Applied Sports Science, BSc

Applied Sports Science, BSc

Introduction

Applied Sports Science integrates lab-based science learning with practical field-based experience to help prepare students for a career in sports-related industries. Using the state-of-the-art facilities at Aberdeen Sports Village, and building on clinical excellence at the Foresterhill Health Campus, students will develop skills to promote healthy living throughout life.

We are ranked 1st in the UK for Anatomy and Physiology in The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

Study Information

At a Glance

Learning Mode
On Campus Learning
Degree Qualification
BSc
Duration
48 months
Study Mode
Full Time
Start Month
September
Location of Study
Aberdeen
UCAS Code
C605
Pathway Programme Available
Undergraduate Foundation Programme

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.

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.

What You'll Study

The degree programme is designed to provide students with the experience of working with athletes and sports teams to deliver sport science support in maximising performance, training practice and competition preparation. These goals are achieved by the application of the theoretical principles of Physiology, Biomechanics, Nutrition and Psychology that underpin sports preparation, performance and recovery.

Year 1

In year 1 you will take the following courses:

  • Introduction to Science of Sport, Exercise and Health
  • Fitness, Performance and Survival

Compulsory Courses

Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)

This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students (and articulating students who are in their first year at the University), is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.

Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.

Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.

Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1 (CM1020)

15 Credit Points

This course covers the foundations of chemistry that underpin the life sciences at a molecular level and is suitable for students with different backgrounds including little or no previous study of chemistry. The basic concepts of quantitative chemistry will be covered, along with the different types of organic molecules, acids and bases, and the principles of kinetics and thermodynamics. The relevance of the course materials to life science is emphasised throughout.

Laboratory classes introduce important practical techniques, with experiments that reinforce and complement the taught material.

The course will allow students to continue with other chemistry courses as part of their enhanced study by providing discipline breadth.

Introduction to Medical Sciences (SM1001)

15 Credit Points

  • Topics covered in this course span medical science through the ages; from ancient civilizations to the modern day science of genomics and synthetic biology.
  • Alongside lecture material, in depth practical classes will cover biomedical measurement techniques, forensic science and a research-based mini project.
  • Overall, this course is a journey through some of the key milestones that underpin the discipline of medical science we see today.
Introduction to the Science of Sport, Exercise and Health (SR1002)

15 Credit Points

  • this course introduces core concepts of physiology, sport science and biomedical science and sets foundations for further study of these topics;
  • the course uses responses and adaptations to exercise and physical challenges to integrate and highlight links between biomedical subjects like anatomy, nutrition, pharmacology or bioenergetics;
  • the course uses a streamlined modular system to deliver and assess the course content and fortnightly online assessments ensure effective learning and are highly commended by students;
  • each subject or practical class is delivered by specialized members of staff to ensure state-of-the-art content and delivery
Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2 (CM1512)

15 Credit Points

Chemistry plays a vital role in the life sciences, explaining the properties of biomolecules and how biological processes work at a molecular level. Organic reaction mechanisms give insight into how different types of molecules can be synthesised and methods of chemical analysis introduce other important topics linking the chemical and life sciences. The relationship between energy, entropy and equilibrium in driving reactions will be covered and the course concludes with a survey of the molecules of life – proteins, enzymes and sugars.

Laboratory classes complement lectures by consolidating learning and developing problem-solving and hands-on practical skills.

The Cell (SM1501)

15 Credit Points

• Cells are the fundamental unit of life – without them life could not exist, and as such understanding how they function is crucial to our understanding of biology and medical science.• This course provides theoretical knowledge in a diverse range of topics covering the fascinating world of cells, from molecules like DNA, to how different cell types function within our bodies.• All practical classes are research based and will provide theoretical knowledge and skills training in many areas of molecular and cell biology.• Employability skills will also be explored through a highly interactive enterprise session and our online mini course.

Fitness, Performance and Survival (SR1503)

15 Credit Points

  • this course further develops and integrates core concepts of physiology, sport science and biomedical science and expands foundations for more advanced study of these topics;
  • the course integrates various subjects of biomedical science such as Physiology, Nutrition, Biochemistry or Sport Sciences to understand responses and adaptations to exercise and physical challenges;
  • the course uses a streamlined modular system to deliver and assess the course content and fortnightly online assessments ensure effective learning and are highly commended by students;
  • each subject or practical class is delivered by specialized members of staff to ensure state-of-the-art content and delivery

Optional Courses

Plus select 30 credit points from courses of choice

Year 2

In year 2 you will take the following courses:

  • Science of Sports Performance
  • Principles of Strength and Conditioning
  • Exercise and Health

Compulsory Courses

Physiology of Human Cells (BI20B2)

15 Credit Points

  • Physiology is the science of understanding life. It allows you to explore and understand why your body does what it does and how it does it;
  • This introductory physiology course explores living processes at the level of cells and molecules;
  • The course lays down many of the fundamental concepts of physiology required to appreciate advanced study of many of the medical science disciplines;
  • You will gain practical experience and understanding of electrophysiological techniques required for the study of electrically excitable tissues, like nerves and muscle;
  • You will also gain valuable experience in the key skill of writing formal scientific reports
The Science of Sports Performance (SR2002)

15 Credit Points

• understanding the fundamental factors that limit exercise performance is of great importance for human health and athletic performance;

• this course integrates the knowledge in biomechanics, physiology, psychology and pharmacology in order to build a comprehensive understanding of physical activity and exercise performance in humans;

• this core knowledge prepares you for more advanced study of sports and health sciences;

• you will also participate in practical series focussed on energy expenditure and fitness testing which will build essential laboratory and data analysis skills of importance for employability in the area of sports and health

Physiology of Human Organ Systems (BI25B2)

15 Credit Points

  • The Physiology of Human Organ Systems course aims to develop and integrated understanding of human organ structure and function through:

    •innovative teaching approaches covering the digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and reproductive systems

    • participation in practical classes where students act as subjects and investigators. These will reinforce lecture material, develop scientific acumen and build team working skills

    • focussed and interactive problem solving sessions applying knowledge to clinical scenarios, and developing fundamental skills critically required in the final years of the degree;

    • informal teaching sessions where one-to-one staff-student interactions encourage discussion in a non-threatening environment

Research Skills for Medical Sciences (SM2501)

15 Credit Points

  • this course cultivates literature research skills, building confidence in team-working and communication through scientific writing and seminar presentation;
  • it encourages student-led learning and organisation in researching a topic on human health or disease of your own choice, with tutors providing guidance;
  • you will learn to use online and library resources to search for information from primary research articles and relay that information in the form of a written report and a Powerpoint presentation to peers and academic tutors;
  • these are all fundamental skills for scientific researchers, but are also transferrable talents for many other career pathways
Exercise and Health (SR2501)

15 Credit Points

  • this course covers many ways in which exercise can be a useful tool in the prevention of disease and the promotion of health;
  • examples of the areas covered include cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, cancer, ageing, psychological conditions and immune dysfunction. The pathophysiology underlying these conditions will be introduced and how exercise can be a modulating factor;
  • this will prepare you for further study in clinical exercise physiology;
  • practical classes will deliver hands on science and will also cover data handling and statistical analysis
Principles of Strength and Conditioning (SR2003)

15 Credit Points

The design and application of training programmes requires an understanding of the principles of Strength and Conditioning to optimise the response in relation to human health and athletic performance

this course examines both the neuromuscular system and cardiorespiratory systems in order to build a comprehensive understanding of the capacity and limitations related to exercise performance in humans;

this core knowledge prepares you for more advanced study of sports and health sciences;

you will participate in the applied practice of fitness testing and assessment, which will build essential laboratory and data analysis skills of importance for employability in the area of sports and health

Energy for Life (BI25M7)

15 Credit Points

  • understanding the fundamental workings of cells is important to a wide range of scientific disciplines;
  • this course integrates the key metabolic and biochemical processes that underpin human, animal and plant life in relation to health and disease;
  • this core knowledge prepares you for more advanced study in all areas of life sciences and has wide ranging applications;
  • you will also participate in an award winning practical series focussed on drug discovery which will build essential employability skills in experimental design, data analysis and practical laboratory skills

Optional Courses

Plus select 15 credit points from courses of choice

Year 3

In year 3 you will take the following courses:

  • Applied Practice in Sport Science I
  • Sports Psychology
  • Applied Practice in Sport Science II

Compulsory Courses

Integrative Physiology (PY3002)

30 Credit Points

  • this course integrates advanced physiological knowledge using examples from four different organ systems to help explain how these systems interact in health and disease;
  • use of real-life clinical examples, diagnostic test data and a literature-based research project facilitates an enquiry and interest-based learning experience;
  • with an aging population and ever-increasing number of people with complex diseases, you will appreciate why understanding how organs interact is the key to improving the diagnosis and treatment of various disorders;
  • state-of-the-art practical classes measuring physiological functions delivers hands-on science and clinically-related skills to develop professional preparation and knowledge-based practice
Applied Practice in Sport Science i (SR3009)

15 Credit Points

The quantitative assessment and analysis of training, competition preparation and recovery involves the integration of an understanding of exercise physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition to optimise athletic performance.

this course examines training practice and competition preparation to provide an analytical assessment of adaptation and recovery to training and competition in athletes;

the course utilises a problem-based approach to allow students to develop critical thinking and engagement with coaches to deliver the scientific analysis of data;

the course provides the opportunity to actively engage in sport science support to develop data analysis skills and a problem solving approach to athlete development.

Sports Psychology (SR3301)

15 Credit Points

• This course will develop an understanding of the psychology sport and exercise;

• Look at psychological factors likely to affect individuals and their performance in the sporting environment;

• Develop psychological approaches to improve sports performance and well-being through key theories on behaviour and behaviour change;

• Provide research driven insights and strategies designed to benefit professionals and participants within the health, sport and exercise community.

Applied Practice in Sport Science 2 (SR3509)

30 Credit Points

The quantitative assessment and analysis of training, competition preparation and recovery involves the integration of an understanding of exercise physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition to optimise sport team performance.

This course examines training practice and competition preparation to provide an analytical assessment of training practice and competition in team sport;

The course utilises a problem-based approach to allow students to develop critical thinking and engagement with coaches to deliver the scientific analysis of data collected during matches;

The course provides the opportunity to actively engage in sport science support to develop data analysis skills and a problem solving approach to team performance

Optional Courses

Plus choose one of the following courses:

  • Biochemistry and Nutrition of Exercise (SR3506)
  • Nutrition, Health and Exercise (SR3511)
Biochemistry & Nutrition of Exercise (SR3506)

30 Credit Points

  • This course integrates the key concepts in nutrition and metabolism which are essential for understanding how these metabolic and biochemical processes underpin human physiology;
  • You will be able to apply specialist knowledge of how exercise training and dietary intake influence human adaptation and optimise exercise performance;
  • You will gain in depth and focussed knowledge through core sport and exercise science practicals which enhance employment skills, in addition to improving problem solving, experimental design and data interpretation skills;
  • All this will prepare you for advanced study of human and exercise physiology
Nutrition, Health and Disease (SR3511)

30 Credit Points

  • This course covers a range of scientific nutrition topics including constituents of food, assessment of dietary/nutritional status, energy balance, and nutrition for exercise and sport;
  • Current nutritional recommendations and policies are explored by world experts, including researchers from the prestigious Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health;
  • You will be able to apply specialist knowledge of how exercise training and dietary intake influence human adaptation and optimise exercise performance and/or health;
  • You will gain in depth and focussed knowledge through core nutrition and exercise science practicals which enhance employment skills, improving problem solving, experimental design and data interpretation skills.
Year 4

In your final year you will take the following courses:

  • Research Topics in Sport Science and Studies
  • Exercise Science Project
  • Nutrition, Obesity and Metabolic Health or Exercise Physiology

Compulsory Courses

Honours candidates are required to take both a two hour general examination (SM 4901) and a three hour problem solving examination (SM 4902) at the end of the Final Honours Year.

Research Topics in Sports Science and Studies (SR4007)

30 Credit Points

  • this course covers the most recent research in a variety of topics in sports science and sports studies;
  • you will gain cutting edge, in depth and focussed knowledge of advances in topic ranging from nutrition, muscle, health and metabolism;
  • this knowledge and skills in literature searching will prepare you for you honours research project;
  • in course assessments will focus on writing scientific abstracts and also presentation of scientific material – transferable skills aiming to develop graduate attributes and employability
Nutrition, Obesity and Metabolic Health (SR4008)

15 Credit Points

Obesity is a major worldwide health problem and in simple terms is caused by an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. However, this simple equation ignores the complex range of factors that control how individuals respond to today's energy rich environment. These include differences in the way we sense hunger, our capacity to store or burn energy, our response to nutrients and how circulating factors affect the function of our metabolically important tissues. This course examines how body weight is controlled, why obesity can cause ill-health and what we can do to prevent or treat obesity and associated diseases.

Medical Science Data Analysis Paper (SM4901)

Data Analysis examination paper exclusively for students taking Medical Science degree programmes.

Medical Science General Essay Paper (SM4902)

General Essay examination paper exclusively for students taking Medical Science degree programmes.

Exercise Science Project (SR4501)

Optional Courses

Plus choose one of the following courses:

  • Exercise Physiology (SR4301)
  • The Science of Ageing – From Cradle to Grave (BM4301)
Exercise Physiology (SR4301)

15 Credit Points

  • there is a growing understanding that exercise and physical activity are important contributors to health and wellbeing;
  • this course integrates information pertaining to acute and long term adaptations to various modalities of exercise. You will learn about changes in relevant physiological systems and cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these adaptations;
  • you will also learn about constrains that determine exercise performance and limit the ability to adapt;
  • knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the effects of exercise is increasingly relevant for careers in sports, exercise and health, and biomedical sciences
The Science of Aging - from Cradle to Grave (BM4301)

15 Credit Points

  • this course integrates advanced physiological concepts across the continuum of life;
  • fundamental biomedical scientists meet with advanced clinical practitioners to facilitate an enquiry and interest based learning experience;
  • with an aging population and ever increasing number of children with complex health challenges, you will be prepared to progress along a range of careers threads and understand the dynamic interplay between individuals and their changing physiological, psychological, pharmacological and biochemical needs for lifelong health and wellbeing;
  • state of the art practical classes deliver hands on science and clinical skills to develop professional preparation and knowledge based practice

We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.

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

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

  • coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
  • practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and
  • written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

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.
  • The programme provides flexible learning support for elite and competitive athletes that may have to travel and compete abroad.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.


General Entry Requirements

2024 Entry

SQA Highers

Standard: AABB*

Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.

Minimum: BBB*

Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.

Adjusted: BB*

Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening access criteria are are guaranteed a conditional offer. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.

* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.

More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

A LEVELS

Standard: BBB*

Minimum: BBC*

Adjusted: CCC*

* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.

More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

International Baccalaureate

32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL, with two Mathematics/ Science subjects at HL.

Irish Leaving Certificate

5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 including a minimum of H3 from two Science or Mathematics subjects.

Entry from College

Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.

2025 Entry

SQA Highers

Standard: BBBB*

Applicants who have achieved BBBB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.

Minimum: BBB*

Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.

Adjusted: BB*

Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening access criteria are are guaranteed a conditional offer. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.

Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.

* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.

More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

A LEVELS

Standard: BBC*

Minimum: BCC*

Adjusted: CCC*

* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.

More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

International Baccalaureate

32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL, with two Mathematics/ Science subjects at HL.

Irish Leaving Certificate

5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 including a minimum of H3 from two Science or Mathematics subjects.

Entry from College

Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.

The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Sciences degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.


English Language Requirements

To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:

OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Read more about specific English Language requirements here.

International Applicants who do not meet the Entry Requirements

The University of Aberdeen International Study Centre offers preparation programmes for international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for undergraduate study. Discover your foundation pathway here.

Fees and Funding

You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.

Fee information
Fee category Cost
RUK £9,250
Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year
EU / International students £24,800
Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year
Home Students £1,820
Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year

Scholarships and Funding

Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.

Additional Fees

  • In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
  • For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.

Our Funding Database

View all funding options in our Funding Database.

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.

Industry Links

Aberdeen Sports Village

Aberdeen FC Community Trust

Sportcity, Netherlands

Image for useful fact about this Degree

Top 20 UK University

The University of Aberdeen is ranked 12th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2024 and 19th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

Our Experts

Other Experts
Dr Michael Scholz
Dr Jennifer Gregory
Programme Coordinator
Dr Derek Ball

Information About Staff Changes

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.

Facilities

Image for Foresterhill Health Campus
Foresterhill Health Campus

Foresterhill Health Campus

The Foresterhill Health Campus is one of the largest clinical complexes in Europe which includes the Medical School, large teaching hospital, the Institute of Medical Sciences and the Rowett Institute.

Image for Aberdeen Sports Village
Aberdeen Sports Village

Aberdeen Sports Village

The excellent facilities at Scotland's premier sport and exercise facility are available to students for field-based practicals, individual projects and summer placements.

Image for Science Teaching Hub
Science Teaching Hub

Science Teaching Hub

Our state-of-the-art Science Teaching Hub provides students with a digitally focussed environment including advanced analytical tools, research-grade equipment and flexible laboratory spaces.

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