Physical Activity Health and Exercise Science – BSc (Honours)

This course develops your knowledge and understanding of how scientific methods are used to examine physical activity and exercise. You explore how important physical activity and exercise are for a healthy lifestyle. The main subjects studied are exercise physiology, psychology and nutrition.

We develop your analytical skills and personal qualities so you can produce programmes for individuals and groups in various settings, including
• the workplace, such as corporate wellness schemes
• the community, such as physical activity referral schemes and cardiac rehabilitation
• corporate, such as sports and health clubs

The modules you study at level one explore the key theories and concepts. From an introduction to functional anatomy and biomechanics, to physiology modules which teach you laboratory skills in taking health and physical activity-related measures of lung function, heart rate and aerobic fitness.

At level two you link these concepts and skills to working with sport and exercise clients through lecture, seminar and laboratory sessions.

During level three, you learn how to apply your knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems faced by exercise scientists. For example, working with exercise referral clients may involve understanding the
• physiology of how physical activity benefits health
• psychology of behaviour change and motivation to encourage people to remain active
• nutritional strategies suitable for weight management

We have close links with our Centre for Sport and Exercise Science research centre. This means you gain practical experience of advanced-level research by taking part in studies in our laboratories. Some examples of our research include • childhood obesity and physical activity • exercise and breast cancer rehabilitation • behaviour change counselling.

The course shares level one modules with BSc (Honours) Sport Science for Performance Coaching and BSc (Honours) Sport and Exercise Science. You might be able to transfer between courses at the end of level one.