BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science with Foundation Year

The purpose of this module is to provide the necessary foundational knowledge in the three main sport and exercise science disciplines; physiology, psychology and biomechanics as well as introductory topics in functional anatomy. You will initially study functional anatomy and use anatomical terminology as you describe human movement. The basic theory of biomechanics will be covered to include the kinematic and kinetic analysis of human movement. The physiological response to exercise will be considered with a focus on cardiorespiratory function and fuel for exercise. Additionally you will explore some of the key theory surrounding sport and exercise psychology and apply them to motivational theory and behaviour change.

You will identify your current knowledge, experience and interests in a selected area of study and create an action plan to support your progression into Higher Education. You will describe how your previous experiences have provided a platform for you to study sport at university. This will provide a basis to create and develop an action plan for your first year of study. In doing so, you will develop your ability to retrieve information and improve your communication skills.

Students will examine how physiology, biomechanics and psychology are applied within human performance and health contexts to understand and assist participation and performance in a range of sport and exercise settings. This will occur within in a controlled laboratory and an applied field setting, enabling students to understand sport and exercise science support and develop the technical skills to help develop appropriate interventions for both Sport and Exercise populations.

This module aims to raise students' awareness of the prevalence of physical activity, physical inactivity, and sedentary behaviour and the strengths and limitations of the measurement tools used to obtain these data. Students will investigate current recommendations for physical activity and sedentary behaviour and explore the evidence supporting their formulation and efficacy. Students will examine the role of physical activity in the promotion of health and the prevention and management of chronic diseases and conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, sarcopenia, and frailty. In this module, we will describe and apply various behaviour change models (e.g., self-determination, social cognitive theory, theory of planned behaviour and the health belief model) aimed at improving physical activity adherence and reducing sedentary behaviour. In addition, students will learn how to apply exercise training principles to develop an exercise prescription for people at risk of or diagnosed with a specific chronic disease.

The module provides you with awareness of professional standards to gain qualifications within the sport and physical activity industry. As a student on this module you will evaluate your current skills and knowledge to competently plan and deliver appropriate exercise to individuals. In addition you will evaluate your future personal development goals within the sport and physical activity industry to enhance your employability. This will be achieved with the use of both formative and summative assessment opportunities. Moreover, you will also work towards the Wolverhampton Enterprise and Employability Award.

The module aims to prepare you to work within the exercise, physical activity and health environments. As a student you will investigate the role of exercise in managing health and medical conditions to explore exercise related factors which may inhibit or assist clients. This will include theoretical and practical aspects of working with a client from initial screening to implementation and subsequent monitoring and evaluation of client needs. During this module you will also have the opportunity to work towards the Wolverhampton Enterprise and Employability Award.

This module requires you to undertake a work-based placement related to your career aspirations. You will develop your identity as a professional in your field, including a set of values, skills, and attributes required for graduate employment. You will build on your understanding and self-awareness developed at Level 4 to negotiate a set of developmental goals that will enhance your employability. Both during and following your placement, you will reflect on your learning and heightened self-awareness of areas for further development. You will develop your capacity to articulate your readiness for employment to others.

In this module students will develop knowledge and understanding of the major physiological and biochemical principles relevant to sport and exercise (i.e. cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromuscular, metabolic, endocrine, and thermoregulatory responses and adaptations to exercise). Students will explore the physiological and metabolic responses to exercise in environmental extremes, such as in hot and cold conditions, in addition to the challenges of exercising at altitude. Students will also transfer academic knowledge into practical application within the laboratory. Students will observe and conduct a range of physiological and metabolic assessments, including ventilatory gas responses during exercise, maximal oxygen uptake, blood lactate concentrations during graded exercise, and cardiovascular responses to different modalities of exercise. The coupling of theory with practice is a key concept for this module, enabling the student to not only engage with academic literature, but also start to develop key laboratory and personal and interpersonal skills that are essential for a career in exercise physiology and a wide range of sport and exercise related industries.

This module will enable you to develop your understanding of psychological constructs and data from 'clients' to help make sense of sport, exercise and physical activity participation and experiences. Within the module you will learn to use theory, literature and data from 'clients'' experiences to propose psychological interventions. Practical opportunities will be provided to reinforce module content, allowing you to critically evaluate and apply psychological concepts, skills and interventions. A key feature of this module is demonstrating and reflecting on your ability to communicate psychological factors that effect sport and physical activity experience with 'clients' (such as sport performers, exercisers and the general public).

This module aims to develop your understanding of biomechanics when applied to sport and physical activity. You will focus on the application of quantitative biomechanical analysis to a range of sport skills and physical activities through laboratory practical sessions, lectures and workshops. Your understanding of sport and physical activity from a biomechanical perspective will be developed through integration of biomechanical theory, and evidence from practice, academic literature and the data you collect in laboratory sessions.

The module examines a range of issues in the science of sport and exercise and their implications on the health and performance of individuals and groups. You have the opportunity to examine selected issues in depth, engage with applied practitioners, develop informed opinions on the topics, and to present information in a variety of formats. This module will consist of a series of guest lectures from elite level practitioners from related sports science disciplines. Applied practitioners working within different contexts and sports will provide insights into the many facets of the sport and exercise science industry, sharing experiences with students to help them gain an appreciation for applied practice and help them prepare for their assessment

The Professional Project is the culmination of your undergraduate degree course which will enable you to work independently in an area that excites and interests you. The Professional Project enables you to engage with a substantial programme of independent study which allows you to define and explore in some depth a topic relating to your course or intended future employment, as well as developing advanced skills in managing an extended project. The Professional Project provides experience of critically evaluating and reflecting upon the particular methodologies of your subject area. The project may include practical elements, dependent upon the subject discipline being studied. For students continuing from level 5 within the Institute of Sport, a project proposal will have been completed during a Level 5 module. The module is year-long and it will be your focus while you participate in the taught content during Block 1 which will lead to your submission of an ethics application (proposal). By the end of Block 4 you will submit both a written submission (project) and for participation at the school of sport student conference, either a either a mind map or pictorial representation of your project, which you will decide upon in discussion with your project supervisor. The presentation will be delivered to a small group of your peers and your supervisor/ second marker at the Department of Sport Student Conference (in the style of a viva voce). This should be considered a professional celebration of your studies moving into your employment. We therefore advise that you choose a topic that fuels your passions and interests, and that is relevant to your desired career path(s). You will work in partnership with your supervisors, and with their facilitation work towards a memorable end to your undergraduate studies.

You will study advanced and contemporary aspects of sport and exercise biomechanics from both a theoretical and practical standpoint. During laboratory sessions and workshops you will experience using advanced measurement and analysis techniques, such as three-dimensional motion analysis, in the study of the biomechanics of human movement. The module will allow you to develop knowledge and an appreciation of the application of biomechanical analysis in research, and in applied and clinical contexts.

This module aims to provide students with an opportunity to study advanced and contemporary aspects of sport and exercise physiology from both a theoretical and practical standpoint. Students will be required to solve two research questions over the course of the semester by designing and conducting short laboratory and/or field experiments. Through these experiments, students will critically analyse the theoretical underpinnings of each hypothesis posed. Students will choose and demonstrate competence in a range of physiological assessments to assess the outcomes of the experiments. Students will then perform statistical analysis on the test data obtained, and interpret and communicate their findings. When interpreting the results of their experiments, students will need to compare and contrast their findings to previous scientific literature, apply an understanding and knowledge of physiological and biochemical principles, and critically evaluate the strengths and limitations inherent in their experiment design. Students will present their findings both in oral and written formats. During this module, students will develop skills and knowledge necessary to work in sport and exercise physiology-related employment and/or research.

This module aims to develop your understanding of evidence-based psychological skills and strategies for the promotion of health, wellbeing and sporting potential. You will be required to work both independently and as part of a group in critically evaluating and applying psychological theory for intervention development or review. Throughout this module you will be required to utilise reflective practice on your own and in groups to support the completion of module assignments.