Sport, Exercise and Health Science (SEHS)

Group 4

Course Outline

This is an innovative course studied both at standard and higher level enabling students to investigate the scientific background to success in sport. The curriculum has been heavily influenced by Sports Science degree courses and is designed to allow investigation of moral, ethical, social, economic and environmental implications within Sports Science and related fields. The course provides excellent opportunities for scientific study and creativity within a global context that will stimulate and challenge students.

 

Key features:

• Involves the study of the science that underpins physical performance

• Incorporates the traditional disciplines of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition

• Students carry out practical (experimental) investigations in both laboratory and field settings, thus giving them an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to apply scientific principles and critically analyse human performance

• Where relevant, the course will address issues of internationalism and ethics by considering sport, exercise and health relative to the individual and in a global context.

 

Assessment

76% external assessment, in the form of 3 written examination papers containing multiple choice, short answer and extended response questions.

 

The standard level course requires students to study a core syllabus of 6 topics (Topic 1: Anatomy, Topic 2: Exercise physiology, Topic 3: Energy systems, Topic 4: Movement analysis, Topic 5: Skill in sport and Topic 6: Measurement and evaluation of human performance) supplemented by the study of two optional topics (Option A: Optimising physiological performance and Option C: Physical activity and health). 

 

24% is internal assessment (IA). Students are required to spend 30 hours on practical/investigative work of both short-term & long-term practicals or subject-specific projects. Students work is internally assessed by the teacher & externally moderated by the IBO. In addition, as with other Group 4 (Science) subjects, a further 10 hours are spent on the Group 4 project, which is completed in Year 12.

 

In the higher level course, further topic areas are studied in addition to the core topics (Topic 7: Further anatomy, Topic 8: Endocrine system, Topic 9: Fatigue, Topic 10: Friction and drag, Topic 11: Skill acquisition and analysis, Topic 12: Genetics and athletic performance and Topic 13: Exercise and immunity). 40 hours will be spent on practical areas to help prepare experiments for Internal Assessment (IA).

 

Who will study SEHS?

SEHS will appeal to students who wish to reflect a strong focus on sports in their academic studies; Science students with an interest in Sports science at BSc level, physiology, physiotherapy, Sports Psychology, or professions allied to medicine (PAMs) such as Physiotherapy. Arts/ humanities focussed students looking for an applied alternative to a pure science discipline at standard level, or any student looking for an applied 2nd science option.