Bachelor of Sport Science Honours
Culture and Arts - Sport
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The proposed Bachelor of Sport Science Honours will allow learners to enhance their competence in the analysis, interpretation, and application of various sport and exercise science principles in the sport industry. This will include areas in health, fitness, coaching, and sport management as well as sports and exercise science. The qualification provides a unique blend between scientific application and management of sports. A deepening in the theoretical and practical aspects of physiological principles will enable the learner to interpret and adapt to unique situations in the sport industry.
Learners will develop the ability to interpret, analyze, critique, and apply theoretical knowledge in various practical application areas of sport which are vital attributes for someone working in the sport industry. The learner's knowledge and research skills will advantageously position him or her within the sports industry in which he or she can make a valid contribution to the South African sport industry on both a local and international scale.
Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
- Critique comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of sports physiology with specific specialization in exercise adaptations.
- Apply sport physiological knowledge relating to sport-specific programming and problem-solving.
- Design, conduct, and analyze testing sessions during which the physical, physiological, motor performance, biomechanical, and anthropometric profile of athletes are evaluated.
- Critically evaluate and implement management strategies in the sporting environment.
Rationale:
The sport industry is a growing market in South Africa and there are many potential areas for job creation. There is a drive from the government, the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), and the Department of Sport and Recreation to develop and improve various sporting codes. This will be done through the creation of various performance centers for the development of several sporting codes and to identify future talent.
There is thus a need for qualified sport science learners who are able to develop and implement various programs to fit in with the goals of government and industry. In 2012, SASCOC embarked on an action plan to create "an active and winning nation" through the development of the National Sports and Recreation Plan. This plan has highlighted the need to increase the number of suitably skilled and qualified sports practitioners to meet the human resource and capacity needs of the sports sector as one of their strategic goals to transform sport in South Africa.
The institution has established close working relationships with the Department of Sport and Recreation, SASCOC, Dolphins Cricket, and the Sharks Academy. This working relationship centers on the development of programs to meet these societal needs, and there is high demand for innovative and well-educated sports practitioners in all sectors of the sports industry.
Arising from the fact that sport has become highly competitive and scientific, the Department of Sport Studies has developed a comprehensive curriculum that incorporates relevant scientific and applied content. The qualification is a unique blend of practical application and theory which immerses learners into the sociological, pedagogical, and scientific aspects of sport science.
This qualification provides sport practitioners with the opportunity to enhance and further develop quality in their practice within the realm of sport science. Learners with strong intellectual interests and the commitment to pursue those interests in a rigorous and challenging environment will be great candidates for the Honours degree in Sport Science.
This qualification will offer learners advanced coursework and independent research opportunities in fields related to sport science. Learners will be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of the physiological working of the human body as it relates to training and performance as well as develop a practical skill set relevant to everyday societal and economic needs. In addition, they will be provided with the necessary skill set to set up, manage, and market their own business needs.
The modules incorporated into this qualification ensure learners are analytical thinkers who are equipped with applied theoretical and scientific knowledge, thus enabling learners to become critical practitioners in the sport environment. The current sporting environment is dynamic, with individuals moving between applied working environments and management positions. Learners with a pure sport science background often find the transition into a managerial position daunting due to their strong applied sport science background.
The current qualification will provide a unique sport science, coaching, sport nutrition, as well as sport management blend to allow learners to move effortlessly between different working environments within the greater sport field.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of sport physiology with a specific specialization in exercise adaptations.
- Apply sport physiological knowledge relating to sport-specific programming and problem-solving.
- Design, conduct and analyze testing sessions during which the physical, physiological, motor performance, biomechanical and anthropometric profile of athletes are evaluated.
- Critically evaluate and implement management strategies in the sporting environment.
- Operate in an ethically correct manner with the desired parameters when functioning in the sport science field.
- Construct a scientific research project with the use of technical skills and theoretical knowledge.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Recovery strategies: Critically discuss and analyse recovery strategies post-exercise and competition in various sports to optimize exercise adaptations.
- Special populations: Critically examine and implement special requirements, concerns, and approaches for exercise and conditioning in children, females, and the elderly.
- Environmental stressors: Critically discuss physiological adaptations due to environmental stressors like altitude and travel.
- Genetic factors: Evaluate genetic factors for their influence on physiological adaptations through exercise.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Training programs: Design and implement structured training programs using appropriate physiological knowledge.
- Sport-specific programs: Analyze, evaluate, and adapt sport-specific programs to enhance sport performance.
- Periodized program design: Apply periodized program design variables in strength and conditioning programs.
- Injury prevention: Apply evidence-based practices for developing and implementing injury prevention programs in team and individual sports environments.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Testing protocols: Design and implement reliable and valid testing protocols tailored to specific sporting codes and desired outcomes.
- Normative data: Apply appropriate normative data to analyze, interpret, and report test findings.
- Recommendations: Plan interventions based on the reported physiological test findings.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Managerial skills: Identify the skills, functions, and responsibilities of a manager.
- Strategic management models: Critique different strategic management models.
- Strategy implementation: Identify drivers for strategy implementation in the strategic planning process.
- Strategic management plan: Construct a comprehensive strategic management plan.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Quality assurance: Review and implement quality assurance and health and safety practices in exercise physiology laboratories.
- Testing environment: Evaluate the testing environment for suitability and standardize it for test repeatability.
- Nutrition and ergogenic aids: Critically review sport nutrition, ergogenic aids, and supplements for efficacy, concerns, and ethical use.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Research problem: Formulate a suitable research problem and present a research proposal for approval.
- Methodological approach: Select and develop a methodological approach to meet research aims while maintaining ethical standards.
- Reliability and validity: Optimize reliability and validity of chosen techniques and methods during data collection and processing.
- Data analysis: Critically analyze and interpret results using correct mathematical and statistical techniques.
- Research report: Write a research report in approved scientific format and present findings through oral communication at departmental forums.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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