Applied Sports Science, BSc at University of Aberdeen

Applied Sports Science integrates laboratory-based science learning with practical field-based experience. The programme has been designed for students with interests in the science of sport and the application of this science discipline to real life sport development and sports career destinations. During the four year programme, you will study a range of topics, including:

• Understanding how the body adapts to the demands of physical activity
• The ways in which psychology affects performance
• Optimisation of training through understanding strength and conditioning, periodization and monitoring of athletes
• The role of biomechanics in analysing technique for the purpose of enhancing or limiting physical performance
• Sport nutrition and the impact the athletes’ diet can impact performance.

In addition, you will have access to the excellent facilities on offer at the internationally recognised Aberdeen Sports Village, learn from experts in your chosen field, and have the opportunity to use the skills and knowledge you have gained to undertake a field-based placement in your third year.

How You'll Study

You will be taught using a variety of methods and styles and we continually seek to make the teaching engaging, exciting and responsive to the latest research in your subject area. The research we carry out in the School directly informs and guides our teaching, particularly in the final Honours year. Our commitment to teaching is recognised by the range of University of Aberdeen Student-led Teaching Awards given to staff from our School.

As a student, your learning is supported by MyAberdeen, our virtual learning environment from which you can access the lecture Powerpoint slides, online practice tests, links to related reading, and tutorial support material.

We make innovative use of 'educational voting' handsets in class, remote control 'clickers' that allow each and every student to electronically respond in class by anonymous vote to questions posed by the lecturer.

Your academic development is supported from year 1 through to year 4 by an assigned personal tutor, who acts as adviser and mentor throughout your University career.

Learning Methods

• E-LEARNING
• FIELD WORK
• GROUP PROJECTS
• INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS
• LAB WORK
• PEER LEARNING
• RESEARCH
• SEMINARS
• TUTORIALS
• WORKSHOPS

Why Study Applied Sports Science?

• The programme integrates laboratory-based science learning with practical field-based experience with a focus on how exercise and sport can help promote healthy lifestyles linking sport to nutrition and clinical care.
• You will have access to the excellent facilities on offer at the internationally recognised Aberdeen Sports Village and will have the opportunity to work with their staff on projects and summer placements.
• You will have the chance to use the skills and knowledge you have gained to undertake a field-based placement in your third year which may help in building a portfolio for professional recognition with the British Association for Sport and Exercise Science.
• You will get first-hand experience of working with athletes and sports teams to deliver sport science support in maximising performance, training practice and competition preparation.
• Specialist and relevant teaching in biomechanics, sports psychology and conditioning/rehab are offered in the curriculum.
• The programme runs from the Foresterhill Health Campus which includes a large teaching hospital, Medical School and the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, providing easy access to facilities and specialists from a range of disciplines.

Careers

The BSc in Applied Sports Science will prepare you for a career in the sport, exercise or health industries. The programme also offers flexibility to elite and competitive athletes who want to combine training and competing with studying for a sports related degree in a world class sports environment.