SE140-4-FY-CO:
Understanding Sport Performance
2026/27
Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Full Year
Undergraduate: Level 4
Current
Thursday 08 October 2026
Friday 02 July 2027
30
13 August 2025
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
BSC C612 Sport Coaching,
BSC C613 Sport Coaching (Including Placement Year),
BSC C615 Sport Coaching (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C616 Sport Coaching (Including Foundation Year)
This module provides an overview of the key theories and principles underpinning sport performance across five core sub-disciplines: physiology, biomechanics, performance analysis, psychology, and nutrition. Students will explore how these disciplines enhance athletic performance, with a focus on foundational concepts and real-world applications. Through interactive learning, case studies, and practical examples, students will develop a holistic understanding of sport science and its application to sport coaching.
The aim of this module is:
- To provide students with a foundational understanding of the key sport science disciplines—physiology, biomechanics, performance analysis, psychology, and nutrition—and their roles in enhancing athletic performance.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Explain theoretical concepts in the disciplines of physiology, biomechanics, performance analysis, psychology, and nutrition.
- Analyse sport performance through the disciplines of physiology, biomechanics, performance analysis, psychology, and nutrition.
Syllabus information
- Physiology: anatomy; musculoskeletal system; nervous system; endocrine system; cardiovascular system; and respiratory system.
- Biomechanics: Linear Kinematics; Free-body Diagram; Work, Energy, Power; Angular Kinematics; Angular Kinetics; EMG.
- Performance Analysis: notational analysis; reliability; data visualisation
- Psychology: Motivation; Stress, arousal and anxiety; Self-efficacy and confidence; Performance profiling and goal-setting.
- Nutrition: Macronutrients, Micronutrients, Metabolism; Optimal nutrition for training and competition; Thermoregulation, fluid balance, hydration; Body composition, weight control, energy balance.
Inclusive Learning and Teaching Methods:
The module will employ a blended approach to ensure accessibility for all students, including online learners and those with disabilities:
- Diverse Formats: Lectures will be delivered live (with recordings provided) and supplemented with subtitled videos, visual aids (e.g., PowerPoint), and interactive quizzes to cater to varied learning preferences (e.g., auditory, visual).
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Materials will be accessible (e.g., screen-reader-friendly documents, alt-text for images) and shared via Moodle. Assessments will allow for personalisation (e.g., choice of topics for assignments).
- Structured Support: Clear, scaffolded instructions will be provided for all tasks, with the options of online or in-person consultation to address questions.
- Mental Health/Neurodiversity: Time-limited assessments (e.g., exams) will offer adjusted conditions (e.g., extra time, quiet rooms) where needed.
Proactive Measures:
- Early communication with SWIS to tailor accommodations (e.g., transcripts, assistive tech).
- Anonymous feedback channels to identify and address emerging accessibility issues.
This module will be delivered via:
- One 3-hour seminar per week
- Twelve practical classes
- Four IT-Lab sessions
- Five in-class tests
Students are expected to undertake the reading before classes and be prepared to engage in discussion.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Yes
No
No
No external examiner information available for this module.
Available via Moodle
No lecture recording information available for this module.
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