Bachelor of Health Sciences in Sport and Exercise Sciences

Purpose

The purpose of Bachelor of Health Sciences in Sport and Exercise Sciences is to develop competent sport and exercise scientists that will be able to identify, develop and enhance the performance of athletes in ways that are professional, effective, based in science and grounded in ethics. The qualification aims to produce a well-rounded practitioner with a thorough understanding of the basic life processes of the human body, the principles of coaching, talent identification and health and wellness promotion. The qualifying learner will be able to operate as a professional Sport and Exercise Scientist in a sporting and health and wellness context, and at the different levels of the sporting community and sector as is required. An additional focus will be on the sporting business entity within the community and on the greater sport, health, wellness and legal and ethical parameters within which sport operates.

Rationale

The rationale of this qualification is to give the learner a thorough understanding and working knowledge of the structure and function of the human being in relation to its application in sport and exercise.

Sport and exercise scientists, as well as health and wellness promotors, are required to undergo training and education in order to engage adequately in the activities related to sport participation, performance and the promotion of the health of athletes. As the industry is both broad in scope and specialised in application, a high level of competence is required from qualifying learners to provide effective and efficient services and products to consumers of sport, health and wellness. This implies the need for in-depth knowledge and skills in sport and exercise, as well as in the areas of the health and wellness sciences.

This qualification therefore, is designed so to give the learner a thorough understanding and working knowledge of the structure and function of the human being in relation to its application in sport and exercise. Qualifying learners will fill an important gap in the fitness industry, serving to address the health promotion needs of the community, especially as statistics indicate the prevalence of non-communicable diseases faced in South Africa.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be applied on an individual basis against the Exit-Level Outcomes of the qualification and will be conducted in accordance with the institution's RPL Policy and Professional Board requirements. RPL recognises forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience and will be considered where prior learning corresponds to the required National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level. RPL will allow a learner to gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status. The learner needs to apply formally for RPL.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Senior Certificate (SC) with endorsement.

Or

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies.

This qualification consists of the compulsory modules at National Qualification Framework Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 367 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 5,130 Credits

• Anatomy and physiology 1A, 15 Credits.
• Kinesiology 1A, 15 Credits.
• Psychology 1A: Fundamentals of Psychology, 16 Credits.
• Didactics and Coaching Science 1B, 15 Credits.
• Anatomy and Physiology 1B, 15 Credits.
• Health and Wellness Promotion 1B, 15 Credits.
• Sport and Exercise Practice 1B, 8 Credits.
• Psychology 1B: Contemporary Psychology, 16 Credits.
• Nutrition 1A, 15 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 6: 107 Credits

• Principles of Coaching 2A, 15 Credits.
• Applied Physiology 2A, 15 Credits.
• Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology 2A, 15 Credits.
• Psychology 2A: Developmental Psychology, 16 Credits.
• Applied Physiology 2B, 15 Credits.
• Health and Wellness Promotion 2 B, 15 Credits.
• Psychology 2B: Positive Psychology, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 7: 130 Credits

• Health and Wellness Promotion 3A, 15 Credits.
• Talent Identification and Long-term Athlete Development 3A, 15 Credits.
• Sport and Exercise Science 3A, 15 Credits.
• Motor Learning 3A, 15 Credits.
• Psychology 3A: Research Psychology, 16 Credits.
• Sport and Exercise Science 3B, 15 Credits.
• Notational Analysis and Exercise Programming 3B, 15 Credits.
• Sport and Exercise Science Practice 3B, 8 Credits.
• Psychology 3B: Psychopathology, 16 Credits.
• Sport and exercise science 3B, 15 Credits.
• Notational analysis and exercise programming 3B, 15 Credits.
• Sport and exercise science practice 3B, 8 Credits.
• Psychology 3B: Psychopathology, 16 Credits.

1. Apply relevant procedures to physically manage the client (including referral as appropriate), in terms of normal and abnormal findings.
2. Apply the principles, proven techniques and specialised skills required for the promotion of sport performance enhancement, exercise science and health promotion.
3. Apply knowledge of the biopsychosocial, physiological, and basic sciences in terms of sport and exercise science and health promotion in the community.
4. Apply the principles of ethics within a multi-cultural, national and international context.
5. Evaluate and interpret multiple sources of literature related to the applicable field of study.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Act in accordance with requirements of ethics and professional practice in prescribed organisational and professional contexts.
• Assess and interpret the values and practices to address ethical and professional issues where necessary.
• Discuss the role of the Sport and Exercise Scientist as a business entity within the community and greater sport, health and wellness and legal infrastructures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify and apply appropriate strategies and methodologies to address challenges in a client's progress.
• Identify and discuss the steps to monitor a client's progress.
• Explain the effect of nutritional supplements on sport performance.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Explain the basic life processes namely nutrition, digestion, metabolism, cardiorespiratory functions and anatomy; Mental growth, behaviour, the significance of developmental and acquired defects; Physical growth and development and the nervous control of the body and its functions.
• Conduct limited research in the field of Sport and Exercise Science in a health promotion context.
• Effectively produce and communicate information (orally and in writing) with the different role players in the Sport and Exercise Science as well as the health promotion domains.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Discuss the principles of coaching, talent identification, notational analysis, fitness assessments, and exercise programming, monitoring and health and wellness promotion.
• Demonstrate appropriate communication skills in health promotion within sport and exercise science.
• Employ ethical principles in the prediction of possible long-term outcomes of health promotion in a multi-cultural, national and international context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Assess various sources of literature related to the field of study.
• Differentiate between major research strategies.

Integrated Assessment

Formative and Summative Assessments will be integrated to provide a coherent indication of the learners' ability, skill and experience. Formative assessment practices may include formal and informal class tests, module or semester tests (where applicable), projects and practical assessments. Summative Assessment will be done on completion of each module to assess the achievement of outcomes and may include written examinations, practical examinations, and project assessments.

Integrated Assessment approaches are required. These assessments are focused on assessing the achievement of the Exit-Level Outcomes holistically, i.e. in groups rather than individually, and will be done where possible/manageable by means of written examinations, practical examinations, project evaluations and final examinations in each module, including project reports and presentation assessments. Practical work will be assessed through the development of a portfolio of evidence, documented, monitored and assessed according to the assessment policy of the institution.