Physical Activity and Health Science - BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

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Physical Activity and Health Science – BSc (Hons)

Course Overview

This course draws upon expertise from psychologists, nutritionists, exercise and sport scientists, and public health professionals to provide you with the knowledge and skills to improve the general health of various sectors of society using exercise courses, physical activity and nutrition. This is a unique course primarily due to the multidisciplinary approach to physical activity and nutrition for public health. No other course within the Republic of Ireland produces graduates with a comparable in-depth knowledge of both physical activity and nutritional interventions, while bringing together the social, behavioural, biological and biomedical sciences to facilitate the development and improvement of existing interventional techniques. Being physically active and having a healthy diet are important for people of all ages to maintain their health and wellbeing. As the number of people with diseases associated with physical inactivity and poor nutrition increases, the roles of exercise, physical activity and dietary behaviour in health promotion are gaining more importance. If you would like to be part of the national and local effort to improve the health and wellbeing of this country, then this is the course for you.

Entry Requirements

• Leaving Certificate: Minimum of Grade H5 at higher level in two subjects plus a minimum of grade O6/H7 at ordinary level in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination. Two of these six subjects must be Mathematics and a language (English or Irish).
• QQI: Places will be reserved for QQI applicants. Any major QQI award with three distinctions and a pass in 5N1833 or 5N0556 or Leaving Certificate Maths at O6/H7.
• Mature Applicants: The Department welcomes application from mature students. Such applicants may not be required to have the minimum entry requirements. However, the Institute will look for satisfactory evidence of the applicant’s ability to pursue and benefit from the course. Knowledge and skills gained through experiential learning will be taken into account. Mature applicants may be required to attend for interview at TUS as part of the selection process.
• International Applicants: International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application.

Course Modules

Year 1 – Semester 1

• Physical Activity for Health (5 credits)
• Human Physiology 1 (5 credits)
• Academic Skills for Sport and Health Sciences (5 credits)
• Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Science 1 (5 credits)
• Introducing Health and Wellness (5 credits)
• Science for Sport and Health (5 credits)

Year 1 – Semester 2

• Quantitative Methods for the Health Sciences (5 credits)
• Lifestyle Behaviours, Health and Wellness (5 credits)
• Human Physiology 2 (5 credits)
• Factors Influencing Physical Activity (5 credits)
• Academic and Scientific Writing Skills for Sport and Health Sciences (5 credits)
• Group Exercise Instruction (5 credits)

Year 2 – Semester 1

• Sports & Health Marketing and Entrepreneurship (5 credits)
• Youth Physical Activity (5 credits)
• Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Science 1 (5 credits)
• Introducing Health and Wellness (5 credits)
• Measuring Physical Activity (5 credits)
• Views of Society and Health (5 credits)

Year 2 – Semester 2

• Functional Anatomy for Sport Science (5 credits)
• Promoting Health (5 credits)
• Research Methods and Statistics 1 (5 credits)
• Individual Exercise Instruction (5 credits)
• Nutrition for Health across the Lifespan (5 credits)
• Applied Exercise Physiology (5 credits)

Year 3 – Semester 1

• Research Methods and Statistics 2 (5 credits)
• Youth Physical Activity (5 credits)
• Promoting Health for Special Populations (5 credits)
• Exercise Prescription for Clinical Populations (5 credits)
• Understanding Health Risk and How to Change Behaviour (5 credits)
• Epidemiology in Public Health (5 credits)

Year 3 – Semester 2

• Professional Work Experience (30 credits)

Year 4 – Semester 1

• Research Project (Year-Long) (20 credits)
• Designing Healthy Lifestyle Programmes (10 credits)
• Consultation Skills for Public Health (10 credits)

Year 4 – Semester 2

• Research Project (Year-Long) (20 credits)
• Advanced Exercise Prescription (10 credits)
• Delivering and Evaluating Healthy Lifestyle Programmes (10 credits)

Career Opportunities

There are several career pathways open to you as a graduate of this degree. These include employment with health and fitness centres/GP exercise referral schemes, as physical activity co-ordinator/administrators (within the LSP/HS or other bodies), as health promotion co-ordinators within large multinational companies based in Ireland, within hospitals/primary care centres as physical activity and health officers, as community wellness course co-ordinators, health promotion consultants/policy officers, as exercise and physical activity co-ordinators for active retirement groups, youth services/clubs groups, special needs groups.

Further Study

Many students progress to further study in areas such as health promotion, nutrition, psychology and exercise physiology. Students also successfully progress to doctoral level research undertaking PhDs in TUS and other Universities across Ireland and internationally.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

This BSc (Hons) in Physical Activity and Health Science is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program offered at the Athlone Campus of the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). It draws upon expertise from various disciplines, including psychology, nutrition, exercise and sport science, and public health, to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the general health of diverse populations through exercise, physical activity, and nutrition. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to physical activity and nutrition for public health, setting it apart from other courses in Ireland. Graduates gain in-depth knowledge of both physical activity and nutritional interventions, integrating social, behavioral, biological, and biomedical sciences to develop and enhance existing interventional techniques. The program recognizes the growing importance of physical activity and healthy diets in promoting health and well-being, particularly in light of the increasing prevalence of diseases associated with physical inactivity and poor nutrition. It aims to prepare students to contribute to national and local efforts to improve the health and well-being of the population.

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Outline:

The program is structured across four years, with each year divided into two semesters. The curriculum includes a comprehensive range of modules covering various aspects of physical activity, health science, and nutrition.

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Year 1:

• Semester 1:
• Physical Activity for Health
• Human Physiology 1
• Academic Skills for Sport and Health Sciences
• Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Science 1
• Introducing Health and Wellness
• Science for Sport and Health
• Semester 2:
• Quantitative Methods for the Health Sciences
• Lifestyle Behaviours, Health and Wellness
• Human Physiology 2
• Factors Influencing Physical Activity
• Academic and Scientific Writing Skills for Sport and Health Sciences
• Group Exercise Instruction

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Year 2:

• Semester 1:
• Sports & Health Marketing and Entrepreneurship
• Youth Physical Activity
• Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Science 1
• Introducing Health and Wellness
• Measuring Physical Activity
• Views of Society and Health
• Semester 2:
• Functional Anatomy for Sport Science
• Promoting Health
• Research Methods and Statistics 1
• Individual Exercise Instruction
• Nutrition for Health across the Lifespan
• Applied Exercise Physiology

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Year 3:

• Semester 1:
• Research Methods and Statistics 2
• Youth Physical Activity
• Exercise Prescription for Clinical Populations
• Understanding Health Risk and How to Change Behaviour
• Epidemiology in Public Health
• Semester 2:
• Professional Work Experience

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Year 4:

• Semester 1:
• Research Project (Year-Long)
• Designing Healthy Lifestyle Programmes
• Consultation Skills for Public Health
• Semester 2:
• Research Project (Year-Long)
• Advanced Exercise Prescription
• Delivering and Evaluating Healthy Lifestyle Programmes

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Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Assignments: Students complete various assignments throughout the program, such as essays, reports, presentations, and practical exercises, to demonstrate their application of knowledge and skills.
• Practical Assessments: Practical assessments are incorporated into modules that involve hands-on skills, such as exercise instruction and program design.
• Research Project: The year-long research project in Year 4 requires students to conduct independent research, analyze data, and present their findings in a written report and oral presentation.

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Teaching:

The program employs a diverse range of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Lectures provide students with a foundational understanding of key concepts and theories.
• Tutorials: Tutorials offer opportunities for students to engage in interactive discussions, problem-solving, and application of knowledge.
• Practical Sessions: Practical sessions provide hands-on experience in areas such as exercise instruction, program design, and data collection.
• Guest Speakers: The program invites guest speakers from industry and research to share their expertise and insights.
• Case Studies: Case studies are used to illustrate real-world applications of theoretical concepts and to develop critical thinking skills.

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Careers:

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) in Physical Activity and Health Science are well-prepared for a variety of career paths in the health and fitness industry, public health, and related fields. Potential career opportunities include:

• Health and Fitness Centers: Physical activity instructors, personal trainers, fitness coordinators
• GP Exercise Referral Schemes: Exercise specialists, physical activity coordinators
• Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) and Health Service Executive (HSE): Physical activity coordinators, administrators
• Multinational Companies: Health promotion coordinators
• Hospitals and Primary Care Centers: Physical activity and health officers
• Community Wellness Programs: Course coordinators
• Health Promotion Consultants and Policy Officers: Health promotion specialists
• Active Retirement Groups, Youth Services, and Special Needs Groups: Exercise and physical activity coordinators

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Other:

• The program requires all students to obtain Garda clearance through the National Vetting Bureau.
• The program is delivered by the Sport & Health Sciences Department at TUS Athlone.
• The program is accredited by the Irish Association of Physical Activity and Health (IAPAH).
• The program is aligned with the National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP).
• The program is supported by the SHE Research Group at TUS Athlone.