University of Limerick

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Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Sciences

Course Details

Course Code: LM089
Level: Honours Bachelor Degree
CAO Minimum Points Entry 2009: 450
Course Leader: Ross Anderson
Phone: 00 353 61 202896
Email: pess@ul.ie

The Student Experience

Course Description

  • General Information
  • Course Structure
  • Entry Requirements
  • Career Prospects

General Information

This programme is designed to provide graduates with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the key elements of Sport and Exercise Sciences. Throughout the programme, the scientific disciplines which pertain to safe and effective participation and performance in physical activity and sport are studied.

Course Structure

The Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Sciences is a four-year programme which includes an eightmonth period of Cooperative Education in relevant work placements during the third year.The first year of the course is viewed as a foundation year in which a sound understanding of basic mathematics, physics, anatomy, systems physiology and psychology is gained, leading to an introduction to each of the core disciplines of exercise physiology, biomechanics and psychology.A deeper and more detailed study of these core disciplines will take place in years 2, 3 and 4. Laboratory experience is an integral part of each of these core areas of study where students test concepts and theories and acquire laboratory and research skills. Application of scientific principles and procedures to sport and exercise in field settings is an important part of the applied aspect of the programme.To prepare for this applied aspect, students in the first two years study and experience selected sports and modes of exercise and training. Here, they have an opportunity to improve personal performance and prepare for coaching awards and certification. In second year an elective subject is selected and students will do two modules in either Law or Computer Science. Students will undertake a project in their final year on a topic related to an aspect of sports science.

Year 1 Semester 1 Semester 2 Summer
SS4401 Coaching Science & Performance 1 SS4402 Exercise & Health Fitness
SS4302 Anatomy and Kinesiology SS4304 Introduction to Basic Biomechanics
SS4202 Introduction to the Major Physiological Systems SS4102 Psychological Foundations of Sport and Exercise
MA4601 Science Maths 1 CS4911 Introduction to Information Technology
PH4101 Physics 1 (Mechanics) BC4002 Introductory Biochemistry

Year 2 Semester 3 Semester 4 Summer
SS4403 Coaching Science & Performance 2 SS4404 Coaching Science & Performance 3
SS4312 Qualitative Biomechanical Analysis SS4405 Sports Injuries
SS4203 Physiology of Muscle in Movement SS4204 Support Systems to Muscle Contraction
MA4603 Science Maths 3 SS4103 Psychology of Movement:
Development from Infancy to Adolescence
Option From Option From
LA4901 Principles of Law LA4922 Sport and the Law
CS4913 Business Information Systems CS4925 Business Information Technology 1

Year 3 Semester 5 Semester 6 Summer
SS4305 Quantitative Biomechanical Analysis Cooperative Education
SS4205 Nutrition,Exercise Metabolism and
Sports Performance
SS4105 Analysis of Motor Skill Performance
& Learning
SS4035 Fundamental Concepts of Human Research & their Application

Year 4 Semester 7 Semester 8 Summer
SS4417 Human Performance Evaluation SS4078 SES Project B
SS4308 Advanced Biomechanical Analysis SS4318 Novel Methods in Biomechanics
SS4217 Exercise and Health 1 SS4418 Clinical Applications of Exercise
SS4127 Applied Exercise and Health SS4128 Applied Sport Psychology
Psychology
SS4027 Advanced Concepts of Human
Research & SES Project A

Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with at least Grade C3 in two Higher Level subjects and Grade D3 in four Ordinary or Higher Level subjects (including Mathematics; Irish or another language; and English).

In addition, applicants are required to hold at least the following in the Leaving Certificate, or an approved equivalent: Grade B3 in an Ordinary Level paper (Grade D3 in Higher Level also suffices) in any one of the following: Mathematics,Applied Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Physics with Chemistry,Agricultural Science, Biology.

While a high level of sports performance and achievement is not required, it is essential that applicants should have a deep involvement in and commitment to sport and exercise.

Career Prospects

Graduates from this programme are equipped to provide leadership and scientific expertise in sport, exercise, health and related areas.The following are some of the areas that graduates have gone to:

  • Sport science advisors/fitness coordinators/ development officers/administrators with National Sports Agencies and National Governing Bodies of Sport.
  • Health promotion officers and research officers with Health Boards
  • Sports media/journalism including television
  • Health and fitness advisors, including fitness testing, exercise prescription, fitness consulting, exercise rehabilitation for specific populations
  • Biomedical science, biomedical engineering, ergonomics, medical physics, robotics.
  • Physiology
  • College and university lecturing in sport & exercise science, health science and other related fields.
  • Some find employment in areas outside those of sport, exercise and health. Employers recognise that, having undergone a rigorous intellectual training, such graduates have abilities, knowledge and skills which can be applied in a variety of other fields with appropriate training (e.g. computer science and software engineering, public relations, accountancy, marketing).

Postgraduate Opportunities

Examples include;
MSc Sports Nutrition
Occupational and Speech & Language Therapy
Teaching (Primary, PE)
Postgraduate research training in areas such as exercise physiology, genetics and exercise, physiotherapy, osteoporosis, muscle repair, growth factors, biomechanics and psychology of physical activity at Universities in Ireland, Britain and USA.

Contact: University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
Tel: +353 (0) 61-202700, Fax: +353 (0) 61-330316

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