Undergraduate School

Sport and Exercise Sciences degree courses

BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences


What is BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences?

Student participating in practical session BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences is the scientific study of how the body and mind cope with, handle and learn from the stresses of performance in sport and exercise.

We also offer BSc Sports Science with Physiology which has an extra emphasis on physiology.

Sports science

...is about the performance of individuals and teams in competitive situations or extreme conditions. It largely concentrates on elite activity and on the application of science to help athletes to maximise performance

Exercise science

...utilises the same core scientific disciplines but applies these to broader range populations with a focus on health and disease, fitness and rehabilitation

They address such questions such as:

  • How do injuries occur?
  • Is it possible to improve performance?
  • How does the body react in an extreme environment?

Core disciplines:

Exercise physiology

Exercise physiologists study how body systems function during exercise and how they respond to long-term exercise training. This includes the study of physiological variables such as those related to: metabolism; respiration; body composition; muscle function; the nervous, pulmonary and cardiovascular systems and nutrition. These may then be used to investigate physiological responses to training and help athletes maximise their physiological potential, or to provide insight into the causes of cardio-respiratory disease and its prevention, for example.

Biomechanics

Biomechanics is the application of the principles of Newtonian mechanics to the study and understanding of human movement and the muscular and skeletal systems. The optimum performance of any athlete is constrained by these principles, just as all injury results from the mechanical failure of one or more biological tissues. Topics studied in this discipline include: the physics of motion; mechanical principles involved in skilled sporting performance; mechanics of sports injury and rehabilitation and the techniques of biomechanical analysis of performance. As well as helping athletes and coaches understand what makes particular techniques work to improve performance, there are strong links between the study of biomechanics and the engineering of sports equipment both to improve performance and reduce injury risk and to the work undertaken by physiotherapists and orthopaedic medicine specialists seeking to understand conditions such as osteo- arthritis and cerebral palsy.

Motor control

Motor control is the study of the mechanisms that enable human movements to be produced and controlled and how movement skills are learned. Motor Control scientists ask questions about what needs to be controlled when we perform skilled tasks, how we learn to do this, and how we are able to co-ordinate the vast range of both simple and complex movements that are involved in this performance. This can be applied to helping our understanding of an athletes ability to develop the appropriately high level of skill necessary for a winning performance in their sport but also is necessary in the design of rehabilitation routines to help, for example, patients recover function following stroke or spinal cord injury.

Sport and exercise psychology

Sport and exercise psychology is concerned with the thoughts, feelings and emotions of individuals and how these influence human behaviour in sport and exercise settings. Topics include: psychological health and well-being; anxiety; motivation; group processes; social influences; psychological skills training; personality and adherence to training or rehabilitation programmes. The psychology of an athlete is fundamental to their ability to perform optimally in any given environment and to the development of effective coach-athlete relationships. But, psychology also plays a fundamental role in the understanding of pathological behaviour such as exercise addiction and eating disorders.

Why study Sport and Exercise Sciences?

Sport and Exercise Sciences are hugely topical and relevant in the modern world:

Biomechanics

  • They provide a methodical and systematic approach for coaches, athletes and teams seeking to improve performance at all levels of participation.
  • A knowledge of sports science and the ability to use this knowledge will play an important part in achieving success at the London Olympics in 2012.
  • Physical activity is extremely important to the health of the nation; knowing what activity to promote and how to encourage safe participation requires an understanding of the scientific basis for these activities.
  • Scientific literacy is becoming increasingly essential for an understanding of the many technological and ethical questions posed by contemporary society. The sport and exercise sciences not only address some of these directly, but are an ideal vehicle to develop and exercise a broad range of scientific and critical thinking skills.
  • Studying sport and exercise is an exciting way to develop an understanding of biological sciences and the interaction of the individual with the environment. A good scientific education acts as a springboard to future career options, whether within sport and exercise or other graduate professions.

BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences: C601

BiomechanicsThis course offers:   

  • the chance to study in a faculty ranked 4th in the UK for research in biological sciences by the leading scientific journal 'Nature' based on the number of staff producing research that was "world leading or internationally excellent"
  • specialist facilities include biomechanics & motor control laboratories, exercise physiology lab, psychology lab and access to outdoor centres in Lake District & Yorkshire DalesSport and Exerxcise Sciences practical session

Entry Requirements

Title

BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences

Kendal Barrett Brown

Find out what our students say

UCAS code

C601

Qualification

BSc (Hons)

Duration

3 years (standard)
4 years (with industrial/professional placement or year abroad)

2012 entry requirements:

A Level or Advanced Higher
Our offer range is AAB-BBB. Our standard offer is AAB and we would normally expect applicants to achieve A in at least one of Biology, Human Biology, Maths, Physics or Chemistry. Students who are taking both A2 Psychology and A2 Sport, or both A2 Psychology and A2 PE instead of one of these would be expected to achieve A in Psychology.

Further information for A Level applicants

Other offers may be made depending upon subjects taken, predicted grades and both personal statement and academic reference. For example, students taking 3 from the specified list of science subjects may be offered a place with BBB if this is appropriate to their predicted grades and there is a strong science emphasis in their personal statement. In general, however, we would expect applicants to achieve at least their predicted grades.

Science and science-related subjects

Science subjects: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics

Science- related subjects: Computing, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, ICT, Sport and P.E, Science in Society, Statistics and Psychology which would be given extra weight.

We consider applications on an individual basis and an offer will depend on the information given on your UCAS form. Applications are assessed from a combination of the following; the balance, nature and quality of A2, AS and GSCE subjects (or equivalents); the referee's comments and your personal statement.

BTec Advanced Diploma

We will consider applicants with either the Applied Science or Sport and Exercise Science BTec AD. Our standard offer in both cases would be DDD. For students taking the BTec Sport and Exercise Science AD we would also expect applicants to achieve distinctions in at least 12 of the following units:

  • Anatomy for Sport and Exercise
  • Sport and Exercise Physiology
  • Sport and Exercise Psychology
  • Research Methods for Sport and Exercise Sciences
  • Research Project in Sport and Exercise Sciences
  • Sports Biomechanics in Action
  • Exercise, Health and Lifestyle
  • Fitness Testing for Sport and Exercise
  • Analysis of Sports Performance
  • Sports Nutrition
  • Sports Injuries
  • Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology
  • Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology
  • Laboratory and Experimental Methods in Sport and Exercise Sciences

Please note that we do not accept the BTec ADs in Sport (Performance and Excellence), Sport (Development, Coaching and Fitness) or Sport (Outdoor Adventure) unless accompanied by at least one A2 qualification from Biology, Human Biology, Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Psychology. In this case distinctions would be required in the BTec and A in the A2 level.

More qualifications

If you have qualifications which are not listed here, please contact the admissions officer before applying to determine if your qualifications are suitable for entry.

  • International Baccalaureate: 36-32 (with 17-15 at higher level), including a science and another science or science-related subject at HL.
  • Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAABB-AABBBB, to include a science or science-related subject at higher level.
  • Scottish Higher: Not accepted on their own.
  • Cambridge Pre-U: D3/D3/M2- M2/M2/M2 including Pre-U Biology plus one other science or science-related subject. 

See also:

BSc Sports Science and Physiology
Admissions policy Download our Admissions Policy for 2012 entry. (PDF format). This includes information on the application process, our admissions intake and the selection process.

Admissions enquiries

Miss Clare Leach
Tel: 0113 343 7282
Email: ses.admissions@leeds.ac.uk

 2012 Sport and Exercise Sciences course brochure

Admissions tutor

Dr Neil Messenger
Tel: 0113 343 5084
Email: n.messenger@leeds.ac.uk

Department

Faculty of Biological Sciences Undergraduate School

Programme Leaders

Dr Andrea Utley
Dr Daniella Strauss

Course brochure

Download or order by post

Course Structure

sports science imageIn the first and second year, lectures, practicals and tutorials are the most important forms of teaching. You will have lectures and tutorials each week, and regular laboratory sessions. In the final year, you will be able to choose your favourite topics to study under the guidance of leading experts; your research project will take up about one third of your time with the rest devoted to lectures and tutorials. Formal examinations are held twice a year, in January and May/June, to spread the assessment load.

Modules

All degree programmes are modular and offer wide choice.

Modules may be core (you have to take them), optional (you can choose from a list of alternatives) or elective (you have a free choice); the balance depends upon your year and programme of study. We offer a wide range of modules. Examples include:

Sport and Exercise Sciences Year 1

Foundations of Physiology

This is a double credit module and provides the foundation for all further study in physiology. It introduces students to each of the core body systems as well as providing a grounding in such topics as biochemistry and in molecular and cellular biology. As well as formal lectures the module makes innovative use of online learning support materials and assessments.

Tutorial and Practical Skills in Sport and Exercise Sciences

One of the main proposes of this double credit module is to help students bridge the gap between school level and university level learning. Using a wide variety of teaching and learning methods including; lecturers, seminars, tutorials and workshops, students develop their verbal and written communication skills through group and individual activities, engage in scientific debate and criticism and practice a range of transferable laboratory and IT skills. As part of this module students are expected to take a minimum of 25 hours worth of experience outside of the course: these can include the completion of sports governing body coaching awards, volunteering or short work placements.

Introduction to Biomechanics

Students study modules in each of the core sports science disciplines in their first year: in this module the focus is on the mechanics of human movement. Our approach recognises the varying scientific and mathematical backgrounds of students entering the BSc Sport and Exercise Science degree schemes and is designed to ensure that all students receive grounding in the fundamental concepts of the mechanical study of sport and exercise on which the more advanced modules in mechanics and biomechanics are based. The objective of the module is to develop students understanding of and ability to conceptualise human motion clearly and unambiguously in a sports or exercise context. This will be developed through the analysis of the Newton's Laws of Motion and their implications to human physical activity, including an exploration of force and its concepts, including: gravity, friction and impact of momentum, work and energy. In addition to formal lectures, teaching is undertaken in small group tutorials and laboratory practicals and specially developed online workshops using the University's Virtual Learning Environment.

Cardio-respiratory Physiology and Exercise

Building on the material covered in the foundations of physiology module, this unit begins to focus on the application of physiology to the study of human physical activity and in particular the control and function of the heart and respiration. Topics covered include the factors responsible for controlling blood pressure and flow of blood to tissues and the ventilation of the lungs, respiration and the control of these processes. Throughout an emphasis will be placed on how and why the systems and their control are important for exercise.

Sport and Exercise Sciences Year 2

Working as a Sport and Exercise Scientist: Professional and Research Skills

This double credit module is designed to help students develop the skills required of a professional sport and exercise scientist from data handling and interpretation and the statistical analysis of experimental data to the consideration of ethical issues in sports science practice. Students are also encouraged to start the process of thinking about their career options and are given guidance and practice in CV writing and the completing of job applications through to interview practice and client handling. As with the first year tutorial and skills module, students are expected to undertake additional experience through the development of their coaching skills, volunteering or short work placements. This is an ideal opportunity for those wishing to complete a PGCE after graduation to obtain the classroom experience increasingly required for acceptance on these courses.

Social Processes in Sport and exercise

This module includes: group processes, cohesion, collective efficacy, leadership, behaviour modification, social influence, socialisation, talent development, and gender issues in sport and exercise. Practical work will include developing and delivering a theory-based team-building intervention as well as a lab-report centred around group dynamics.

Motor Control: Rehabilitation.

In this double credit module students will develop their understanding of the prominent theories of motor control and learning guide research and practice by exploring the key variables that influence the learning, retention and transfer of movement skills. Topics covered will include: stages of learning, theories of learning, the dynamical systems approach to learning, the role of feedback and the distribution, variability and principles of practice.

Exercise Physiology in Sport, Health and Disease

Based on the solid grounding in both pure and applied exercise physiology obtained in the first year, students, through this double module, now embark on the detailed investigation of the physiology of sport and exercise and in particular the biochemical processes comprising aerobic and anaerobic metabolism and how this is related to performance and of the regulation of the cardiovascular, ventilation and the acid based systems. Topics covered include: maximal oxygen uptake, excess/post-exercise oxygen consumption and the lactate threshold; the physiological responses to both acute and chronic exercise in the endurance and anaerobic performer; nutritional requirements for performance or health and physiological adaptations to activity and inactivity for performance or health.

Sport and Exercise Sciences Year 3

Inter-disciplinary Issues in Sport and Exercise Science

Many of the previous modules studied on this course necessarily focus on an individual discipline within the sport and exercise sciences. This double module is designed to allow students to reflect on the relationship between these disciplines and on the implications of these relationships for the their practical application. Following a series of key note lectures by researchers from each of the core disciplines and smaller group tutorials, students undertake two major literature based projects: one investigating the interdisciplinary nature of sports injury and second exploring the importance of the need for an awareness of the other disciplines within sports science when undertaking and interpreting the result of experiments in a single discipline.

Movement Analysis: a Multidisciplinary Approach

This module brings together the disciplines of biomechanics and motor control to investigate the experimental and clinical techniques used to objectively assess human movement. The techniques used to measure motion including; video analysis, 3-dimensional motion tracking, force platforms and in-shoe pressure measurement devices will be investigated from a theoretical standpoint and through lab-based practice. How the data resulting from these measurements is used in practice will then be discussed through the use of contemporary clinical and research examples in both biomechanics and motor control.

Mechanics of Sport and Performance

Through their application to core sporting activities - running, jumping, throwing and striking - the biomechanical principles learnt in Year 1 and Year 2 are applied to the investigation of current research themes in the study of sports performance. A core theme through this module is the importance of modelling in various forms to assist in the objective and systematic analysis of complex human activity.

Sport Medicine, Health and Nutrition

This module explores the role of medicine and nutrition while examining the health benefits of exercise. Students will gain a critical understanding of sports medicine and the nutritional and practical dietary needs for those involved in sport and for maintenance of health. Topics covered include: the importance of exercise as prevention for cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic psychiatric diseases; the management of sporting injuries on and off the field of play; the principles and practice of rehabilitation; sports medicine provision; the role of nutrition in enhancing performance and nutrition and its relationship to health and rehabilitation.

Research Projects

foot- heat imageFinal year students choose an individual project from a wide range of topics to suit their interests and career aspirations. The project is an original laboratory, literature or computer-based study, supervised by an academic member of staff. These projects are an important way for students to learn about independent scientific research and develop important skills for future employment.

Recent examples include:

Foundations of Physiology

This is a double credit module and provides the foundation for all further study in physiology. It introduces students to each of the core body systems as well as providing a grounding in such topics as biochemistry and in molecular and cellular biology. As well as formal lectures the module makes innovative use of online learning support materials and assessments.

Tutorial and Practical Skills in Sport and Exercise Sciences

One of the main proposes of this double credit module is to help students bridge the gap between school level and university level learning. Using a wide variety of teaching and learning methods including; lecturers, seminars, tutorials and workshops, students develop their verbal and written communication skills through group and individual activities, engage in scientific debate and criticism and practice a range of transferable laboratory and IT skills. As part of this module students are expected to take a minimum of 25 hours worth of experience outside of the course: these can include the completion of sports governing body coaching awards, volunteering or short work placements.

Introduction to Biomechanics

Students study modules in each of the core sports science disciplines in their first year: in this module the focus is on the mechanics of human movement. Our approach recognises the varying scientific and mathematical backgrounds of students entering the BSc Sport and Exercise Science degree schemes and is designed to ensure that all students receive grounding in the fundamental concepts of the mechanical study of sport and exercise on which the more advanced modules in mechanics and biomechanics are based. The objective of the module is to develop students understanding of and ability to conceptualise human motion clearly and unambiguously in a sports or exercise context. This will be developed through the analysis of the Newton's Laws of Motion and their implications to human physical activity, including an exploration of force and its concepts, including: gravity, friction and impact of momentum, work and energy. In addition to formal lectures, teaching is undertaken in small group tutorials and laboratory practicals and specially developed online workshops using the University's Virtual Learning Environment.

Cardio-respiratory Physiology and Exercise

Building on the material covered in the foundations of physiology module, this unit begins to focus on the application of physiology to the study of human physical activity and in particular the control and function of the heart and respiration. Topics covered include the factors responsible for controlling blood pressure and flow of blood to tissues and the ventilation of the lungs, respiration and the control of these processes. Throughout an emphasis will be placed on how and why the systems and their control are important for exercise.

Some of our students have been fortunate enough to get their final year research project data published in a scientific journal.

Visit the Studying with us pages to find out more about studying in the Faculty of Biological Sciences Undergraduate School.

Please be aware that course details do change from time to time. ...

... If in doubt, please contact us to verify course content and availability. Whilst the University endeavours to ensure that the information on this website is accurate at the date of publication it does not accept liability for any inaccuracies. The University reserves the right to change or cancel its courses or services at any time without liability even after students have registered at the University. The University's contract with its students does not confer third party benefits for the purposes of Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Act 1999.

Careerssports science image

Sport and Exercise Sciences graduates enjoy excellent career prospects as their training opens up opportunities in scientific and non-scientific careers alike. BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences fosters the development of transferable "graduate skills" which are highly valued by employers throughout the world.

"Choosing Leeds University to study sports science was the right choice for me as the course content is interesting and challenging, the staff are friendly, approachable and always willing to help and last but not least the city is a great place to live. Also, with the Faculty’s multidisciplinary approach to studying allowing for the development of many skills, the job opportunities after graduation are endless."

Victoria Eccles, BSc Sports Science graduate, 2008.

 

Scientific careers: Career choices include sport and exercise science research, lecturing and teaching in higher and further education, fitness testing/instructing, coaching, health and lifestyle consultancy within the leisure industry, careers with national governing bodies, and local authorities.

Non-scientific professions: In the outdoor leisure industry, equipment product design, accountancy, finance, patent work and journalism.

Further study: Many graduates embark on further study e.g. PhD, MSc, PGCE.

Recent graduate jobs include:

  • Physiotherapist, NHS
  • Officer Cadet, British Army
  • PE Teacher, North Yorkshire
  • Brand Marketing Assistant, Moet Hennessy
  • Fitness Consultant, Burhill Estates
  • Cardiac Physiologist, NHS
  • Research Assistant, University of Leeds
  • Business Development Manager, Contract Interior Systems Ltd
  • Club and Coach Development Officer, British Cycling
  • Occupational Training Programme, Australian Institute of Sport

sports science imageRead about more BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences graduates...

Industrial Placements Scheme

Our industrial placement scheme can help give you the edge over other candidates. Find out more...

 

Biological Sciences Careers Support

Leeds graduates have an excellent reputation amongBioscience Careers Programmest employers. The University is one of the top ten ‘most-targeted’ universities by the UK’s top graduate employers according to the 2011 High Fliers’ Survey. We work closely with the University Careers Centre to support our students with information and opportunities.

We have launched a new series of weekly careers workshops designed especially for biological sciences students to help develop their career opportunities and find out about possible career avenues. We also organise an annual Bioscience Careers Fair, offering a chance to meet bioscience employers, speak to alumni, attend workshops and get masses of information.

Alumni Mentoring Network

Registered students have access to our Alumni Mentoring network. Networking is one of the most effective ways to find out more about different career opportunities.In an increasingly competitive employment market it is vital to be well-informed and there really is no substitute for talking to people who have firsthand experience of the work that interests you. Leeds Alumni Mentoring Networkgives students thechance to make contact with Leeds alumni (graduates) to explore career options, gain tips on entry into specific careers and receive supportive advice on developing your career plans.

Careers resources

News

The heat is on for Leeds athlete

Susan Partridge, a PhD student at the Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (iMBE) has Susan Partridge in the environment chamberbeen chosen to represent Great Britain in the marathon in the World Athletics Championships, Daegu, Korea.

Susan has been training in the environment chamber, in the Faculty of Biological Sciences, a key facility helping athletes acclimatise ahead of competitive races. Dr Mark Hetherington, visiting Senior Research Fellow, monitors Susan’s heart rate, core temperature, fluid intake and sweat rate while she is training inside the chamber. Read more...


Targeting leg fatigue in heart failure

According to a research team at the University of Leeds, doctors should not only treat the heart muscle in chronic heart failure patients, but also their leg muscles through exercise. Targeting leg fatigue in heart failure

Heart failure causes breathlessness and fatigue that severely limits normal daily activities such as walking. Researchers in the Faculty have, for the first time, shown that leg muscle dysfunction is related to the severity of symptoms in heart failure patients. These findings suggest that daily activity in patients with severe heart failure may not simply be limited by the failing heart, but also by an impairment in the leg muscles themselves.Read more...

More research news

Latest e-newsletter

 

Useful Links

University of Leeds - Sport & Physical Activity

Leeds University Union - Sports Groups

Sport Handbook

 

Contact us

BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences Admissions Team

Admissions Tutor: Dr Neil Messenger

Admissions Officer: Clare Leach

Tel: +44(0) 113 343 7282
ses.admissions@leeds.ac.uk

Fax: + 44(0) 113 343 3091

By post:

Undergraduate Admissions Office
Faculty of Biological Sciences
7.10 LC Miall Building
University of Leeds
Leeds
LS2 9JT

How to find us

We are located near the city centre and the local signposting can be a bit tricky, so please allow plenty of time to get here. The Faculty of Biological Sciences is located in the southern part of the University of Leeds campus. Look out for the green and white signposts on campus to help you find your way.

Check the Campus Map
Download the Leeds CityBus route and timetable (this is not operated by the University of Leeds)
Visit the University of Leeds travel pages
If you are using sat-nav our postcode is LS2 9JT

On open days there is a biological sciences information point in Chancellors Court near the Roger Stevens Lecture theatres.