Studying Sport In Higher Education

This is a subject specific unit that builds on the knowledge and understanding that students gained in semester one of their foundation year. The unit is focused on developing students’ skills and applied knowledge relevant to their future degree study of sport. During this unit students will gain knowledge and understanding of sport in a higher education environment through exploring a range of topics and activities reflecting the variety of sport degrees within the University. The students will produce assessment work that demonstrates the development of sport specific knowledge and academic skills that are applicable in a higher education environment. This unit aims to extend students’ confidence to explore new research topics and themes relating to studying sport in higher education.

Individuals In Society (Sport)

This unit has been designed to enable you to develop your understanding of some of the core intellectual themes and issues that you will encounter as part of your degree study within the Faculty of Education and Sport.

Within the unit you will be studying aspects of current Government policy and consider how it is influencing sport, health and wellbeing. To support this you will be introduced to aspects of sociological and psychological thinking. You will use this knowledge of the underpinning theories and concepts that relate to: you as an individual; the society in which you live; the subject area that you will be focussing on during your degree.

The unit content serves the combined purposes of developing knowledge and understanding that will form the foundation for your degree studies; developing the ability to apply theory to real world examples while becoming familiar with some of the issues, skills and techniques that you will meet in your degree studies.

Studying For He (Sport)

In this unit you will be introduced to what academic study in Higher Education involves both generally and related to studying specific subjects. You will be given opportunities to develop the skills, attitudes, confidence and strategies to help you succeed in the course meeting the entry requirements for university study. 

You will be supported in identifying where you have scope to develop skills and abilities using planning for your on-going personal development, through exploring what works best for you. Tutors will guide you towards the options best suited for the subject area you are hoping to study in your degree.

As you go through the year you will notice that you will be able to link the learning that you do in this unit with other parts of the course and apply the learning to the assessments you will be doing.

Examining Research (Sport)

This unit applies subject knowledge and critical thinking that you have developed during the course. It will give you the opportunity to think about what research is and how different people in your subject area develop the research process. You will examine some research that has been done in relation to a subject that you will be studying on your degree. This is your chance to analyse what the researchers have done and assess its strengths and weaknesses

You will learn about the process of developing a small scale research project from the point of view of students and staff who have experience of doing it. You will get the opportunity to think about the advantages and disadvantages of some of the most commonly used research tools by looking at how others have used them.

 As this is an introduction before you get the opportunity to study research design and methods in more depth, the aim is to give you the opportunity to look at a variety of examples to develop an informed understanding of different approaches.

The project that you produce will demonstrate the development and application of your subject knowledge through using the academic skills that you have gained in the other units of the course. This will give you the confidence to know that you will be able to develop your skills and in future participate in work of this kind on your degree studies.

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. 

Social Psychology Of Sport

This unit builds upon the foundations developed in the Level 4 Sport Psychology unit. The unit employs social-psychological theories, principles and concepts to understand behaviour in a variety of sport and physical activity contexts. Throughout the unit, the link between theory and practice is emphasised. The implications of the material for coaching, teaching, programme development and your own sport participation will be explored.

 The unit aims to enhance your knowledge and understanding based on relevant research in the following areas...

the social psychological factors influencing participation and performance in sport

group dynamics models and principles and their application to a variety of sport and activity contexts

the role of sport and physical activity in the psycho-social development of participants

the development and application of  strategies to promote positive experiences for participants

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.

Exercise Physiology Measurement And Assessment

This unit aims to develop laboratory practical skills in the current areas of exercise physiology. Using information about current affairs in sport and exercise and development of test design in scientific journals the most current methods will be used and discussed by the students.  Students will have opportunity to gain experience with the UoB Human Performance Centre, testing external athletes and reporting results.

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

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.

Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour And Health

What role does physical activity and sedentary behaviour have in the prevention and treatment of disease? This unit aims to provide you with a critical understanding of the effects physical activity and sedentary behaviour have on physical health. In the context of current scientific literature, the following is covered:

·         prevention and management of disease,

·         mechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of physical activity and reductions in sedentary behaviour on health

·         current and future research issues relevant to the study of the health and physical activity/sedentary behaviour relationship and critical analysis of published research

·         awareness of current government recommendations for health-related physical activity and sedentary behaviour

·         laboratory techniques relevant to the assessment of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and health.

Alongside the academic skills this unit will provide you with a wide range of transferable skills.  These include report writing, working collectively with others and delivering presentations with a core focus on enhancing your communication skills.

Psychology Of Physical Activity

This unit builds upon the foundations established in year 1 and 2 psychology units. This unit explores physical activity and exercise behaviour from a psychosocial perspective (i.e. looking at both the individual and inter-personal influences). The unit examines issues related to physical activity participation and the problem of inactivity. Positive and negative behaviours associated with exercise participation and how theses might vary within certain populations (e.g. children, older adults, or clinically obese) are considered. In addition, the relationship between physical activity participation and psychological well-being will be examined. The link between research and practice will be emphasised throughout the unit with key models, concepts and principles employed to inform the development of physical activity intervention strategies.

The unit aims to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the…

contribution of physical activity to the development and maintenance of psychological well-being

important psychological processes that underpin participation and motivation in physical activity

application of psychological principles and models to the development of informed strategies for promoting and maintaining physical activity in a variety of contexts

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. 

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.