University of Stirling The Sunday Times - Scottish University of the Year - 2009/2010

Undergraduate Study

Course Information


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Sport and Exercise Science

study sport and exercise science and graduate with a university degree

Top 10 in the UK and 1st in Scotland for Sports Studies (in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise in 2008)

www.sbes.stir.ac.uk

One student standing by an exercise bike, measuring a research participant's breathing

How do sport, exercise and physical activity benefit health and wellbeing? How do our body systems respond to acute exercise and adapt to training? What factors influence our participation in physical activity and ability to benefit from it? This programme explores these issues by studying the body’s systems, their regulation and the effects of exercise.

You’ll study biological sciences such as cell biology, genetics and molecular biology alongside sport and exercise physiology, nutrition, and sport and exercise psychology. This gives you knowledge of the disciplines underpinning Sport and Exercise Science, develops your knowledge of scientific methods and provides a basis for understanding the role of training in improving athletic performance.


BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

UCAS Code CC61

Entrance Requirements

Year 1
Highers BBBB.
A-levels BCC or a combination of A2 and AS levels, VCE and VDA.
IB Diploma with a total of 30 points.
HNC or HND with Bs in Graded Units.
Access courses and other UK/EU and international qualifications are also welcomed.

Examinations taken over two sittings are acceptable but if there are repeats/upgrades asking grades may be raised by one grade.

Year 2
Scottish HNDs in relevant subjects with BB in Graded Units in Year 2 with specific units.

General Entrance Requirements apply.

International students can study our Undergraduate Certificate if they do not possess the necessary entrance requirements to be admitted directly to the first year of an undergraduate degree programme.

Required Subjects

One of Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics at Higher (B), A-level (C), IB Higher Level at 4 or equivalent.

Other qualifications not mentioned above must include science-based subjects.

Mathematics at Standard Grade (2), Intermediate 2 (C), GCSE (C) or equivalent. English Standard Grade (2), Intermediate 2 (C), GCSE (C) or equivalent.

Applicants with English Standard Grade (3) will also be considered, although alternative entry conditions may be made in this case.

Modes of Study

Full-time (3 modules per semester).
Part-time (1 or 2 modules per semester).

Rating

Sport was ranked 1st in Scotland and 5th in the UK in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) in 2008.


 
contact us > > >
address

Dr Tim Whalley
School of Biological and Environmental Sciences
University of Stirling
Stirling FK9 4LA
Scotland UK

telephone Tel: + 44 (0) 1786 467766
email Email: t.d.whalley@stir.ac.uk
web Web: www.sbes.stir.ac.uk

Degree Programme

Semesters 1 - 3

In the first three semesters of the programme you will gain a strong grounding in biological science and an introduction to the study of sport and exercise. You will take modules entitled:

  • Introduction to Cell Biology
  • Introduction to Physiology
  • Introduction to Sports Studies I and II
  • Practical Science Skills I and II
  • Issues and Concepts in Sports Studies
  • Genes and Evolution

Semesters 4 - 8

You will take the following advanced level modules:

  • The Psychology of Sport: This module examines the relationship between stress and performance in sport and discusses ways in which athletes can learn to control their behaviour in a competitive environment
  • Biodiversity: This module provides an overview of the diversity of the animal and plant kingdoms and explores their evolution and adaptations to different environments
  • Statistical Techniques: This module involves training in the use of information technology and its use in data processing and statistical analysis; the use of basic statistical techniques and their application to environmental and biological data sets and problems
  • Animal Physiology: This module discusses a number of major physiological systems in humans, and how those systems respond to stimuli. In addition, it explores the adaptation of organisms to particular environments and provides an integrated understanding of physiological mechanisms
  • Physiology of Sport and Exercise: This module discusses the regulation and integration of multiple physiological systems during exercise, the adaptations to exercise training, and specific challenges placed upon them during exercise in environmental extremes
  • Sports Medicine, Health and Wellbeing: This module provides an understanding of the role of exercise and diet in developing a healthy lifestyle, and considers specific medical issues that may affect participation in sport and/or physical activity
  • Psychology of Exercise, Physical Activity & Health: This module explores the relationship that diverse individuals have with exercise and physical activity. The module focuses on psychological, environmental and social factors that influence and impact upon a person’s decision to exercise
  • Applied Exercise Physiology: This module provides both an understanding and practical experience of laboratory-based exercise physiology assessments for testing and research
  • Bioinformatics: This module introduces recent advances in molecular biology methodologies and the application of computer methods to the analysis of molecular biology information
  • Animal Cell: This module provides an understanding of the basic components of animal cells, their functions and how their functions are regulated in health and disease, and provides training in modern cellular and molecular biological techniques
  • Sports Research: This module provides an overview of the techniques and methodological assumptions underpinning sport and exercise science research. Practical skills of data handling, statistical analysis and reporting of data will be developed alongside an understanding of ethics and research proposal development
  • Readings in Sports Studies: You will choose two half modules to study and these provide an in depth examination and critical analysis of recent research in the following areas: exercise physiology, sports nutrition, sports psychology and exercise psychology

An extensive research project is conducted in the final year. A wide variety of project topics is available and reflects the active research interests of the academic staff involved in this degree programmes.

Teaching and Assessment

In addition to conventional lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and laboratory practical sessions, the Department uses web-based technology to support its teaching programme. Assessment is by a combination of coursework, group project work, group and individual presentations and examination.

Career Opportunities

Graduates have gone on to postgraduate study, research, jobs in the sport and leisure sector such as in sports development, sports science support of athletes, health and fitness monitoring, physical activity promotion, and coaching, as well as into the teaching profession and other disciplines such as physiotherapy.