Sports Science with Foundation Year – (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?

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.

Additional course information
This extended four year option is available to meet the needs of people who wish to study for a Sports Science degree but do not have the appropriate educational background. During the first year or science foundation year you will have the opportunity to study modules in a range of key areas of biology, chemistry, mathematics and principles underlying scientific investigation as well as specialist areas that relate to your future study programme. Entry qualifications are necessarily very flexible, ranging from a single A Level, relevant experience or previous employment history.

The science foundation year will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to begin studying at degree level, but more than that, it will also introduce you to university life and help you to enjoy the experience of learning within this stimulating and exciting environment. Successful completion of modules earns either 15 or 30 credits towards the total of 120 credits required for progression onto the three year undergraduate degree programme.