Exercise and Health Science

Program Overview

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Exercise and Health Science – BSc

Course Overview

This course will include contributions from physical activity, nutrition, sports science and behaviour change specialists. Students will learn in small class groups, ensuring greater access to equipment and training and applied experience of knowledge generated. Students will also be transitioned into the requirements of education at third level, and their generic skills will be developed throughout the course to support greater employability. This course is designed to produce specialists in behaviour change across all aspects of health but most specifically in exercise/physical activity and nutrition. Across Ireland and worldwide, many people have poor lifestyles and are at risk of developing ill health. A lack of physical activity and poor dietary habits are risk factors for chronic disease but equally these are entirely modifiable behaviours. This course focuses on developing graduates who can promote the adoption of healthier lifestyle habits through effective, sustainable and multi-layered interventions. This is a unique course for those interested in exercise prescription, exercise rehabilitation, nutrition, health promotion and public health. The course includes a 24-week practical work placement where students will gain applied experience in a variety of real-world settings, reflective of potential job opportunities.

Entry Requirements

• Leaving Certificate: Grade O6 at ordinary level in 5 subjects in the Leaving Certificate. Two of these subjects must be mathematics and a language (english or Irish).
• QQI: Places will be reserved for QQI applicants. Required to have the module mathematics (5N1833) included in their award or alternatively 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 (Credits: 5)
• Human Physiology 1 (Credits: 5)
• Academic Skills for Sport and Health Sciences (Credits: 5)
• Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Science 1 (Credits: 5)
• Introducing Health and Wellness (Credits: 5)
• Science for Sport and Health (Credits: 5)

Year 1 – Semester 2

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

Year 2 – Semester 1

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

Year 2 – Semester 2

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

Year 3 – Semester 1

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

Year 3 – Semester 2

• Professional Work Experience (Credits: 30)

Career Opportunities

Studying Exercise and Health Science will provide students with the appropriate qualifications for many career options, all requiring expertise to help people at an individual, community and population level to make favourable lifestyle changes. This may include working as an exercise rehabilitation specialist, a physical activity/sports promotion or development officer, a physical activity/ health promotion specialist in the HSE, a wellness professional, working with general community groups/organisations as well as with specialist populations, such as youth groups, socially disadvantaged/minority groups, older adults and disability groups.

Further Study

Graduates will also be eligible to pursue further study at an undergraduate level and can progress to the Level 8 (Add On) in Physical Activity and Health Science in the Department of Sport and Health Sciences.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

This BSc in Exercise and Health Science is a 3-year, full-time program designed to produce specialists in behavior change across all aspects of health, with a particular focus on exercise/physical activity and nutrition. The program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to promote the adoption of healthier lifestyle habits through effective, sustainable, and multi-layered interventions. It is a unique course for those interested in exercise prescription, exercise rehabilitation, nutrition, health promotion, and public health.

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Objectives:

• To develop graduates who can promote the adoption of healthier lifestyle habits through effective, sustainable, and multi-layered interventions.
• To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of exercise science, nutrition, and health promotion.
• To equip students with the skills necessary to design and deliver effective exercise and nutrition interventions.
• To prepare students for a variety of careers in the health and fitness industry.

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Outline:

The program is structured over three years, with each year divided into two semesters. The course schedule includes a variety of modules covering topics such as:

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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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Assessment:

The assessment methods used in the program vary depending on the module. Common assessment methods include:

• Exams: Written exams are used to assess students' understanding of the theoretical concepts covered in the modules.
• Assignments: Students are required to complete a variety of assignments, such as essays, reports, and presentations, to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
• Practical Assessments: Practical assessments are used to assess students' skills in areas such as exercise instruction, nutrition counseling, and health promotion.
• Portfolio: Students may be required to compile a portfolio of their work, which can include assignments, presentations, and practical assessments.

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Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. The teaching methods used in the program are designed to be interactive and engaging, and include:

• Lectures: Lectures are used to introduce students to the key concepts and theories covered in the modules.
• Seminars: Seminars provide students with the opportunity to discuss and debate the topics covered in the lectures.
• Practical Sessions: Practical sessions provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a hands-on setting.
• Group Work: Group work encourages students to collaborate and learn from each other.
• Case Studies: Case studies provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

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Careers:

Graduates of the BSc in Exercise and Health Science program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the health and fitness industry. Some potential career paths include:

• Exercise Rehabilitation Specialist: Exercise rehabilitation specialists work with individuals who have experienced injuries or illnesses to help them regain their functional capacity.
• Physical Activity/Sports Promotion or Development Officer: Physical activity/sports promotion or development officers work to promote physical activity and sport in communities.
• Physical Activity/Health Promotion Specialist in the HSE: Physical activity/health promotion specialists in the HSE work to promote health and well-being in the community.
• Wellness Professional: Wellness professionals work with individuals to help them achieve their health and fitness goals.
• Health Promotion Specialist: Health promotion specialists work to promote health and well-being in a variety of settings, such as schools, workplaces, and communities.

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Other:

• The program includes a 24-week practical work placement where students will gain applied experience in a variety of real-world settings, reflective of potential job opportunities.
• Students will be transitioned into the requirements of education at third level, and their generic skills will be developed throughout the course to support greater employability.
• The program is delivered in small class groups, ensuring greater access to equipment and training and applied experience of knowledge generated.