Programme aims
1. An understanding of, and an ability to use, the body of knowledge (physiological, nutritional, psychological and biomechanical) that provides the foundation of Sport and Exercise Science.
2. An understanding of, and an ability to apply, the methods and approaches of Sport and Exercise Science
3. Competency in the key laboratory and field skills required for careers in SES.
4. A critical awareness of the need for both a multi-disciplinary and an interdisciplinary scientific approach to the study and practice of SES.
5. An ability to acquire and integrate advanced knowledge and analytical skills from a variety of disciplines and apply it to an in-depth and critical understanding of current issues in SES.
6. An ability to appraise and evaluate the effects of sport and exercise interventions on a variety of participant groups.
7. A range of transferable skills such as communication, numeracy, IT use, problem solving, self-evaluation and self-improvement, and autonomous learning, in the context of SES.
8. An ability to plan and conduct a research programme in the development and/or application of SES.
9. An awareness of the ethical, health and safety issues that underpin best practice.
10. An advanced knowledge of the professional skills appropriate for a career in SES.
11. An appreciation of the need for, and importance of, lifelong learning and personal development planning.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A101: The structure and function of the human body from the molecular to the whole body level.
A102: The principles of biomechanics and their application to sport and exercise
A103: Selected psychological theories and how they are applied to an understanding of sports and exercise performance and of the effect of sport and exercise on the psyche.
A104: The principles of nutrition and the effects of dietary manipulation, ergogenic aids and drugs on physiology and performance.
A105: The interaction between sport and exercise and the human body (across the life cycle and in special populations).
A106: The scientific underpinning of the principles and practice of training.
A107: Advanced understanding of appropriate practical and scientific methods and approaches, including observation and experimentation, and techniques used in their analysis.
A108: A critical approach to contemporary issues in sports and exercise science
Learning methods
A range of teaching and learning methods will be employed to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding. Lectures, seminars and tutorials are a key method of delivery of A1-A8. These sessions will comprise a blend of lecturer-led delivery, student-led presentations, and discussions of research articles and case-studies. To reflect the applied nature of the discipline, practicals and laboratory sessions will provide students with a knowledge and understanding across A1-A8. Across all modules, a range of online resources will be provided via the virtual learning environment and students will be supported to undertake independent study tasks and engage in peer learning to develop A1-A7, and particularly A8. Independent and group research projects will develop A7-A8, and a range of A1-A6 depending on project topics.
Assessment methods
A range of methods will be utilised to assess students’ knowledge and understanding:
Multiple Choice Questions (A1-A7)
Unseen written exams (A1-A6)
Essays (A1-A8)
Exercises in data analysis and interpretation (A7)
Oral presentations (A1-A8 - depending on the topics chosen).
Vodcasts (A3, A4, A6, A7)
Evaluation and client reports (A3- A5)
Practical assessments (A7)
Research proposals (A1-A4, A7)
Literature reviews (A1-A6, A8)
Written practical reports and research projects (A1-A6, and particularly A7-A8)
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B101: Systematically retrieve, select and integrate appropriate information
B102: Synthesise and critically evaluate evidence and arguments from both primary and secondary sources
B103: Systematically analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate analytical techniques
B104: Integrate and link appropriate information across course components, including material met in different disciplines
B105: Plan and conduct a substantial research project and present it in a coherent manner
Learning methods
A range of teaching and learning methods will be employed to enhance students’ intellectual and cognitive skills. Lectures, seminars and tutorials are important methods of delivery of B1-B5. Computer laboratories and practicals will develop B1, B3 and B4. Online resources, independent study tasks, and independent and group research projects will develop B1-B5.
Assessment methods
A range of methods will be utilised to assess students’ intellectual and cognitive skills.
Unseen written exams (B1-B4)
Essays (B1-B4)
Exercises in data analysis and interpretation (B3)
Oral presentations (B1-B2, B4).
Vodcasts (B1-B2, B4)
Evaluation and client reports (B1-B4)
Literature reviews (B1-B2, B4)
Research proposals (B1, B5)
Written practical reports and research projects (B1-B4,and particularly B5)
C: Practical skills
C101: Able to design and perform advanced investigations, bearing in mind technical, logistical, safety and ethical limitations.
C102: Competent in the safe and effective use of appropriate lab based equipment
C103: Able to explain the principles and limitations of a range of more advanced practical techniques
C104: Competent in the key laboratory and field skills
C105: Able to use appropriate software for data collection, presentation, analysis, etc.
Learning methods
A range of teaching and learning methods will be employed to enhance students’ practical and professional skills. Lectures, seminars and tutorials, along with online resources and independent study task, will help develop fundamental principles relating to C1-C5. Laboratories and practicals will develop C1-C4, and computer laboratories will develop C5. Independent and group research projects will develop C1-C5. C1-C2 will be addressed through practical documentation and developed by students preparing risk assessments for research projects.
Assessment methods
A range of methods will be utilised to assess students’ practical and professional skills:
Multiple Choice Questions (C5)
Unseen written exams (C3-C5)
Exercises in data analysis and interpretation (C5)
Oral presentations (C3, C5).
Vodcasts (C2-C4)
Evaluation and client reports (C1, C3, C5)
Practical assessments (C1-C4)
Research proposals (C1)
Written practical reports and research projects (C1-C5)
D: Key skills
D101: Able to (i) write clear concise, structured reports which may include graphical material. (ii) Deliver clear, structured, well timed oral presentations.
D102: Competent in unsupervised use of current networked PC operating systems for normal file management. Proficient in current common word-processing, spreadsheet, web browsing and email packages. Able to locate and use appropriate on-line catalogues and databases.
D103: Apply appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to collect and analyse data.
D104: Able to explore, analyse and find effective solutions for problems involving reasonably complex information.
D105: Work effectively as part of a team to collect data and/or to produce reports and presentations
D106: Study independently, set realistic targets, plan work and time to meet targets within deadlines. Reflect on assessed work, feedback, and progress; Plan, record and document personal development
Learning methods
A range of teaching and learning methods will be employed to enhance students’ key skills. Lectures and seminars will help develop fundamental principles relating to D1-D6. Tutorials will allow individually-tailored discussions on, and support and advice for, D1-D6. Laboratories and practicals will develop D2-D5, and computer laboratories will develop D3-D5. Independent and group research projects will develop D1-D6.
To ensure accessibility and inclusivity, a number of actions will be implemented. All sessions will be delivered in accessible buildings, and all individuals will be treated with dignity and respect. Where possible, teaching materials will be posted on Moodle in advance of all sessions and in modifiable formats for students to adapt and print. Lectures and seminars will be recorded for students to watch again at their own pace. Other reasonable adjustments will be made where required
Assessment methods
A range of methods will be utilised to assess students’ key skills:
Multiple Choice Questions (D6)
Unseen written exams (D1-D4, D6)
Essays (D1-D2, D4, D6)
Exercises in data analysis and interpretation (D2-D4)
Oral presentations (D1-D2, D5-D6).
Vodcasts (D1-D2, D4-D6)
Evaluation and client reports (D1-D6)
Practical assessments (D1, D4-D6)
Literature reviews (D1-D4, D6)
Research proposals (D1-D2, D4-D6)
Written practical reports and research projects (D1-D6)
To ensure accessibility and inclusivity, a number of actions will be implemented. All assessments will be delivered in accessible buildings, and all individuals will be treated with dignity and respect. Extra time will be allocated to unseen exams as required. Assessments will be marked in accordance with requirements based on Specific Learning Difficulties, and other reasonable adjustments will be made where required.