What you will study
This module provides a solid base in sports and fitness, introducing key ideas to help with further study or personal growth. You’ll explore core sport and exercise topics while building skills that can be used for future learning and career opportunities. The module has six parts:
Being active
This first topic sets the scene for the module, introduces the module materials, and explains the support available during your studies. In addition to exploring the differences between the terms ‘sport’ and ‘exercise,’ you will study why it is important for humans to be physically active and how this impacts physical and mental health, self-identity, and self-confidence.
Exploring physical activity
The next section examines the factors that influence sport and fitness participation among different population groups. You’ll reflect on what has shaped your own engagement with these activities and explore how broader social contexts impact people’s involvement.
The performing body
This block builds on your understanding of physiology. It examines the components of fitness and how to test and develop them using various methods. It introduces the core principles of anatomy and physiology, including the anatomy of the skeletal and muscular systems and the body’s energy systems.
The moving body
This topic introduces the basic principles of biomechanics, explaining how humans move and how movement can be made more efficient and effective. You’ll explore how to apply these principles to enhance athletic performance and prevent injury.
Fuelling the body
This section explores the components of a healthy diet by examining the structures and roles of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. You’ll also study the importance of vitamins, minerals, and water, and consider the role of nutrition in optimising health and performance in sport and exercise activities.
Examining the sporting body
In this final block, you’ll choose three focus areas to explore. Options include examining why people participate in extreme ultra-endurance sports, how data is gathered from the body, issues surrounding disabled bodies and disability sports, the role of sports clothing, and the significance of physical play in childhood. Each area is examined from physiological, psychological, and sociocultural perspectives, providing a well-rounded understanding.
You will learn
By the end of this module, you’ll be able to:
- describe how sport, exercise, and physical activity benefit physical and mental health
- explain the scientific principles and methods that support training for sports performance
- develop an understanding of the key concepts of nutrition and how they can be applied to sports performance, exercise and physical activity
- explore factors that influence participation in sport, exercise and physical activity
- recognise the role of the body in sports performance, exercise, and physical activity across different contexts.
Vocational relevance
This module is for those interested in sport and fitness or who want to start or develop their careers in the industry.
Professional recognition
This module counts as five continuing professional development (CPD) points as a non-endorsed activity with The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMPSA).