English Language Foundation

This unit focuses on your ability to understand and use the English language accurately when you read, speak, listen and write. We will concentrate on the English you need for undergraduate level study in your chosen subject area, covering grammar, subject area vocabulary and the four language skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.

A key element of the unit is the grammar of the language, and particularly the verb tense system in English, because your ability to use the verb tense system accurately will be extremely important when you come to write essays and reports. This unit will focus in particular on the grammar of the language.

We will also focus on reading, listening and speaking skills in the context of your chosen subject area. Beginning with short texts, we will practise each skill and practise it again, so that gradually you will see, hear and feel that your command of the language is improving. 

A recurring focus of the unit will be your acquisition of 'learner autonomy'. This means your ability to acquire the language yourself, without needing a teacher's help. This is important because from next year you will not have an English teacher to help you. So we will consider and practise strategies to help you gain confidence in your own ability to increase your knowledge of and ability to use the language, including for instance guessing meaning of difficult words, deciding which words are important in a text, recognising differences between formal and informal language, and other strategies, so that as the first semester continues, you begin to feel more confident in your use and experience with the English Language.

Academic Skills Foundation

When you begin your undergraduate level studies, you will be expected to have knowledge of and ability to use a large range of 'study skills'. You will also be expected to have some knowledge of the subject area you will  be studying. This unit deals with both of these aspects of your preparation for undergraduate level study. 

All of the academic skills are practised in English, so you will use your developing acquisition of the language from the partner unit 'English Language Foundation' to practise and gain mastery of these skills. You will also use your language and study skills as you learn the foundation of your subject area, putting the skills into practice as you learn.

Developing English Language Skills

This unit builds on the progress you made during its partner semester 1 unit 'English Language Foundation' and increasing your level from that which you had achieved by the end of semester 1. 

We will recycle the tense system in English and other elements of the grammar system, but you will  now learn how to use other aspects of the grammar, including the passive voice, as well as linking words and phrases and devices which enable you to write longer sentences but retain grammatical accuracy. 

You will notice that we gradually introduce more specialist language that you need in preparation for your degree and we will expect you to use and develop the skills that you gained in the previous units so that you are able to work more independently.

Academic Skills Development

This unit builds on the skills learnt and practised in its partner semester 1 unit 'Foundation Academic Skills'. We will add more skills to the list, including summarizing and synthesising, argumentation, critical thinking and referencing and citation skills, as well as several others and practise and test them in the same way as with the semester 1 unit.

We will also investigate the research skill and you will learn how to prepare a research proposal and conduct a literature review, and how to plan a research project, learning about the research tools available and how they can be used to conduct research in your chosen field. 

You will continue to broaden your knowledge of key current issues and theory in your chosen subject area, and apply the critical thinking and argumentation skills you acquire in this unit to argue for and against propositions you have studied in the form of in both essays and presentations and in seminar situations, ensuring that you are ready to step up to your chosen undergraduate course with a base level of subject area knowledge from which to continue your academic development as you progress to level 4 study.

Introduction To Sport And Exercise Psychology

This unit introduces a range of major themes from sport & exercise psychology that have had a significant impact on the development of the growing body of knowledge which informs this domain. There is opportunity to consider a diverse range of research informed approaches that contribute to this multi-faceted discipline and explore its position in sport science and applied practice.

A significant amount of study time is devoted to exploring and clarifying how different theories and principles guide both understanding and practice in sport contexts. The unit recognises that sport and exercise psychology contributes to performance enhancement and athlete well-being, influencing many areas of practice. There will be opportunity to consider your own development as a practitioner by reflecting on a range of key psychological issues. This unit provides the foundation for future study of this area.

Principles Of Nutrition

This unit examines the scientific basis of nutrition for human biological systems and develops understanding of nutritional requirements.

The unit aims to develop your understanding of what nutrients are and the nature and metabolic demand for these nutrients, how the human body converts macronutrients to useful forms of energy, and metabolism and energy balance within the human body. It is underpinned by published research on nutrition and metabolism

Anatomy And Biomechanics

This unit aims to:

• Develop knowledge of the principles of human movement and the role of human anatomy in sport and exercise science
• Develop knowledge of the fundamental principles of sport and exercise biomechanics, underpinned by research in the discipline. 
• Introduce the application of sports biomechanics to sports science practice, coaching, strength and conditioning, personal training and research.

Biomechanics For Sport And Exercise Science

This unit aims to:

• Develop knowledge of the principles of human movement and biomechanics
• Introduce the application of sports biomechanics to sports science practice and research
• Develop understanding of how principles of human movement, anatomy and biomechanics are integrated to allow musculoskeletal analyses of movements

Introduction To Research Methods

This unit introduces you to quantitative and qualitative research, consequently serving as a foundation stone for either the BA or BSc research methods units at Level 5. The knowledge and skills gained are essential for successful degree study. The research concepts and skills in this unit apply to each of the disciplines encountered on the Sport and Physical Education degree programme.

It introduces the concept of research methodologies and overviews basic quantitative and qualitative paradigms, research designs, data collection methods, sampling, analysis and validity/trustworthiness. You will also consider the overlaps between these approaches. Overall, the unit aims to:

Provide an introduction to the concept of methodological approaches to research and basic qualitative methods

Provide an overview of basic quantitative research methods

Introduce students to designing and undertaking research projects that apply to contemporary issues in sport and physical education disciplines

Fundamentals Of Strength And Conditioning

To introduce the theoretical and practical understanding of the fundamental principles supporting strength and conditioning in relation to optimising sports performance.

This unit is supported by strength and conditioning research published in a range of peer reviewed journals by staff in the ISPAR research institute.  The units content is also supported by core competencies and published information provided by the UK Strength & Conditioning Association which has been written by ISPAR staff. 

Developing The Coaching Environment And Practice

This unit seeks to

a) introduce you to the theory and application of how to develop a positive learning environment that enables the performer to develop fundamental physical and technical skills,
b) help you to develop your practical coaching skills in relation to the design and delivery of practice to meet the needs of their performers.

Human Physiology

This unit aims to answer the questions:

Physiologically how do the fundamental systems of the human body respond at rest?

How does the human body adapt to exercise?

The unit serves as an introduction to the structure of the physiological systems and major organs of the body and rest and in relation to physical activity. Students will research the topics of interest through relevant and recent literature introduced in lectures and seminars to form the basis of written assignments. 

Motor Performance And Learning

This unit is focused on understanding an important aspect of human behaviour in sport and physical activity - motor performance and learning. It explores the area of motor performance and the looks at how sports skills are executed using theories of movement control. Also, it considers the factors that influence performance such as maturity and stress. Of significant value to a wide variety of sports practitioners is an understanding of learning processes. A number of learning theories are explored and the area of motor learning is applied to practical sports and physical activity instruction settings. As the unit considers aspects of human behaviour then some of the content and study time is focused on reflection and analysis of your individual behaviour as a performer, coach, teacher or sport practitioner. The unit is informed by recent research in the areas of skill performance and learning including applied research from teaching, coaching and rehabilitation settings.

Biomechanics

This unit aims to:

Develop knowledge and understanding based on relevant research into the biomechanical principles underpinning sports performance and injury prevention.

Develop the skills required to undertake biomechanical measurement and assessment techniques in sports science practice, personal training, strength and conditioning, coaching and research settings.

Professional Development And Employability

Building upon the skills identified and developed at Level 4 this unit will develop your PDP and tailor your development to seeking employment in Physical Education, Physical Activity and Health or Sport. The focus on grant funding knowledge reflects the high level of reliance within the industry of applying to agencies to enable a range of youth sport initiatives to increase participation. You will align your development of youth sport activities with current policy objectives and target groups.

The unit aims to provide you with:

The knowledge to identify and apply for grant funding

Project development aligned to policy and strategy: 'Sporting Future: Towards an Active Nation' (HM Government, 2015), Towards an Active Nation 2021 (Sport England, 2016).

Understand ‘partnership working’ and identify potential partners with whom to engage for your project at Level 6

Acquire the skills required relevant to the job application and interview process

Understanding the multilingual approach in youth sport

Applied Strength & Conditioning

The aim of this unit is to develop your knowledge of the scientific rationale required to coach effective strength and conditioning programmes. This is accompanied by work on practical application to high-volume low intensity exercise testing and coaching.

This unit is supported by strength and conditioning research published in a range of peer reviewed journals by staff in the ISPAR research institute. The units content is also supported by core competencies and published information provided by the UK Strength & Conditioning Association which has been written by ISPAR staff.

Advanced Applied Exercise Practice

This unit aims to build on the practical and procedural elements of work within the health and fitness industry introduced at level 4. This unit maps across to Chartered Institute of Sport Management and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) Level 3 Personal Training Professional Standards. 

The unit will take into account and discuss the latest research and trends in the fitness industry.

Dissertation Preparation

The unit is fundamental to help develop the skills necessary for reading and understanding research and you will specifically design and complete a comprehensive dissertation proposal with accompanying ethical documentation. Key research areas will be discussed and students will be encouraged to read a range of peer reviewed research articles in the area they are writing a proposal in. 

Physiology Of Exercise And Adaptation

This unit seeks to use both current and relevant research within all lectures and laboratory based practical sessions. This unit has been designed to answer the following questions:

• What are the current factors that influence sport and exercise performance
• How does the human body respond and adapt to different types of exercise?
• What are the current training methods associated with improved exercise performance and what happens when training leads to a decrease in performance?

Research Methods For Sport, Exercise And Physical Activity

This unit will expand upon the knowledge of the basic qualitative and quantitative methods and analysis covered during the Introduction to Research Methods unit at level 4. During this unit you will examine and conduct research using a range of methods of data collection and analysis within the field of sport, exercise and physical activity. The unit is fundamental to help continue develop the skills necessary for reading and understanding research.

Applied Sport And Exercise Psychology

The unit explores how sport and exercise psychology can be utilised to enhance performance in a range of physical activity contexts. Drawing upon psychological skill training (PST) and other interventions, the unit will provide a comprehensive insight into how practitioners can use a variety of techniques in their work with athletes. The unit will combine the growing body of research informed knowledge from empirical evidence with established and novel applied techniques.

Sports Injuries

The unit will address the following:

· The epidemiology and aetiology of injuries sustained in sport, exercise and physical activity, including the extrinsic and intrinsic risk factors associated with them.

· The principles of rehabilitation and exercise therapy in the early, intermediate, late and pre-discharge stages of recovery from injuries sustained in a sports and exercise environment.

Commonly used procedures in orthopaedic surgery for the treatment of sports injuries and the effects of inactivity and immobilisation on the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, nervous and respiratory systems.

The unit draws on a range of sports injury research include the work of the unit co-ordinator and members of the University's Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research (ISPAR)

Applied Biomechanics

This unit aims to:

• Develop knowledge and understanding of how research informed assessment of biomechanics underpins sports performance and injury prevention strategies.
• Develop the skills required to undertake biomechanical analyses of performers and make recommendations based on these analyses and previous research. 
• Demonstrate to students the role of a biomechanist as a consultant dealing with performers.

Applied Exercise Physiology

During both lectures and seminars you will seek to utilise current and relevant research to answer the following questions:

1. What are the current measures of exercise performance and what affects these measures?
2. How can we assure reliability and validity of measurements when in the applied setting?
3. What are the current issues associated with applied physiology?

Dissertation For Sport Science And Physical Activity

This unit is a structured independent study which involves selecting a topic that is approved by an appropriate staff member of the School of Sport Science and Physical Activity who will subsequently become your supervisor. You will conduct an in-depth scientific study of that topic. The topic chosen should be one that is of interest to you and is also deemed to be an important topic within the field of Sport Science and Physical Activity. You will be expected to engage in considerable independent scholarly activity, building upon the initial topic and reading material discussed with your supervisor. The topic chosen should relate to some aspect of the content and issues within an appropriate discipline, and should examine a limited area in depth rather than attempt any wide-ranging generalised investigation. You will be required to meet your supervisor on a regular basis to discuss your progress. You will be required to complete ethical documentation before you start your data collection. This will be reviewed by the Undergraduate School Ethics Committee via specific meetings throughout the unit. 

Work Placement Project

This unit aims to enhance student awareness of the vocational opportunities available in their chosen subject discipline and the associated desirable skills alongside opportunity for project development in a specific topic related to the work experience. Students will develop reflective practice, critical evaluation and work-based competencies as well as undertaking a project requiring data analysis. In order to achieve this, students are expected to find and maintain a suitable work placement for a minimum of 60 hours. The placement project topic chosen should relate to some aspect of the content and issues within an appropriate discipline, and should examine a limited area in depth rather than attempt any wide-ranging generalised investigation. You will be required to meet your supervisor on a regular basis to discuss your progress. You will be required to complete ethical documentation before you start your data collection. This will be reviewed by the Undergraduate School Ethics Committee via specific meetings throughout the unit. 

Advanced Strength And Conditioning

This unit builds upon the four units that you have completed at levels 4 and 5 in strength and conditioning fundamentals, principles and application.
The main aim of this unit is to provide the necessary advanced skills to be an effective strength and conditioning coach, including the necessary underpinning UKSCA competencies.

This unit is supported by strength and conditioning research published in a range of peer reviewed journals by staff in the ISPAR research institute. The units content is also supported by core competencies and published information provided by the UK Strength & Conditioning Association which has been written by ISPAR staff.

Exercise & Fitness Testing For Clinical Populations

This unit is mapped to the Professional Standards and endorsed by the Charted Institute of Management of Sport & Physical Activity (CIMSPA) Long Term Conditions qualification.  The unit aims to give students the knowledge and skills to work safely prescribing exercise to clients who present with low risk diseases. It therefore builds on the knowledge  that you have gained from the level 4 and 5 units using teaching informed research done within the School and further afield.  

Professional Practice Year (Sport Science And Physical Activity)

This unit aims to provide appropriate work experience based learning and experience in the responsibilities of the work place. This unit will allow students to develop their professional and transferable skills in the work place and will assess individuals reflection based on key models of reflective literature and examination of professional behaviours.