Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Sciences Course content
Key information
The Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Sciences is a four-year programme which includes an eight- month period of work experience (Cooperative Education) in relevant work placements during the third year.
The first year of the course provides a transition and immersion into the Sport and Exercise Sciences. You will undertake broad modules under the themes of “What makes an Olympic Champion?”, “Why is exercise good for health?” and “What are the determinants of human performance?”. These themes are explored under each of the core disciplines within Sport and Exercise Science including physiology, anatomy, psychology, biomechanics and coaching science and provide a foundation for these and other disciplines such as mathematics and physics which enable deeper understanding in years 2, 3 and 4.
Laboratory experience is an integral part of each of these core areas of study where you will test concepts and theories and acquire laboratory and research skills. In the first two years, you will study and experience selected sports and modes of exercise and training.
Here, you will have an opportunity to improve personal performance and prepare for coaching awards and certification. In second year an elective subject is selected and you will take two modules in either Law or Computer Science. You will undertake a project in your final year on a topic related to an aspect of sport and exercise science.
All SES students during their lab and project work will be handling and processing human blood/bodily fluids and are at risk of infection. Immunisation against Hepatitis B should be regarded as one part of a good infection control practice, which include hand washing and correct use of appropriate PPE and training. PESS recommend students should get the Hepatitis B vaccination to reduce the risk of this type of infection. Students can get this done via their own doctor or by limerick clinic EHA Limerick---Students to bear the cost of the vaccination. Contact PESS Chief Technical Officer stephen.clothier@ul.ie if you need further assistance.
Semester 1
| Module code | Module title |
|---|---|
| SS4411 | Coaching Science & Performance 1 |
| SS4321 | Functional Anatomy |
| SS4231 | Human Physiological Systems for Sport & Exercise Science |
| SS4541 | Sport & Exercise Sciences: Transition |
| MA4601 | Science Maths 1 |
| PH4031 | Physics for General Science 1 |
Semester 2
| Module code | Module title |
|---|---|
| SS4422 | Exercise & Fitness |
| SS4332 | Introduction to Biomechanics for Sport & Exercise |
| SS4142 | Scientific Perspectives of Sport & Exercise Psychology |
| SS4552 | Sport & Exercise Sciences: Immersion |
| CS4911 | Introduction to Information Technology |
| BC4002 | Introductory Biochemistry |
Semester 3
| Module code | Module title |
|---|---|
| SS4403 | Coaching Science & Performance 2 |
| SS4305 | Quantitative Biomechanical Analysis |
| SS4203 | Physiology Muscle in Movement |
| MA4603 | Science Maths 3 |
| Choose one: | |
| LA4801 | Principles of Law |
| CS4913 | Business Information Systems |
| Broadening Modules |
Semester 4
| Module code | Module title |
|---|---|
| SS4404 | Coaching Science & Performance 3 |
| SS4405 | Sports Injuries |
| SS4204 | Support Systems to Muscle Contraction |
| SS4103 | Psychology of Movement: Development from Infancy to Adolescence |
| Choose one: | |
| LA4922 | Sport and the Law |
| CS4925 | Business Information Technology 1 |
| Broadening Modules |
Semester 5
| Module code | Module title |
|---|---|
| SS4305 | Quantitative Biomechanical Analysis |
| SS4205 | Nutrition, Exercise Metabolism & Sports Performance |
| SS4145 | Perception & Cognition in Action |
| SS4035 | Fundamental Concepts of Human Research & their Application |
Semester 6
| Module code | Module title |
|---|---|
| CO4220 | Cooperative Education 1 |
| CO4310 | Cooperative Education 2 |
Semester 7
| Module code | Module title |
|---|---|
| SES Project A | |
| Choose 3: | |
| SS4081 | Applied Sports Biomechanics |
| SS4091 | Sport and Health Performance Evaluation |
| SS4101 | Exercise is Medicine - Disease Prevention |
| SS4111 | Applied Sport Psychology |
Semester 8
| Module code | Module title |
|---|---|
| SES Project B | |
| Choose 2: | |
| SS4062 | Sports Biomechanics Innovation |
| SS4072 | Exercise is Medicine - Exercise Psychology |
| SS4072 | Exercise is Medicine - Clinical Applications |
| SS4092 | Advanced Practices in Strength and Conditioning |
What are the mature student entry requirements for entry to the BSc in Sport and Exercise Sciences? How many places are there for mature students?
For details on the application and assessment processes for mature students, please see the Admissions Office webpage or contact the Admissions Office directly - www.ul.ie/admissions-askus or Phone: 061-202015).
Information on how mature applications are assessed are also available in Section 7 of the Mature Student Handbook.
The number of mature students taken each year varies pending on the quality and number of applications; it can range from 8 - 12.
If I have completed a PLC course in health/sport related subjects can I get exemptions to pursue the BSc in Sport and Exercise Sciences?
There are no exemptions for PLC programmes.
What is the level of Maths and Physics on the course?
Maths
Once you have the minimum requirement (at leaving cert B3 in ordinary or D3 in higher) you will be able to handle the maths modules. There is also a Maths Learning centre where you can get extra tuition for free.
Physics
There is quite a number of students who come to the Sport and Exercise Sciences programme without Physics in their leaving cert and they manage very well. Again, there is a Science Learning centre which provides free tuition.
Does the BSc in Sport and Exercise Sciences offer a foundation for health and nutritional study with sport and exercise?
Yes, there is a focus on nutrition for sport a specific module is dedicated to this, also it is a key strand which runs throughout the programme.
Can a graduate of the BSc in Sports and Exercise Science gain entry to the Professional Masters of Education - Physical Education Teaching?
After the degree it is possible to do a Professional Masters of Education - Physical Education Teaching at UL to become a Physical Education Teacher; however, a number of challenges exist. The only programme in Ireland that has gained Teaching Council approval as a preparatory course for the Professional Masters of Education - Physical Education Teaching is IT Tralee. The Sport and Exercise Science courses do not contain the content knowledge, applied and theoretical, to teach physical education across both the junior and the senior cycle in schools. Since the Professional Masters of Education is strictly a pedagogy course it assumes/requires that students come in with this knowledge.
You apply to both the Teaching Council in Athlone (part of the Department of Education) and UL to gain entry to the Professional Diploma. UL will hold interviews regarding suitability and the Teaching Council will identify practical areas such as dance, gymnastics and aquatics. These can be made up at UL or at other institutions such as UCC. However, these can only be offered if the student has been offered a place on the course. With the new Teaching Council guidelines this requires students to make up the missing modules the year prior to starting the course and with the Professional Diploma now 2-years it will take students 3 years in total to be certified to teach physical education.
Can I go on to study physiotherapy after studying the BSc in Sport and Exercise Sciences? Where would I have to pursue this and how many years would it take it after you have this course done?
It is important to note that MSc courses in physiotherapy are specially designed for graduates in other disciplines. Admission to these courses is not automatic. In addition to getting a good honours degree, candidates must usually pass an interview.
Entry to Physiotherapy training and sports rehabilitation with two years taught MSc programmes at universities in the UK is possible. e.g. the University of Edinburgh, University of Middlesbrough, University of Southampton, University of Salford, King's College London, Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Brighton, Robert Gordon Univ., Aberdeen.
Can I go on to study physiotherapy after studying the BSc in Sport and Exercise Sciences? Where would I have to pursue this and how many years would it take it after you have this course done?
It is important to note that MSc courses in physiotherapy are specially designed for graduates in other disciplines. Admission to these courses is not automatic. In addition to getting a good honours degree, candidates must usually pass an interview.
Entry to Physiotherapy training and sports rehabilitation with two years taught MSc programmes at universities in the UK is possible. e.g. the University of Edinburgh, University of Middlesbrough, University of Southampton, University of Salford, King's College London, Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Brighton, Robert Gordon Univ., Aberdeen.
Do I have to take up a sport if I am studying Sport and Exercise Sciences?
No, you would not have to take up a sport. In two of the sport performance modules, you do study and learn about a sport (e.g. athletics, Gaelic football, hurling/camogie, rugby, and hockey) and in some cases there is an opportunity to get a certificate but you do not have to take up a sport. Many of the students do play sports (some at the highest levels) but some do not. A main criterion for the degree programme is that you like or have an interest in sport and/or exercise and that you also have a liking for science. You do not have to be outstanding in either sport or science but you must not dislike either.
The core science subjects that are studied in the programme are Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics and Psychology. Physics and Maths are preparation for these. A feature of the programme is the number of laboratory sessions, hands-on experience and project work that you get which greatly helps understanding and applications.
After graduating can I gain entry to the Professional Masters of Education - Physical Education Teaching?
After the degree it would be possible to do the Professional Masters of Education - Physical Education (PME PE) at UL to become a Physical Education qualified teacher. However, SES graduates will have to complete certain modules to meet the Teaching Council entry requirements for this course. Please, send an email to the course director Dr Antonio Calderón, to find out more about this pathway to PE teaching.
