. Contemporary training practices will be taught and applied to the principles of coaching athletes. A key feature of this module is that the student is expected to take a critical view of the contemporary issues in strength and conditioning using underpinning knowledge developed at level 5. The breadth of topics will include training for strength and speed, to topics such as training for youth populations and player monitoring. Students will learn how to structure an individual’s training through periodisation, and how IT skills can improve communication to athletes and stakeholders. Assessment is based upon the ability to identify errors in weightlifting technique and propose recommendations to correct these. The content and assessment methods are aligned with the professional competencies outlined by the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA).