BSc Sport Sciences and Physiology
What is Sport Sciences and Physiology?
Sports science is the scientific study of how the body and mind cope with, handle and learn from the stresses of performance in sport and exercise. It provides the framework for understanding elite performance as well as the relationship between exercise and health from a mechanical, control, psychological and physiological perspective.
Physiology in particular, investigates the impact of exercise on the structures and mechanisms of the body during both acute and chronic physical activity. It is important to the understanding of exercise concepts such as training, fitness, endurance and fatigue: from the molecular and cellular level to the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems.
Core science 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 athlete’s ability to develop the appropriately high level of skill necessary for 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.
See also: BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences
Why study Sport Sciences and Physiology?
The Sports Sciences are hugely topical and relevant in the modern world:
- They provide a methodological and systematic approach for coaches, athletes and teams seeking to improve performance at all levels of participation.
- 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 extremity 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.
- The Sports Science and Physiology programme gives you a solid foundation in each of the sports science disciplines yet allows you to develop a greater depth of understanding of pure and applied physiology as a core life science discipline.
- 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 Sciences and Physiology: BC16
This course offers:
exciting contemporary topics such as drugs in sport, principles of training, biochemistry of exercise and the physiology of elite performance
- a thorough scientific education through research led teaching
- teaching delivered by our respected team of sport scientists within a faculty ranked 4th in the UK for research in biological sciences by the leading scientific journal 'Nature' based on the numbers of staff producing research that was "world leading or internationally excellent"
- practical sessions in first-class purpose-built teaching labs
- specialist facilities include biomechanics & motor control laboratories, exercise physiology lab, environmental chamber, access to outdoor centres in Lake District Yorkshire Dales
opportunities to work on contemporary issues with expert researchers during your final year project
- the opportunity of a career-enhancing industrial placement year
- the chance to study abroad
- all the facilities and lifestyle opportunities of a major university
- over 60 different sport and adventurous activity societies
- opportunities to gain coaching qualifications, take part in research projects and work with elite performers.
- outstanding personal development opportunities including our distinctive Leeds for Life scheme
BSc Sport Sciences and Physiology offers a fantastic opportunity to excel in a rapidly evolving and up-to-the-minute discipline.
Entry Requirements
Title |
BSc Sport Sciences and Physiology |
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UCAS code |
BC16 |
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Qualification |
BSc (Hons) |
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Duration |
3 years (standard) |
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| 2013 entry requirements: | A Level or Advanced Higher Science and science-related subjectsScience subjects: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics BTEC Level 3 Extended DiplomaWe will consider applicants with either the Applied Science or Sport and Exercise Science BTEC. Our typical offer in both cases would be DDD. For students taking the BTEC Sport and Exercise Science we would also expect applicants to achieve distinctions in at least 12 of the following units:
Please note that we do not accept the BTECs 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 qualificationsIf you have qualifications which are not listed here, please contact the admissions office before applying to determine if your qualifications are suitable for entry.
*Our typical offer is AAB, but we make tailored offers between AAA and ABB. 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. |
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| 2012 entry requirements: | A Level or Advanced Higher Further information for A Level applicantsOther 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 subjectsScience subjects: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics 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 DiplomaWe 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:
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 qualificationsIf you have qualifications which are not listed here, please contact the admissions office before applying to determine if your qualifications are suitable for entry.
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| English language requirements | If English is not your first langauge, please check our minimum English language requirements. | |
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See also |
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| 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 |
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Admissions tutor |
Dr Neil Messenger |
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Department |
Faculty of Biological Sciences Undergraduate School |
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Programme Leaders |
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Course brochure |
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Course Structure 
In 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 Sciences and Physiology Year 1
Foundations of Physiology
Tutorial and Practical Skills in Sport and Exercise Sciences
Introduction to Biomechanics
Cardio-respiratory Physiology and Exercise
Sport Sciences and Physiology Year 2
Working as a Sport and Exercise Scientist: Professional and Research Skills
Exercise Physiology in Sport, Health and Disease
Biochemistry of Exercise
Drugs in Sport (optional)
Sport Sciences and Physiology Year 3
Inter-disciplinary Issues in Sport and Exercise Science
Advanced Exercise Physiology
Exercise Prescription for Health and Disease
Sport Medicine, Health and Nutrition
Research Projects
Final 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:
Oxygen uptake kinetics during exercise in health and chronic disease
The impact of physical activity upon central and peripheral aortic stiffness in women
Risky behaviour for your heart
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.
Careers
Sport Sciences and Physiology graduates enjoy excellent career prospects as their training opens up opportunities in scientific and non-scientific careers alike. BSc Sport Sciences and Physiology fosters the development of transferable "graduate skills" which are highly valued by employers throughout the world.
" Right now I run the applied exercise physiology program and coordinate sports science support for high performance athletes and coaches. This includes Canada Games athletes and some national team athletes in Nova Scotia. Without my degree I wouldn’t be where I am now. If I was going to give a word of advice to current Leeds students I would advise them to get voluntary sports science support experience with your local university to flesh out your CV. This will be invaluable to you when it comes to applying for niche jobs like mine."
Emma Neupert, BSc Sports Science and Physiology, 2002
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: BSc Sports Science and Physiology graduates find employment 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 first jobs include:
- Physiotherapist, NHS
- Officer Cadet, British Army
- PE Teacher, North Yorkshire
- Brand Marketing Assistant, Moet Hennessy
- Fitness Consultant, Burhill Estates
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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
Read about more BSc Sport Sciences and Physiology graduates...
- Neil Johnson, Nike Account Manager
- Emma Neupert, Sports Science Consultant
- Simon Pennells, Director of TSG Associates
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 a
mongst 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 University of Leeds has been 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. 
Mark said: “There are many physiological benefits from undertaking the acclimatisation training. On completion of the training I can put together a fluid replacement plan to make sure Susan is drinking the right amount of fluid during the race.”
Susan fits in her training sessions before or after work. She is currently studying part-time for a PhD at the Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (iMBE) in the School of Mechanical Engineering on the topic of wear of hip replacements. The Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering is partly based in the Faculty of Biological Sciences in Professor Eileen Ingham’s lab where they carry out research on tissue regeneration. Read more...
Injured soldiers' Kilimanjaro climb could boost psychological recovery
A group of soldiers recovering from serious injury as a result of their service in Afghanistan are to take part in a psychological study as they hike to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The study will assess the psychological benefits of taking on a unique physical challenge and examine how those benefits might contribute to a person's overall sense of wellbeing as they recover from physical trauma.
The research is being carried out by Dr Shaunna Burke, a lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology at the University of Leeds. Dr Burke, an expert mountaineer who scaled Everest in 2005, will climb alongside the group and interview them at intervals during the hike and at the summit.
"We want to look at how the experience and achievement of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can shape the recovery and sense of wellbeing of individuals who have gone through serious injury, or who have undergone joint replacement surgery," explains Dr Burke. "We want to better understand how difficult goals - activities that take people outside their comfort zone - contribute to their psychological health." Read more...
The heat is on: England rugby squad acclimatise in the Faculty's Environment Chamber
Useful Links
University of Leeds - Sport & Physical Activity
Contact us
BSc Sport Sciences and Physiology 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.

