Course overview

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.

Our 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.

The specific aims of our course are:

• for you to address relevant QAA and BASES subject benchmark statements;
• to enable you to meet local, national and international needs;
• to provide a framework of modules for your development in the theory, concepts and practical application of sports science;
• to provide you with the necessary oral, written, practical and technical skills to operate effectively as a Sports Scientist;
• to provide you with the required knowledge to operate ethically and safely as a Sports Scientist
• to allow you the opportunity to work independently in ?real-life? situations;
• to develop your range of transferable skills and competences relevant to careers in Sports Science and other graduate employment situations;
• to allow you the opportunity to plan, execute, analyse and report on a research project of your own design;
• to promote your access to and further progression within higher education, research and professional development.

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.

Upon completion of this course you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• an ability to appraise critically and challenge the development of knowledge within the discipline of Sports Science as defined by the QAA Subject benchmark Statements (Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism) and by the British Association of Sport and Exercise sciences (BASES);
• critically evaluating the effectiveness of both a multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary approach to study, drawing, as appropriate from, research and professional contexts (BASES) within Sports Science;
• how to develop your understanding of the knowledge of academic and professional practice (BASES) in Sports Science within a framework of critical evaluation and synthesis;
• your research and problem solving abilities with a critical understanding of methods of acquisition, interpretation and analysis of information appropriate to the study of Sports Science and in a way which demonstrates capacity for creative and original thought;
• critically appraising and utilising the ethical issues which underpin best practice within Sports Science.

Module guide

Assessment

A wide range of assessments are used to test the skills learnt. This includes; presentations, practical examinations, scientific reports, data- handling exercises, computer assessments, end-of-module examinations and a research project. Reflective practice and self and peer assessment is also encouraged.

During your Year 4 studies you will be given the opportunity to work with local athletes, coaches and teams. This will enable you to do some original research into human performance and to learn how to provide the athlete with scientific support and performance testing.

Facilities

The practical and applied elements of the course are taught in our well equipped Human Energetics and Performance Unit. This unit houses three state-of-the-art laboratories for the teaching of Biomechanics, Kinesiology and Physiology. The larger laboratory equipment includes an isokinetic dynamometer for the assessment of strength, 4 high-speed treadmills and 6 cycle ergometers for performance testing, a hydrostatic weighing tank for the assessment of body composition and 3 online breath-by-breath systems for the measurement of VO2 and respiratory responses. We also have forces plates, accelerometers and high speed cameras for the analysis of human movement, an electromyograph for measuring muscle behaviour, a 12 channel electrocardiogram for monitoring heart activity and a haematology suite for blood analysis.

The course is also supported by excellent computing and web facilities. The web resources are available through the University library and can be accessed from your own home computer. We have a large collection of sports science software packages available for you to use at anytime. Each piece of our equipment has its own dedicated software for the analysis of the data it produces. We also have software for performing video analysis of human movement, dietary analysis and the assessment of the metabolic cost of activity. We have an extensive, up-to-date library catalogue and subscribe to over 40 electronic and hard copy sports science journals and reviews.

Special features

Anglia Ruskin University offers scholarships and bursaries to promising athletes.

Links with industry and professional recognition

You will be encouraged to become a student member of The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) and to attend and perhaps present at their student conference.

Other notable organisations and bodies with whom we have links include: Living Sport, the British Paralympic Association, British Cycling, the British Judo Association, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the England and Wales Cricket Board. We also have strong research and collaborative links with the University of Cambridge Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, and the Department of Sport at the University of Montpellier.

Associated careers

There are increasing opportunities for sports science graduates both within the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. Primary employment routes include careers as an athlete support scientist (working with teams and National Sports Associations), exercise consultant or performance analyst. There are also many career opportunities in the area of sports development and the fitness industry. Many students follow their first degree with a postgraduate qualification in teaching (PGCE), particularly in physical education prior to becoming a teacher. Higher degrees in Sports Science are also becoming popular as a route into research, as is further training to qualify as a physiotherapist, exercise physiologist, clinical exercise consultant or health care scientist in the NHS.

UCAS Tariff points:	40
Additional Requirements:	GCSE(s) Required: 3 GCSEs at grade C including English and Maths

Entry requirements listed are for September 2013 entry. Entry requirements for other intakes may differ.

Please note AS levels are acceptable only when combined with other qualifications.