Exercise and Health Science

Program Overview

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Exercise and Health Science, BSc

Introduction

Exercise and Health Science examines the role of sport and exercise as a means of improving quality of life.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: BSc
• Duration: 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• UCAS Code: C603
• Pathway Programme Available: Undergraduate Foundation Programme

Exercise and Health Science explores the role of sport, exercise and nutrition in the prevention and treatment of disease and overall enhancement of wellbeing throughout the life cycle. It seeks to further our scientific knowledge and understanding about physical activity, the principles and practice of performance, and the application of nutrition, psychology and physical activity to benefit health.

What You'll Study

A degree in Exercise and Health Science is taught via a selection of compulsory and optional courses to enhance your learning and prepare you for a future career or further study. In each year you will take courses adding up to 120 credits. Depending on the number of compulsory and optional courses offered by your degree, you can also choose other eligible courses which fit your timetable.

Year 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
  • Introduction to Medical Sciences (SM1001)
  • Introduction to the Science of Sport, Exercise and Health (SR1002)
  • The Cell (SM1501)
  • Fitness, Performance and Survival (SR1503)
• Optional Courses:
  • EITHER
    • Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1 (CM1020)
    • Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2 (CM1512)
  • OR
    • Introductory Psychology 1: Concepts and Theory (PS1009)
    • Introductory Psychology II: Concepts and Theory (PS1509)
  • Plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Physiology of Human Cells (BI20B2)
  • The Science of Sports Performance (SR2002)
  • Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences (SM2001)
  • Physiology of Human Organ Systems (BI25B2)
  • Exercise and Health (SR2501)
  • Research Skills for Medical Sciences (SM2501)
• Optional Courses:
  • Plus a minimum of one course from the following 3:
    • Advanced Psychology A: Concepts and Theory (PS2017)
    • Energy for Life (BI25M7)
    • Advanced Psychology B: Concepts and Theory (PS2517)
  • Plus credits from courses of choice to reach a total of 120.

Year 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Sports Psychology (SR3301)
  • Architecture of Life (AN3009)
  • Clinical Exercise Physiology (SR3508)
  • Nutrition, Health and Disease (SR3511)
• Optional Courses:
  • Plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 4

• Compulsory Courses:
  • The Science of Aging - from Cradle to Grave (BM4301)
  • Nutrition, Obesity and Metabolic Health (SR4008)
  • Research Topics in Sports Science and Studies (SR4007)
  • Medical Sciences Honours Research Project (SM4501)
  • Medical Science General Essay Paper (SM4902)
  • Medical Science Data Analysis Paper (SM4901)

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.

Learning Methods

• Lab Work
• Lectures
• 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 learnt on the course; and
• written examinations at the end of each course.

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

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

Why Study Exercise and Health Science?

• This is an interdisciplinary degree delivered by specialists in exercise sciences, nutrition and fundamental biomedical sciences.
• The expansion of sectors emphasising the long term benefits of exercise and nutrition for health means there are extensive employment opportunities for graduates of this programme.
• Many scientific disciplines contribute to exercise and health sciences, including physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, psychology, anatomy and biomechanics.
• You will develop a practical knowledge of research skills and methods related to the basic sciences underpinning the use of exercise in health and fitness.

Entry Requirements

This programme is only open for direct entry to Year 2 and 3 for 2025/26 intake.

Qualifications

• SQA Highers: AABB (or better)
• A LEVELS: BBB
• 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.

Fees and Funding

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

• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
• EU / International students: £24,800
• Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme.
• Home Students: £1,820

Scholarships and Funding

• UK Scholarship: Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding.
• Aberdeen Global Scholarship: The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.

Careers

Graduates in Exercise and Health Science will be strongly placed for employment in a wide range of health related industries and institutions.

• Dietitian
• Physiotherapist
• Teacher

Industry Links

• Aberdeen Sports Village
• Aberdeen FC Community Trust

Facilities

• The Institute of Medical Sciences
• Library facilities
• Science Teaching Hub

Related Undergraduate Degrees

• BSc Physiology
• BSc Sports and Exercise Science

Program Outline

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Degree Overview

The Exercise and Health Science program at the University of Aberdeen delves into the role of exercise and nutrition as tools for enhancing quality of life. You will gain fundamental knowledge of sports science and medical science, establishing a solid grasp of the interconnectedness between exercise and health. The program further explores specific areas like health and disease, physical activity, psychology, and nutrition, equipping you with in-depth knowledge and practical skills for a successful career.

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Program Objectives:

• To equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the role of exercise and health in disease prevention, treatment, and overall well-being enhancement.
• To develop students' scientific knowledge and understanding of physical activity, performance, and the application of nutrition, psychology, and physical activity to benefit health.
• To foster critical thinking and analytical skills for application in various settings.
• To provide opportunities for hands-on learning through practical classes, laboratory experiences, and potential research projects.
• To prepare students for a range of careers in the health, fitness, and research fields, or for further postgraduate studies.

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Program Outline

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Year 1:

• Introduction to Medical Sciences
• Introduction to the Science of Sport, Exercise and Health
• The Cell
• Fitness, Performance and Survival
• Select additional courses from Science and other areas

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Year 2:

• Physiology of Human Cells
• The Science of Sports Performance
• Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences
• Physiology of Human Organ Systems
• Exercise and Health
• Research Skills for Medical Sciences
• Select additional courses

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Year 3:

• Architecture of Life
• Sports Psychology
• Clinical Exercise Physiology
• Nutrition, Health and Disease
• Select additional courses

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Year 4 (Honours):

• The Science of Aging - From Cradle to Grave
• Nutrition, Obesity and Metabolic Health
• Research Topics in Sports Science and Studies
• Medical Sciences Honours Research Project
• Medical Science General Essay Paper
• Medical Science Data Analysis Paper

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Optional Courses

Students can select a variety of optional courses offered in each year to customize their learning experience and explore specific areas of interest.

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Structure:

The program is structured to provide a solid foundation in core concepts and progressively build on that knowledge with more advanced topics. The curriculum includes lectures, practical sessions, tutorials, individual research projects, and opportunities for hands-on learning.

• Year 1: Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Nutrition, Psychology, Biomechanics, and Exercise Physiology.
• Year 2: Advanced Physiology, Sports Psychology, Exercise Prescription, Research Methods, and Nutrition for Health and Performance.
• Year 3: Clinical Exercise Physiology, Sports Injuries and Rehabilitation, Public Health, and Advanced Nutrition.
• Year 4: Research Project, Current Topics in Exercise and Health Science, and Career Development.

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Other

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Program Strengths:

• Ranked 1st in the UK for Anatomy and Physiology by The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
• Strong emphasis on practical learning through laboratory classes, research projects, and potential industrial placements.
• Experienced faculty with expertise in various areas of exercise and health science.
• State-of-the-art facilities and resources for an enriching learning experience.
• Opportunities for further postgraduate studies in related fields.
• The University of Aberdeen offers various scholarships and financial support options for eligible students.
• The program has strong industry links with professional bodies and organizations in the health and fitness sector.
• Graduates are well-equipped for careers as exercise physiologists, sports scientists, nutritionists, health educators, researchers, and more.

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Conclusion:

The Exercise and Health Science program at the University of Aberdeen provides a well-rounded education for students interested in pursuing careers related to promoting health and well-being through exercise and healthy lifestyle choices.

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Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year

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RUK

£9,250

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EU / International students

£24,800

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Home Students

£1,820