Students at Level 4 (Year 1) and Level 5 (Year 2) of the course develop breadth and application of knowledge. Areas incorporate introductory concepts and theories (Level 4) that are extended and applied to relevant topics (Level 5).
Level 6 (Year 3) further develops the necessary skills of critical awareness and evaluation. Level 6 options enable students to study principally within a chosen Area or to follow vocationally focused themes (e.g. PE teaching, sport science support, health promotion). Alternatively, you can retain breadth by combining academic areas into a specific area of study (e.g. performance enhancement, fitness and health, sports development, coaching, and physical education).
The development of these focused strands to the curriculum in both vocational areas and subject disciplines enables the department to run a number of named degree pathways: the BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences (Sports Psychology), BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences (Sports Sociology), BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences (Sports Coaching), BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences (Physical Education), BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences (Physical Activity and Health) and BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences (Sports Performance).
Studying for a combined honours degree will give you the same opportunity to develop academic and/or vocational specialisms as those taking single honours, and, where appropriate, to study on specific named route degree programmes. Level 4 (Year 1) introduces core modules in Sport and Exercise Sciences in sub-discipline areas of your own choosing, which are developed in Level 5 (Year 2). Those taking combined honours can opt, in Level 6 (Year 3), to major in Sport and Exercise Sciences. A wide choice of modules is available, allowing you to pursue particular interests whilst at the same time preparing you for your chosen vocation.
Why study Sport and Exercise Sciences at Chester?
Staffed by exercise physiologists, sport sociologists, sport and exercise psychologists, biomechanists, physical education teachers, sports coaches and health and fitness experts, the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences' aim is to produce graduates with subject expertise and career potential. The Department received an "excellent" rating in a teaching quality inspection and was highly commended for the overall degree programme. The recent student satisfaction survey on the Teaching Quality Information website placed the Department higher than virtually all the competition.
Our programmes are designed around two central ideas: first, the development of knowledge, skills and analytical techniques in the conventional sub-disciplines of sport and exercise sciences, namely, exercise physiology, sport and exercise psychology, sociology of sport, pedagogy/coaching science and biomechanics; and second, to enable students to begin to orientate their studies around vocational outlets in the form of physical education, sports management, sports development, coaching, health promotion, leisure and recreation, as well as sport and exercise sciences. For this reason, we have many different named degrees with a common core in Sport and Exercise Sciences.
The Rigorous assessment criteria ensure that only highest calibre courses achieve the BASES endorsement award - BUES
Features:
The opportunity to study across the breadth of sport and exercise sciences disciplines in an applied manner. The opportunity to gain work experience during a placement at the end of year two, but also through doing internships with numerous local professional sports clubs with whom we have good working relationships.
Programme Structure:
Level 4 (Year 1) modules
Introduction to Exercise Physiology
This module is intended to provide a core understanding of exercise physiology, on which students can develop in more specialised modules at Levels 5 and 6. It is designed to prepare students who have little or no background in the discipline, and to challenge and stimulate students who already have some experience, knowledge and application, for further study and interest in exercise physiology.
Introduction to Biomechanics and Kinesiology in Sport
This module aims to introduce kinesiology and the basic concepts of biomechanics through sport and exercise. Students are shown how the scientific study of human movement relates to sporting movements and how basic physical principles underpin performance in sport. The module further identifies how such principles can be practically investigated. Practical work considers the general principles of kinesiology and biomechanics related experimental methodology and data analysis.
Introduction to Sports and Exercise Psychology
The module is designed to introduce students to key areas of sport and exercise psychology. Issues introduced in this module will form the basis upon which more complex issues and theories will be discussed at Levels 5 and 6. It is designed both for students entering the programme with little or no knowledge of sport and exercise psychology and those entering with a recognised qualification (A-level, BTEC Physical Education).
Introduction to the Sociology of Sport and Exercise
This module will introduce you to a number of key sociological ideas (concepts), key historical developments in sport and in society generally, and key definitions in the world of physical education (PE), sport and leisure and key sociological concepts. The latter will act as a baseline for an investigation of participation rates in sport and leisure as well as a sociological analysis of the development of PE, sport and leisure in the UK.
Introduction to Sports Coaching and Pedagogy
The module introduces and examines concepts and principles relating to the understanding and application of theory to practice in sports teaching and coaching. It develops students' ability to apply their knowledge to practice contexts commonly experienced by physical education and coaching practitioners and is, therefore, appropriate as a preparation for students following sports coaching and pedagogy modules at Levels 5 and 6.
Research and Study Skills in Sport and Exercise Sciences
This module is compulsory for all students and is designed to introduce students to basic research and study skills that are used within the area of Sport and Exercise Sciences (SES). Skills introduced will form a platform for further more independent learning at Levels 5 and 6. It is generic in nature and encapsulates skills utilised in each of the five sub-disciplines - biomechanics, sports coaching, sports psychology, sociology of sport and exercise and physiology - allowing students to explore how information is gathered and utilised within sport and exercise sciences.
Level 5 (Year 2) modules
Measurement and Evaluation Issues in Sport and Exercise Physiology
This module develops students' core physiology understanding from Level 4. The module introduces students to contemporary issues within sport and exercise physiology, in conjunction with key concepts of measurement and evaluation (reliability and validity). This will be done through discussion of these issues and practical application of relevant measurement techniques.
Sports Psychology
The module provides an opportunity to study both the theoretical and applied elements of two key areas of sport psychology, using perspectives from both mainstream and sport psychology. The first half of the module will provide students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of stress, anxiety and arousal, and their relationship to performance in sport. The rest of the module will enable students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the functioning of groups, with particular emphasis placed on sports teams.
Contemporary Issues in Sport
Understanding sport requires an appreciation of sport in society. Students will already have looked at the emergence and growth of modern sports in Level 4. From this baseline, this module sets out to demonstrate the need for a sociological perspective on the sporting issues of the day, such as why athletes take drugs, why athletes continue to play with pain and injury, why governments are prepared to spend billions of pounds to secure the Olympic Games, and many other issues.
Sports Coaching and Pedagogy
The module builds on fundamental knowledge of the components of the teaching and coaching processes. It develops students' ability to analyse related underpinning theory and apply this in response to the actual teaching/coaching environment. It encourages students to critically engage with relevant literature in order to underpin or challenge their own coaching/teaching practice as well as that of others. The module is appropriate as a preparation for students following sports coaching and pedagogy modules at Level 6.
Biomechanics and Notational Analysis in Sport
This module aims to extend the students' knowledge and practical skills in the application of biomechanics to specific sport and exercise activities. The emphasis will be on the application of biomechanics in the assessment, evaluation and improvement of technique in a range of sports. Students will develop an understanding of notational analysis theory, identifying its place in scientific support of individuals and teams. In addition, the relationship between the biomechanist, performance analyst and coach will be explored. Practical experience will include the role of biomechanical kinetic and kinematic assessment in the analysis of sport and the application of hand and computerised notational systems to individual and team sports.
Work Based Learning or Experiential Based Learning (Sports Science Support)
This is the module where students have the opportunity to get hands-on experience in a working environment of their choice. Students can go on placements in a sport, health or exercise setting of their choice. Many who want to go into PE upon graduation use this as an opportunity to get school-based experience. Others have used it to shadow sports physiotherapists, journalists, health promoters, sports development officers, working with professional sports clubs and a whole array of other work-based opportunities. In addition, the Department runs its own Experiential Based Learning programme, where students can go on placement with the Department, working with elite-level athletes in a sports science support capacity. This provides students with the perfect experience to be able to use their lab-based skills developed in the first two years of study.
Research Methods in Sport and Exercise Sciences
This module concerns the Research Process and highlights how, as Sport and Exercise scientists, we go about identifying and solving research ‘problems'. It is designed to develop further the basic research methods skills students should have acquired at Level 4. The module is generic in nature and encapsulates research methods utilised in each of the four sub-disciplines of Sport and Exercise Sciences (SES), by examining qualitative and quantitative approaches to research. The module then splits into the five area discipline specific content, where students will learn about how they can go about gathering research data in a project of their choosing to carry out at Level 6.
Level 6 (Year 3) modules
Sports Nutrition and Performance
The amount, composition and timing of food intake has a profound effect on subsequent metabolism and performance in sports. Optimum nutrition has been shown to enable athletes to train harder, recover quicker and perform better. An understanding of metabolism and the mechanisms underlying fatigue and how it can be influenced by nutrition is critical in performance preparation. An understanding of such issues is therefore deemed essential for anyone intending to work in an elite sport setting, both from a health and a performance perspective. This module will focus on how nutrition can be used to support training and maximise performance in competition, with particular reference to current research developments and practices.
Issues in Elite Sport Training and Performance
Sports performance can be viewed as the optimisation of potential through the application of varied training and recovery strategies. An understanding of those mechanisms that might induce fatigue and methods of reducing its influence is also crucial in performance preparation. An understanding of such issues is therefore deemed essential for anyone intending to work in an elite sport setting. This module will focus on the implications of current research and practices, which may enhance or limit sports performance.
Exercise in Health and Disease
Exercise (and/or physical activity) has been shown to be highly beneficial in the prevention and treatment of a wide range of diseases. In addition, many of the most prevalent diseases in the developed world are linked to lifestyle factors such as sedentarism and a poor diet. This module will evaluate critically the role of exercise, and to a lesser extent diet, on health and disease. It will also evaluate techniques for patient screening and health and fitness assessment, and exercise prescription.
Exercise Psychology
This module is designed to examine psychological processes and behaviours in the context of exercise provision and participation. It is relevant to those who have an interest and/or are involved with understanding how and why people approach and participate in exercise in, for example, fitness centres, cardiac rehabilitation, and lifestyle promotion campaigns. This module will enable you to enhance your breadth and depth of knowledge of psychological theory, application and research whilst utilising a practical approach.
Applied Sport Psychology
This module is designed to expand upon knowledge gained within the field of sports psychology and explore issues pertinent to working in different areas and with different populations through the development of theoretical knowledge and practical application. This module will enable you to enhance your breadth and depth of knowledge of applied sports psychology gaining practical knowledge and understanding of the role of the applied practitioner.
The Psychology of Sports Expertise
The module is designed to introduce students to key areas in the field of psychology of sports expertise. An overview of the critical issues facing researchers and practitioners regarding expertise will be presented; that is, how performers reach, and stay at, the top in their sports. The module is an opportunity to study both the theoretical and applied elements of sport expertise, using perspectives from both mainstream and sport psychology.
Issues in Sport, Health and Exercise
This module provides a sociological examination of key issues in relation to sport, health, exercise and physical activity. It will challenge common-sense assumptions about the contribution that sport makes to health. The module will also look at key issues of the day regarding health such as the perceived 'obesity crisis', issues to do with eating disorders, the relationship between alcohol, tobacco, drugs and sport and its impact on health. The module will also look at government policies related to health, and is aimed at those students with a broad interest in health, but in particular at those wishing to gain employment in health promotion.
Issues in Physical Education
This module provides a sociological examination of physical education (PE). It will assess the common-sense assumptions of the increasing role PE is designed to have in achieving health outcomes, as well as educational attainment. It will also examine the increasing examination of PE as a school-based academic subject and will look at the very nature of PE. What is it? What does it set out to do? And what do those teaching PE think about it? It is a module designed, in particular, for those wishing to apply for PE jobs.
Issues in Sports Development and Policy
This module attempts to develop in students a sociological appreciation and understanding of contemporary issues related to sports development and policy. The module is intended to illustrate that the aims and objectives of sports development of sports development officers (SDOs) and policy-makers are not straightforward and they are affected by wider social processes. As such, an appreciation of the different aims and objectives of SDOs and policy-makers at all levels in sport is necessary for advancing understanding of the sports development and policy process in practice. This module attempts to develop in students a sociological appreciation and understanding of contemporary issues related to sports development, sport policy and the policy process in general.
Issues in Sports Coaching and Pedagogy
This module is a progression from the knowledge, competencies and proficiencies established in Level 5 modules. This module will identify contemporary issues in the field of Sports Coaching and pedagogy in its widest sense, and provide students with a conceptual framework for analysing the coaching and teaching process, coaching/teaching practice and other related issues. It should be noted that whilst this module focuses on practical issues, there will not be the capacity for extensive practical work within the lecture or seminar time. However, students will be encouraged to apply the theory gathered within this module (and other associated modules) to their practical extra-curricular coaching experiences.
Applied Sports Coaching and Pedagogy
This module seeks to build upon students' knowledge, competencies and experiences established in the Level 5 Sport Pedagogy module or its equivalent. Specifically, the module explores the process of teaching physical education. Students will be required to relate the literature on the pedagogy of physical education to observed examples of 'good practice' as well as their own (supervised) small group work with primary school children at the level of Key Stage 2 NCPE/coaching practice. Amongst other pedagogical issues, students will utilise their experiences in juxtaposition with the literature to explore notions of 'good practice' and 'teacher effectiveness', as well as lesson/coaching preparation, delivery and analysis.
Applied Sports Biomechanics
This module aims to extend the students' knowledge and practical skills in the application of biomechanics to specific sport and exercise activities. The emphasis will be on research-level material, current methodologies, innovations and trends in sports biomechanics. Students will develop an understanding of the theory and processes involved in three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic analysis, as well as the application of biomechanical analysis to alternative areas within biomechanics. Practical experience will include the role of traditional and new experimental techniques in the evaluation of sports techniques and a coursework project involving three-dimensional motion analysis.
Applied Notational Analysis and Coaching in Sport
This module aims to enable the student to develop their conceptual knowledge of performance analysis and coaching and to apply it within sports teams and clubs. The module gives students the opportunity to develop their independence working in the field and feeding back the information gained through their coaching knowledge. The skills gained will underpin applied coaching and performance analysis theory, and equip students with skills required for further study and or work within the area.
Dissertation
This module requires students to utilise their research skills and methodologies employed by sport and exercise scientists for the successful completion of an undergraduate dissertation. It is a double module and students get to do specialist research into an aspect of sport and exercise sciences of their choosing. Most students find this the most rewarding aspect of their degree programme because it is a research project that they manage and control, with appropriate expert supervision from a member of staff.
