Welcome to your Sport and Exercise Science course

Welcome to University of Staffordshire

We know you're already passionate about your subject, which is why we're excited you've chosen University of Staffordshire as the place to turn possibility into reality.

To give you an insight into what life as a Sport and Exercise Science student is like, your course leaders have prepared introductions to the course and further activities.

Welcome to our Sport and Exercise Science course! We're thrilled to have you join our community. Get ready to dive into an exciting journey of learning and fun. You'll gain invaluable knowledge, meet new friends, and embark on an inspiring path to a career in sport and exercise science. We look forward to meeting you all soon, but in the meantime, please read the important information below.

First activity

Your first session will take place in welcome week on Wednesday the 25^th of September. You will receive confirmation of this via email and on the Beacon App closer to this date, but please reach out to your course leader if you are unsure about the data and location for this session. Here, we will be providing an introductory session to Sport and Exercise science and introducing you to the staff on the course. Some of our current students will showcase some of the kit you will be using on the course and talking about their own experiences so far.

Course delivery

All sessions will take place in-person, and you will be expected to attend them all. You will be able to find more information about when and where these sessions are set to take place on your Beacon App.
You will have a mixture of lectures, lab/practical sessions, and seminars, so please ensure you dress appropriately for the type of session! Sports attire is preferred during practical sessions.
Our online learning environment Blackboard will host all your module information, and you should aim to access this before and after each of your sessions. Any recorded content, assessment information, or further support can also be found on these pages.
The year is split into two semesters. The first semester runs from September until January, with a 2-week break for Christmas, and the second semester runs from February until May, with a 2-week break for Easter.
Should you experience any issues throughout the course you should contact your course leader – Dr Andrew Wilkinson – at your earliest convenience. Your course leader, module tutors, and personal tutor are all here to support you during the course, with the aim to help you to achieve the best possible outcomes during your time with us.

Semester one activities

In your first few weeks you will begin to understand the psychological underpinnings of elite sports performance and introduced to the fundamental concepts of human movement analysis through studying basic anatomical and mechanical principles, including an analysis of the Musculo-skeletal system and movement patterns. You will be taught how to access and interpret seminal work in these areas to support your studies during your time with us.

Pre-Learning

There are several sources that should be accessed before beginning your course, and these can be found below:

Weinberg, R. S., & Gould, D. (2019). Foundations of sport and exercise psychology, 7E. Human Kinetics.
Kerr, A. (2010). Introductory biomechanics e-book. Elsevier Health Sciences.
McArdle, W. D. Katch, F. I., & Katch, V. L. (2015). Exercise physiology: Nutrition, energy, and human performance. (8th ed.). Williams and Wilkins

Equipment and software

There is a variety of software which can be downloaded from the University’s website and can also be accessed via the button below. This software is free for all of our students, as we understand to reach your full potential and succeed in your degree you need the tools to help you. Further information can be found here: https://staffsuniversity.sharepoint.com/sites/software/SitePages/Home.aspx

Groups and societies

There are many sport and fitness groups and societies that you could join should you be interested. You can find information about all of these on the following page: Clubs and Societies (staffsunion.com)

Course hoodies

Please see the following link for the details to purchase your Staffs Sports kit: Staffordshire Store (kitlocker.com)

Standards and expectations

We expect students to adhere to the standards set by the course team and to follow certain etiquette when contacting members of staff.
No food or drink (water is fine) in the labs or gym areas.
Phones should be on silent during lectures, seminars, and labs.
Any loose jewellery should be removed when conducting practical sessions.
When contacting Staff you should begin your email by addressing the staff member first (i.e., Dear Andy), enter the content of your message, and sign off with your name, Level, and course of study.

Meet the team

Andrew Wilkinson

Lecturer Sport And Exercise Psychology

I am a lecturer in sport and exercise psychology whose research area focusses on psychophysiological stress and performance under pressure.

Andrew's profile

What to expect on Welcome Week

We're so excited for you to join us on campus and to welcome you to where you matter. During your welcome week you'll be able to meet our friendly student services teams, connect with new friends, join societies, explore on-campus venues attend club nights and much more.

We look forward to welcoming you in September.

If you have any questions, please send them to your Course Leader: Dr Andrew Wilkinson

Email: andrew.wilkinson@staffs.ac.uk