Health & Exercise Science

What is the BSc (Hons) in Health & Exercise Science?

The BSc (Hons) in Health and Exercise Science is a full-time, four year, honours degree course of study that can be chosen within the Exercise Sciences Common Entry Route. It is the successor programme of the BA (Hons) in Exercise and Health Studies. The BSc (Hons) in Health and Exercise Science combines the disciplines of exercise science and physical activity.  The Health and Exercise Science programme will give graduates the knowledge and skills needed to assist the general population, distinct population groups and those with health problems as they engage in physical activity and structured exercise programmes.

The programme is built on a broad-based exercise science education in physiology, biomechanics, psychology, nutrition, physical activity, strength and conditioning and exercise programming.

At the end of the programme, graduates will be able to:

• Evaluate physiological function, fitness, physical activity and well-being in a range of population groups including aged individuals and those with health problems

• Develop and lead exercise programmes for these specialist groups

• Apply psychological and behavioural change techniques to promote programme adherence and increase physical activity

• Devise, implement and evaluate initiatives to increase physical activity and participation, targeting a variety of population groups in a variety of settings

• Assist in distinguishing fact from fiction with reference to the fitness research literature

Programme features

Awards

REPS Ireland recognised fitness instructor awards are built into the programme, including Fitness Instruction, Group Fitness Instruction, Personal Training and Exercise for Health Specialist. Awards up to Personal Training can be obtained by the end of year 2.

Facilities

Laboratories and apparatus available for practical classes and research projects include 3 human performance laboratories, dance studios, a high-performance gym, a DEXA body composition analyser and ActivPal physical activity motion sensors. A number of classes are delivered in the teaching and laboratory facilities of the SETU Waterford ARENA. 

Work Placement

A 16-week work placement offers supervised experience in a fitness, special needs or physical activity promotion environment. The Department has an extensive network of placement opportunities that include:

• Physical Activity Officers for people with a disability, older adults or in community settings

• Experiencing cardiac rehabilitation in regional hospitals

• Sports Development Officers with Local Sports Partnerships to promote participation in physical activity

• Personal Trainers in community and private enterprises

• Health and Exercise Specialists in workplaces, charities and NGB’s of sport. 

Research and Project Work

Students in the programme have an opportunity to experience the full research process culminating in the completion of a dissertation in the final year of the programme.  Students will benefit from exposure to the health, physical activity and exercise PhD research ongoing in the Department including:

• an exercise intervention for cancer survivors

• high intensity interval exercise for cardiovascular and immune cells

• Men on the Move, a gender-sensitised intervention for hard to reach inactive men

• evaluation of the GAA healthy club initiative

Students are also recruited to take part in Departmental research and community related activities, which have included the evaluation and provision of a Smarter Travel programme in Kilkenny, collection of data at the Women’s Mini Marathon in Dublin, health screening at activity and community events, fitness assessments, and volunteering and assisting at local ventures to promote participation in physical activity.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The programme combines classroom teaching, tutorials with practical experience through exercise science laboratories and work experience. Assessment approaches utilise continuous assessment, practical examinations, group work and written examinations.