Physical Education / Sports Studies

Course summary

This Standard and Higher Level course incorporates the traditional disciplines of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition, which are studied in the context of sport, exercise and health. The crucial element throughout is the ability to cover a wide range of topics from an applied perspective. The course includes a variety of practical experiments where pupils develop their scientific investigation skills. The anatomy topics examine the structure of the neuromuscular, respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous systems and how the incredible human structure adapts so effectively in response to training. Physiology topics delve into the biochemistry of sporting performance through the study of energy systems, nutrition, ergogenic aids and kinetic function. For those interested in physics there is the opportunity for field-testing in the biomechanical units of the course: for example aiming to determine the relationship between angular displacement of the golf club and the distance travelled by the ball. Psychology of sport hypothesises the relationship between personality, motivation and performance, investigates evaluation apprehension and interestingly, how we attribute our success and failings in sport. A short mathematics topic ensures pupils have the skills to effectively analyse the relevance of their data collected during practical work. The assessment does not test physical performance, but this course will suit pupils who like to apply science to sport and will complement a wide variety of other subjects. Core topics include: the skeletal system, the muscular system, cardiac function, pulmonary function, anaerobic and aerobic energy systems, neuromuscular function, kinesiology, biomechanics, genetics, immunity, training principles, information processing, principles of skill learning, psychology of sport and nutrition.