THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2022/2023

Timetable information in the Course Catalogue may be subject to change.

University Homepage
DRPS Homepage
DRPS Search
DRPS Contact
DRPS : Course Catalogue : Moray House School of Education and Sport : Sport

Undergraduate Course: Sport Science 1B: Biomechanics & Sport Psychology (SPRT08022)

Course Outline
SchoolMoray House School of Education and Sport CollegeCollege of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 8 (Year 1 Undergraduate) AvailabilityNot available to visiting students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryThis is a 2-part course covering two key disciplines within Sport Science: Biomechanics and Sport Psychology. Both parts of the course have their own teaching, learning and assessment.

Biomechanics:
This element of the course will incorporate study of the classical Newtonian Laws with illustrative sporting examples and the basic mechanics that underpin the movement of humans and inanimate objects.

Sport Psychology:
This element of the course will provide an overview of selected theories associated with both motivation and learning. An understanding of individual and social influences on motivation will be developed, before considering the factors affecting performance from both an individual and team/group perspective.
Course description Part1: Biomechanics:

The British Association of Sport & Exercise Sciences (BASES) describes Sport and Exercise Biomechanics as encompassing the area of science concerned "with the analysis of mechanics of human movement". In other words it is the science of explaining how and why the human body moves in the way that it does. In sport and exercise that definition is often extended to also consider the interaction between the performer and his or her equipment and environment. Biomechanics is traditionally divided into the areas of kinetics (concerning the analysis of the forces acting on the body) and kinematics (concerning the analysis of the movements of the body).

This element of the course will incorporate study of the classical Newtonian Laws with illustrative sporting examples and the basic mechanics that underpin the movement of humans and inanimate objects. The main areas addressed are linear kinematics, motion with constant & non-constant acceleration, frames of reference & central forces, linear momentum, impact & law restitution, projectiles & fluid dynamics, centre of mass & moments of force, angular motion, as well as work, energy & power. The course proceeds to develop an awareness and appreciation of both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods within the field of biomechanics

Part 2: Sport Psychology

The British Association of Sport & Exercise Sciences (BASES) describes psychology as a branch of science that seeks to "explain how motivations, beliefs and emotions influence our behaviour plus the behaviour of individuals or members of groups in sport and exercise." This element of the course aims to provide students with an appreciation of the broad and inter-linked influences which psychological factors may have in sport and exercise settings.

Initially this element of the course provides an overview of behaviourist and constructivist learning theories within the context of both physical education & sport & exercise science. The course proceeds to develop an understanding of the pupil/performer from an individual perspective. This part of the course will cover the principal theories associated with self-efficacy, anxiety, stress & arousal, as well as focus of attention. The course progresses to consider social factors impacting on group and team performance addressing key theories related to identity, cohesion and collective efficacy.

.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements All non BSc Applied Sport Science or non MA Physical Education students should contact the Course Organiser before enrolling on the course. Entry to the course is at the discretion of the Course Organiser.
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2022/23, Available to all students (SV1) Quota:  0
Course Start Semester 2
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 200 ( Lecture Hours 26, Seminar/Tutorial Hours 6, Supervised Practical/Workshop/Studio Hours 5, Feedback/Feedforward Hours 5, Formative Assessment Hours 2, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 152 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 60 %, Coursework 40 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) 1 x 2hr (Sport Psychology) examination (60%)
4 x (Biomechanics) items of class based coursework (40%) (two formative and two summative tests)

To pass the course an overall mark of 40% or over is required. A lower mark in one assessment can be compensated (by a higher mark in the other assessment item) providing it is not below 35%
Feedback Biomechanics

Formative feedback: This is provided in a variety of ways during both the lectures and the lab sessions to check and enhance student learning. Examples include:
1) Practical sessions in the biomechanics laboratory involving data collection and analysis, and quiz-type questions and answers
2) Two formative class-based tests in weeks 1 and 10, structured in the same way as the summative tests. Feedback from these tests is discussed in the class during lectures and labs, as well as during a dedicated feedback and revision lecture in week 11.
3) One-to-one meetings for formative feedback or any other questions related to the course may be organised throughout the semester when/if needed.

Summative feedback: Summative assessment is conducted throughout the semester through assignments such as class-based tests. Student cohort feedback for these assignments is provided on LEARN, identifying strengths and weaknesses in particular areas.


Sport Psychology

Formative feedback: This is provided in a variety of ways during both the lectures and the tutorials to check and enhance student learning. Examples include:
1) Each tutorial involves the independent collection and subsequent analysis of data. Respective interpretations and findings will be presented, using a variety of approaches, and discussed accordingly with both peers and teaching staff to check for understanding.
2) Interactive online quizzes, using student response systems such as 'poll everywhere' and 'kahoot', will be integrated into the lecture presentations to check or understanding.

Summative feedback: Students are assessed summatively at the end of the course. The mode of assessment is a 2 hour unseen exam, that comprises a series of 'restricted response' type questions.

Informal Feedback - This takes place during teaching, seminars and practicals throughout the semester. Your tutors will comment on your understanding of the ideas covered in the course, and may give you specific advice regarding your progress. Such feedback is intended to help you understand what your strengths and development points are, and to enable you to take informed responsibility for your learning and progression.

Discussion forum - Throughout the course as a whole the students are encouraged to use a discussion forum in LEARN. Any questions posted by students about teaching, learning and assessment are be responded to by the course tutors for everyone to see.

Cohort feedforward - Detailed cohort feed-forward from previous cohorts of students is provided for all assessments on this course.
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate knowledge of Newton's laws of motion and other biomechanical principles, and understanding of some of their basic applications in sports.
  2. Develop an understanding of the methods used for data collection and analysis in biomechanics, including biomechanical equipment and software.
  3. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of key theoretical perspectives in relation to both individual and group/team performance.
  4. Demonstrate a capacity to apply theoretical principles from the field of sport psychology to practice settings within physical education and sport.
  5. Develop an understanding of the methods used for data collection and analysis in sport psychology.
Learning Resources
Biomechanics

McGinnis, P.M. (2013). Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise.3rd ed. Leeds: Human Kinetics. (Introduction chapter)

Knudson, D. (2007). Fundamentals of Biomechanics (available at: http://goo.gl/DIKsEU) (chapters 1-2)


Sport Psychology

Cox, R. H. (2012). Sport Psychology: Concepts and Applications. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Moran, A. P. (2004). Sport and Exercise Psychology: A Critical Introduction. London: Routledge.

Weinberg, R. S., & Gould, D. (2011). Foundations of Sport Psychology (5th Edition). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Williams, J. M. (Ed.) (2006). Applied Sport Psychology (3rd edition). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills This course addresses 12 of the 20 graduate attributes developed on the BSc Applied Sport Science degree

RESEARCH AND ENQUIRY
(1) Understand the philosophy of scientific methods of enquiry in order to critically evaluate evidence and analyse research literature.
(4) Interpret data collected or reported in sport, physical activity and exercise studies
(6) Develop logical arguments surrounding issues within sport science, physical activity and exercise

PERSONAL AND INTELLECTUAL AUTONOMY
(7) Be independent learners who can take responsibility for their own learning
(8) Be able to respond to unfamiliar problems by extrapolating their existing knowledge and understanding

COMMUNICATION SKILLS
(9) Be able to communicate clearly using oral and written methods, including posters, presentations, essays, web pages, in order to critique, negotiate, create or communicate understanding
(10) Be able to use communication as a means for collaborating with and relating to others including staff, other students and research participants.
(11) Be able to engage in critical discussion demonstrating listening skills, effective use of evidence and their own experiences to articulate points and defend their own assertions

PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS
(14) Have developed their organisational, time management and decision-making skills
(15) Be able to work effectively in a team; overcoming and discussing problems and recognising the diversity of contributions different individuals can make to collaborative work

TECHNICAL/PRACTICAL SKILLS
(18) Be able to use the test, measurement and analysis tools appropriate to sport, physical activity and exercise, including for example laboratory or field tests.
(21) Be able to present data and report research findings according to standard scientific conventions
KeywordsNot entered
Contacts
Course organiserDr Neil Buchanan
Tel:
Email: nbuchan3@exseed.ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMr Pawel Horyszny
Tel: (0131 6)51 6571
Email: pawel.horyszny@ed.ac.uk
Navigation
Help & Information
Home
Introduction
Glossary
Search DPTs and Courses
Regulations
Regulations
Degree Programmes
Introduction
Browse DPTs
Courses
Introduction
Humanities and Social Science
Science and Engineering
Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Other Information
Combined Course Timetable
Prospectuses
Important Information