Sports Science with Foundation Year

This module will provide a firm grounding in both testing and prescription principles applied in sport and exercise science contexts. You will develop a holistic view of the different aspects that contribute to performance in sport and exercise, and transfer to general health and wellbeing, and determine how best to test for changes in fitness level via the application of appropriate testing and methodologies. Fitness testing and exercise prescription forms the basis of study in the areas of sports science, exercise, nutrition and health. The assessment for this module will be a written examination. 

This module has been designed to promote a positive and supportive transition from further to higher education, focusing initially on the importance of wellbeing to successful study.  The module will provide a firm grounding in the key skills required to be able to read, write and present in the academic world.  You will embed your learning through a series of large and small group activities using a problem-based approach.  Small group work will allow for regular, tailored feedback specific to small group tasks and group dynamics with a focus on your future chosen vocation. Following the completion of the module, you should feel very prepared for your journey at level 4 and beyond.

This module will provide a firm grounding in the key applied sciences needed to study for a degree in a range of professions. You will be provided with a focused review of key biological, biomechanical and anatomical principles, allied to key applications in the vocational setting. A grounding in these applied sciences will ensure you are able to cope with the transition to level 4 studies. The assessment for this module will be a two-hour multiple choice exam.

Introduction to Exploring Evidence will build on the knowledge and understanding acquired in trimester one and will prepare you for your Level 4 studies and beyond. You will consider what is meant by scientific evidence, exploring the many different types and effective methods of searching for evidence. You will be introduced to the concept of appraising evidence and handling data.

Through small group work, tutorials and peer feedback you will apply your learning to a clinical or practical scenario that you observe in your chosen discipline.

This module will introduce you to the concepts that underpin physical and mental health.  It will ask the questions of ‘What is mental health?’ and ‘What is physical health?’.  By looking at different models of mental health and how the body functions physically the  module will focus on examining the relationship between maintaining good mental and physical health, the impact of this on health and wellbeing and how to promote this in your own life and when working with others.  Mental and physical health are closely linked and by studying both areas together you will learn to appreciate the relationship between the two.  This is a 40 credit module which runs across two trimesters and assessments for the module will build on each other, creating a theme throughout the year.

Physiology is the science of life. During the Human Systems Physiology module, you will explore the function of each major organ system. You will discover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlay this function, and how organ systems are integrated and regulated to maintain homeostasis, while allowing the human body to adapt to changing metabolic and environmental demands. Laboratory classes use cutting-edge equipment that allow you to see “physiology in action” and develop competence in the techniques used by physiologists to advance the field.  

This module aims to present foundation knowledge which is fundamental to the study of energy metabolism and nutrition for human performance.

This module aims to provide you with the necessary understanding of human anatomical structure and function, with a specific focus on movement and exercise analysis. You will learn the principles underpinning the development of cardiovascular fitness, strength, power, speed and flexibility, and apply these to performance in specific sports. You will be encouraged to use a practical approach to this learning and apply your knowledge to movements related to common sporting activities.

This module introduces you to the field of sports science and the competencies required as a Sport Scientist. You will be introduced to the concepts of research in sports science through hands-on practical experience. This module will also develop your academic, personal and professional skills to facilitate a successful progression through university and into employment in sports science.

This module introduces you to psychological factors that are important for athletic and team functioning in sport. You will explore key theories and research across a range of psychological topics relevant to athletes and teams. You will examine relationships between psychological factors and how psychological factors influence sports performance.

This module will introduce you to the fundamental principles of mechanics and biomechanics. You will learn how to collect and analyse, and interpret basic biomechanical data in relation sports performance.

To examine the theoretical and practical aspects of the physiological response to exercise. Students will be able to differentiate between the acute response and chronic adaptations to exercise, explain the cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, metabolic, and neuroendocrine response to exercise, examine the variations in fitness of different individuals and identify factors that limit performance

This module provides you with an applied understanding of the theoretical principles of training to enhance athletic performance.

Introduces you to research design and analysis to allow you to critically appraise evidence and to plan your own research.

This module aims to develop a good theoretical and practical understanding of sports nutrition. The module presents the general principles, concepts and underpinning theory in sports nutrition necessary for the development of nutritional strategies for those engaged in recreational through to elite sport.

This module develops the theoretical background of biomechanics and performance analysis, and helps you to apply these concepts and analyse sports performance using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

In this module students will examine health, lifestyle and exercise-related behavioural conditions (such as obesity, addictive behaviour, sedentary behaviour, eating disorders) and their relation to widely used behaviour change models, and the biopsychosocial perspective. Students are encouraged to think of those issues most relevant to sports and exercise populations, as well as the general public. 

Allows you to conduct an in-depth, evidence-based study on a topic of your choice (quantitative, qualitative or review) and analyse, synthesise and evaluate the outcomes of the study.

This module provides you with a vocational opportunity aimed at developing personal transferable skills and work specific skills, thus enhancing future employability. By gaining experience of sport and exercise science in a real world setting you will be challenged to link theory with practice. The module will also provide you with the opportunity to reflect upon evidence-based practice within a vocational setting.

This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and expertise to actively practice the discipline of Performance Analysis within an elite setting. You will utilise industry standard equipment to assess, monitor, review and improve performance in athletes/teams. You will use multiple methods to increase performance productivity in your clients.

This module will provide you with an extended understanding of the principles governing the training of elite athletes focusing on the application of the latest research to a real-world environment.

This module will provide you with a critical understanding of physiological and environmental factors that influence exercise performance for a diverse range of athletes and people engaged in physical activity, including special populations. You will also learn to present and demonstrate the principles of test construction and methods of assessing physical performance and develop the ability to interpret data pertaining to physical performance.

Explores advanced psychological topics that are considered as current or emerging themes within port. This module focuses on critical thinking in relation to psychological themes, theories, research, and interventions. You will critically appraise the current state of sport psychology to suggest applied and theoretical implications and avenues for future research that would advance the discipline of sport psychology.

This module will provide you with a critical understanding of physiological and environmental factors that influence exercise performance for a diverse range of athletes and people engaged in physical activity, including special populations. You will also learn to present and demonstrate the principles of test construction and methods of assessing physical performance and develop the ability to interpret data pertaining to physical performance.

This module will evaluate the use of nutritional strategies to maximise adaptation to training as well as before, during and after sport and exercise events. You will then examine the importance of individualising nutritional strategies for specific clients/athletes, and practice the skills necessary to translate sports nutrition principles into practical professional advice in a range of sporting settings.

Looks at how athletes modify technique and movement skills for performance and injury prevention and how this can be assessed using video-based technology.