Sports Science – (B.Sc.)

Within the sports world everything is driven by results. No major team nowadays is complete without a sports scientist in their support staff. Sports Science is the study of scientific principles and techniques with the aim of improving athletic performance. The key disciplines that inform this process are physiology, psychology, biomechanics and nutrition.

This degree has two main aims:

* to provide you with a sound theoretical understanding of sports science
* to equip you with the experimental, analytical and communication skills of the sports scientist. The degree is presented by a mix of lectures, seminars, laboratory and field work; and computer-aided learning sessions.

In Year 1 you will study the core theoretical ideas and start to learn how to conduct experiments and analyse the data produced. In Year 2, the emphasis shifts to the understanding of the theory and practice of the methods used for the measurement and analysis of human performance. Then in Year 3, all your knowledge and skills are put into practice when you get to test and analyse the performance of working athletes. Finally, in the Year 3 research project, you will get to do your own piece of applied research. This can be conducted on any sports science issue that has fired your imagination.

There are many reasons to study sports science. You might excel at one sport, or have a keen interest in sport in general. Perhaps you enjoy science and are looking for a more applied course that will lead to an interesting career?

Additional course information
This exciting and challenging course will take you on a journey through the field of sports science developing both your theoretical and applied practical skills. Therefore you will be given the opportunity to learn and apply skills related to athlete testing and support such as: VO2max, lactate thresholds, performance economy, body composition, haematology, strength and power, video analysis and motion capture, ground impact forces, muscle recruitment patterns, nutritional screening, dietary analysis, dietary compositions, anxiety and performance, motivation, goal setting, imagery, strength and conditioning, and training principles. Key scientific principles relating to sports science will also be addressed such as: environmental physiology, fatigue processes, physiological and biomechanical adaptations to training, the role of technology, communication skills, and data analysis and handling. All of these will be studied in the context of athlete support both for elite and non-elite individuals and teams.