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.

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?

The specific aims of this 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 to you access to and further progression within higher education, research and professional development.

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.

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.

Course overview

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.

Additional assessment information

You will be given the opportunity to apply your understanding in real-world settings working with athletes, coaches and teams during your Year 3 studies. You will also be given the chance to apply your knowledge and practical skills to both research and athlete support.

Facilities

We have three dedicated sports science laboratories which are housed within the Human Energetics and Performance Centre. Lab 1 is a large room used specifically for biomechanical and anthropometric assessment and measurement. Lab 2 is dedicated to the assessment of cardiorespiratory health and performance. Lab 3 is dedicated to the assessment of strength and power. Equipment that you will have access to includes: high speed motion capture systems; three online metabolic carts for the measurement of VO2; blood analysers; hydrostatic weighing tank; isokinetic dynamometer; sprint treadmill; various ergo meters; ECG systems; and EMG.

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 possibly present at the student conference. Full membership can be applied for when you start your career in sports science.

Associated careers

There are increasing opportunities for sports science graduates within the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. The most popular occupations are athlete support scientist, exercise consultant, and performance analyst. There are also many employment 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. 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:	200
Additional Requirements:	Required subject(s): GCE A-level Science, Psychology, Physical Education or Sports Studies. GCSE(s) Required: 3 GCSEs at grade C including English, Maths and Science

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