Sports, Exercise & Health Science
Course Outline
- Involves the study of the science that underpins physical performance
- Incorporates the traditional disciplines of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition
- Students carry out practical (experimental) investigations in both laboratory and field settings, thus giving them an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to apply scientific principles and critically analyse human performance
- Where relevant, the course will address issues of internationalism and ethics by considering sport, exercise and health relative to the individual and in a global context.
Sport, Exercise & Health Science Syllabus Component |
|
Core There are six compulsory topics in the core. Topic 1: Anatomy Topic 2: Exercise physiology Topic 3: Energy systems Topic 4: Movement analysis Topic 5: Skill in sports Topic 6: Measurement and evaluation of human performance |
Additional Topics (Higher Only) Topic 7: Further anatomy Topic 8: The endocrine system Topic 9: Fatigue Topic 10: Friction and drag Topic 11: Skill acquisition and analysis Topic 12: Genetics and athletic performance Topic 13: Exercise and immunity |
Options Students are required to study two options: A. Optimizing physiological performance B. Physical activity and health |
Higher Level |
Weighting % |
Duration |
Format and Syllabus Coverage |
Paper 1 |
20 |
1 hour |
40 multiple-choice questions (±15 common to SL plus about 5 more on the core and about 20 more on the AHL) |
Paper 2 |
35 |
2 hours 15 minutes |
Section A: one data-based question and several short-answer questions on the core and AHL topics (all compulsory) Section B: two extended-response questions on the core and AHL (from a choice of four) |
Paper 3 |
25 |
1 hour 15 minutes |
Several short-answer and extended-response questions (all compulsory) in each of the two options studied |
Internal Assessment |
20 |
10 hours |
Individual investigation |
Higher Level |
Weighting % |
Duration |
Format and Syllabus Coverage |
Paper 1 |
20 |
1 hour |
40 multiple-choice questions (±15 common to SL plus about 5 more on the core and about 20 more on the AHL) |
Paper 2 |
35 |
2 hours 15 minutes |
Section A: one data-based question and several short-answer questions on the core and AHL topics (all compulsory) Section B: two extended-response questions on the core and AHL (from a choice of four) |
Paper 3 |
25 |
1 hour 15 minutes |
Several short-answer and extended-response questions (all compulsory) in each of the two options studied |
Internal Assessment |
20 |
10 hours |
Individual investigation |
Group 4 Project
The Group 4 project is an interdisciplinary activity in which all Diploma Programme science students must participate. The intention is that students from the different group 4 subjects analyse a common topic or problem and work collaboratively in this process. The Group 4 Project typically takes 10 hours of timetabled time and results in a presentation of findings and self-reflection on your contribution to the process.
Who will study SEHS?
SEHS will appeal to students who wish to reflect a strong focus on sports in their academic studies; Science students with an interest in Sports Science at BSc level, Physiology, Physiotherapy, Sports Psychology, or professions allied to medicine (PAMs) such as Physiotherapy. Arts/ Humanities focussed students looking for an applied alternative to a pure science discipline at standard level, or any student looking for an applied 2nd science option.