Sport and Exercise Nutrition degree - BSc(Hons)

Program Overview

The Sport and Exercise Nutrition program at Bath Spa University provides a comprehensive blend of scientific knowledge and practical skills in nutrition and exercise. Students explore the impact of nutrition on performance, health, and well-being, developing the expertise to support individuals and communities in achieving optimal health outcomes. Graduates are equipped to pursue diverse careers in health and wellbeing, food, and education, including roles as health physiologists, health coaches, and nutritionists.

Program Outline

Sport and Exercise Nutrition BSc (Hons) - Bath Spa University

Degree Overview:

This degree provides a scientific and academic approach to sport and exercise nutrition, grounded in the principles of physiology and biochemistry. It explores the social and psychological factors influencing physical activity, food choices, nutrition, and health.

Objectives:

• Understand the nutritional requirements for physical activity, improved performance, and health.
• Develop the knowledge and practical skills needed for a wide range of career paths in health and wellbeing, food, and education.
• Gain an understanding of the ethical and professional framework for working in the field.
• Develop independent learning and research skills.

Outline:

Year One (Level 4):

• Biological Techniques: Introduces fundamental laboratory techniques and scientific methods.
• Anatomy and Physiology: Explores the structure and function of the human body, focusing on systems relevant to exercise and nutrition.
• Food and Nutrition: Provides a comprehensive overview of food science, nutrition, and dietary guidelines.
• Nutrition and Exercise for Health: Examines the role of nutrition in promoting health and preventing disease, particularly in relation to physical activity.
• Sports Management: Introduces the business and organizational aspects of the sports industry.

Year Two (Level 5):

• Research Skills for Sport and Exercise Nutrition: Develops research methodology and critical thinking skills for conducting independent research.
• Human Pathophysiology and Nutrition: Explores the relationship between nutrition and disease, focusing on the physiological mechanisms involved.
• Human Nutrition: Delves deeper into the science of human nutrition, covering specific nutrients and their roles in health.
• Sport Psychology: Examines the psychological factors influencing athletic performance, motivation, and behavior.
• Biology Work Placement: (Optional) Provides practical experience in a relevant field, such as a research laboratory or healthcare setting.
• Future Food: Food and Nutrition in the 21st Century: Explores emerging trends and challenges in food production, consumption, and sustainability.
• Food Product Development for Quality, Health and Exercise: (Optional) Focuses on the development of food products tailored for specific health and performance needs.
• Health Psychology: Examines the psychological aspects of health and illness, including health behaviors and interventions.
• Clinical Psychology: (Optional) Provides an introduction to the principles and practice of clinical psychology.
• Health: Mind, Body, Society: Explores the social, cultural, and environmental factors influencing health and wellbeing.
• Business of Sport: (Optional) Covers the business principles and practices relevant to the sports industry.
• Media Law and Ethics: (Optional) Examines legal and ethical issues related to media and communication in the sports context.
• Sport and Society: (Optional) Explores the social and cultural significance of sport and its impact on society.
• Science Journalism and Publishing: (Optional) Introduces the principles and practices of science communication and publishing.
• Professional Placement Year: (Optional) Provides a year of full-time work experience in a relevant field, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills in a professional setting.

Year Three (Level 6):

• Dissertation Planning for Sport and Exercise Nutrition: Guides students through the process of planning and conducting their independent research project.
• Dissertation Publication Sport and Exercise Nutrition: Provides training on how to write and publish research findings in a professional format.
• Anatomy, Physiology and Metabolism for Physical Activity: Examines the physiological adaptations to exercise and the role of metabolism in energy production.
• Applied Sport and Exercise Nutrition: Applies theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, focusing on the development of nutrition plans for athletes and active individuals.
• Medical Biology: (Optional) Covers the biological basis of disease and the role of medical interventions.
• Epidemiology and Public Health: (Optional) Explores the principles of epidemiology and the factors influencing public health.
• Plants and People: (Optional) Examines the relationship between plants and human health, including the role of phytochemicals in nutrition.
• Food and Nutrition in Practice: (Optional) Provides practical experience in a food-related setting, such as a hospital or community center.
• Clinical Biochemistry: (Optional) Covers the biochemical processes involved in disease and the use of biochemical tests in diagnosis and treatment.
• Mechanisms of Disease: (Optional) Explores the underlying mechanisms of various diseases and their impact on human health.
• Advanced Topics in Psychology: (Optional) Delves deeper into specific areas of psychology, such as cognitive psychology or social psychology.
• Contemporary Issues in Sport: (Optional) Examines current issues and controversies in the world of sport.
• Publishing Industry Project: (Optional) Provides practical experience in the publishing industry, such as working on a journal or book project.

Assessment:

• Diet and physical activity analysis: Students will analyze dietary and activity data using specialist software.
• Reports and evaluations: Students will write reports and evaluations based on research findings or practical experiences.
• Practical report writing: Students will write reports on laboratory experiments or practical activities.
• Essays: Students will write essays on various topics related to sport and exercise nutrition.
• Case studies: Students will analyze and discuss real-world case studies related to nutrition and performance.
• Group and individual presentations: Students will present their research findings or case studies to their peers.
• Lab skills assessment: Students will be assessed on their practical skills in the laboratory.
• Literature reviews: Students will conduct and write literature reviews on specific topics.
• Exams: Students will take exams to assess their understanding of key concepts and theories.

Teaching:

• Lectures: Students will attend lectures delivered by experienced faculty members, including Registered Nutritionists.
• Seminars: Students will participate in seminars to discuss and debate key topics.
• Case studies: Students will work through case studies to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Practical workshops: Students will participate in practical workshops to develop their skills in areas such as food preparation, data analysis, and research methods.
• Educational visits: Students may have the opportunity to visit relevant organizations or facilities, such as sports clubs, research laboratories, or food production facilities.
• Independent study: Students will be expected to engage in independent study to deepen their understanding of the subject matter.

Careers:

• Health physiologist: Works with individuals to improve their physical function and performance.
• Health coach: Provides guidance and support to individuals on their health and wellness journey.
• Health improvement practitioner: Works in public health settings to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent disease.
• Health and wellbeing advisor: Provides advice and support on health and wellbeing issues in various settings, such as workplaces or schools.
• Freelance nutritionist: Provides personalized nutrition counseling and plans to individuals.
• Laboratory work/research: Conducts research in areas related to nutrition, exercise, and health.
• Food industry work: Works in the food industry, developing and marketing food products.
• Dietetics: (After a postgraduate dietetics program) Provides medical nutrition therapy to individuals with various health conditions.
• Secondary school teaching – Biology: (After a PGCE) Teaches biology in secondary schools.
• Master's programs in specialisms: (e.g., clinical nutrition or public health) Further specializes in a specific area of nutrition.
• PhD study and research: Conducts advanced research in nutrition and related fields.

Other:

• Study abroad: Students can choose to study abroad at one of Bath Spa's partner universities.
• Global Citizenship: Full-time undergraduate students can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which provides opportunities for international engagement and development.
• Adobe Creative Campus: Bath Spa University is one of only three Adobe Creative Campuses in the UK, providing students with access to the full Adobe Creative Suite.
• Facilities and resources: Students have access to well-equipped laboratories, a low-hazard laboratory space, a biology resources room, the Commons building, the Newton Park library, and the Virtual Learning Environment.
• Professional placement year: Students can choose to take a professional placement year between their second and final year, providing valuable work experience.

2024 entry Student Annual tuition fee UK full time £9,250 UK part time £4,625 International full time £15,750 Professional Placement Year During the placement year, the fee is reduced to 20% of the full time fee. This applies to UK and EU/International students. UK: £1,850 International: £3,150