BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise

Key Points

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This programme will provide you with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the key elements of sport, exercise, health and physical activity from a science perspective. Throughout the program, you will study the science behind safe participation and effective performance in physical activity and sport.

The Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science is a four-year programme that includes an eight-month period of work experience (Co-operative Education) in relevant placements during the third year.

The first year of the course provides a transition and immersion into sport and exercise science. You will undertake broad modules under the themes of “What makes an Olympic champion?”, “Why exercise is good for health?” and “What are the determinants of human performance?”. These themes are explored in each of the core disciplines within sport and exercise science, including physiology, anatomy, psychology, biomechanics and training science, and provide a foundation for these and other disciplines, such as mathematics and physics, which enable a 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’ll have the opportunity to improve personal performance and prepare for coaching awards and certification. In second year you select an elective and will take two modules in Law or Computer Science. In your final year you will undertake a project on a topic related to an aspect of sport and exercise science.

Program structure

Semester 1

  • Science and Performance Coaching 1
  • Functional Anatomy
  • Human Physiological Systems for Sport and Exercise Science
  • Sport and Exercise Sciences: Transition
  • Science Mathematics 1
  • Physics for general science 1


Semester 2

  • Exercise and fitness
  • Introduction to Biomechanics for Sport and Exercise
  • Scientific Perspectives on Sport and Exercise Psychology
  • Sport and Exercise Science: Immersion
  • Introduction to Information Technology
  • Introduction to Biochemistry

Semester 3

  • Science and Performance Coaching 2
  • Quantitative biomechanical analysis
  • Physiology Muscle in motion
  • Science Mathematics 3


Optional:

  • Principles of Law
  • Enterprise Information Systems
  • Extension modules


Semester 4

  • Science and Performance Coaching 3
  • Sports injuries
  • Muscle contraction support systems
  • Psychology of movement: development from infancy to adolescence.


Optional:

  • Sport and Law
  • Business Information Technology 1
  • Extension modules

Semester 5

  • Quantitative biomechanical analysis
  • Nutrition, Exercise Metabolism and Sports Performance
  • Perception and cognition in action
  • Fundamental concepts of human research and their application.


Semester 6

  • Cooperative education 1
  • Cooperative education 2

Semester 7

  • Human Performance Evaluation
  • Advanced biomechanical analysis
  • Exercise and health
  • Applied sports psychology
  • Project SES A


Semester 8

  • Project SES B
  • New methods in biomechanics
  • Clinical applications of exercise
  • Exercise Psychology

Admission requirements

  • Applicants will require a baccalaureate degree officially translated into English.
  • IELTS 6.0 or higher (or internationally recognised equivalent).
  • TOEFL 580 (paper-based) or 90 (online).
  • UL has approved the use of the Duolingo English Test (DET) as a temporary measure for 2021/2 admission (due to test center closures). The minimum requirement will be a DET score of 110. An interview may be required along with this for certain programs.

Applicants must possess at the time of enrolment the prescribed Certificate of Completion (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: two H5 (Higher Level) grades and four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language and English.

Note: The F6 grade in Foundation Mathematics also satisfies the minimum entry requirements. Foundation Maths is not considered for marking purposes.

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