Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Health Science and Physical Activity

Course Summary

The understanding and promotion of an active lifestyle, proper nutrition and the positive impact it has on people’s lives, forms the basis of this degree. This programme aims to produce graduates with a strong academic base in health science disciplines related to physical activity and exercise.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in an area related to human health, this course is likely to appeal to you. This exciting programme offers students a thorough understanding of health sciences and their application. Emphasis is placed on developing core health-related skills and competencies. 

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW 

The course is comprised of a number of inter-related subject streams including health promotion and public health, physical activity, exercise physiology, nutrition sciences, and research methods. Core modules are complemented by supporting modules in IT and communications. Students are equipped with a unique blend of practical skills and knowledge in a broad range of health-related fields. This affords graduates numerous and varied opportunities to specialise in their favoured area, and offers a diverse range of career paths.

YEAR ONE 

Students acquire practical skills in core subjects, including Biology, Chemistry, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Mathematics, Health and Fitness, Health Communications, Facilitation & Groupwork Skills, Health Promotion, Information Technology, Kinesiology and Exercise Instruction.

YEAR TWO 

Core subjects in year one are further developed with more emphasis on laboratory and practical elements related to physical activity and exercise. Key modules include Exercise Physiology, Health Psychology, Health Biochemistry, Health Microbiology, Research Methods, Biomechanics of Human Movement and Promoting Healthy Behaviours. 

YEAR THREE

Students study specialist streams in more depth. These include Resistance Training and Programme Design, Nutrition, Health Promotion Practice, Physical Activity across the Lifespan and Research Methods. A thesis is completed in the second semester.

YEAR FOUR 

Students will further specialise in Clinical Exercise Prescription, Exercise as Medicine, Physical Activity Project Management, Applied Statistics in Public Health, Qualitative Methods for Health Research, Advanced Facilitation and Group Work Skills. Eligible students will be able to choose an elective in personal training.

A module covering Enterprise and Innovation in Health is included, and 10-week work placement is completed in the second semester.

PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION

The Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS) Ireland recognised Fitness Instruction Award is built into the programme, thus graduates are eligible to register with Ireland’s professional body representing exercise professionals. Graduates from the Certificate in Health Promotion and Wellness Practice are automatically eligible to apply to become an International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) Registered Health Promotion Practitioner. This means that graduates of the combined programmes have qualifications that are recognised worldwide.

FACILITIES 

Our exercise physiology lab boasts some state of the art equipment for human testing including;

• a Biodex Isokinetic System 4 which can test aspects of muscular fitness including maximal strength of muscle groups
• a BodPod which is currently regarded as one of the gold standard testing techniques to measure body composition,
• a Cortex Gas Metabolic Analyser for VO_2Max testing, which is an assessment for cardiovasculr fitness and fuel utilisation
• a G-Walk which can analyse aspects of how people walk such as gait analysis and weight distribution. 

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for CAO courses at ATU Sligo are available for download below:

• Download Entry requirements for just Level 8 programmes
• Download Entry requirements for all programmes

A science subject at Leaving Certificate is not a requirement for this course.

Successful applicants for this course will be required to undergo Garda vetting and a medical evaluation. The purpose of the evaluation is to identify students with special exercise requirements. This information is strictly confidential and any offer made will not be withdrawn on the basis of medical information supplied.

Hepatitis B vaccination will be required for work placement.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may work in a wide range of areas related to health and physical activity, including sports development, sports science, physical activity promotion, health promotion and physical activity.

Many graduates choose to progress on to further studies after year 2 or year 3 in dietetics and human nutrition, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, radiography, podiatry, sports science, biomedical science, nursing and other health-related disciplines.

Further Study

Graduates of the Level 8 BSc (Hons) in Health Science and Physical Activity may progress to Postgraduate studies at ATU Sligo or at other third level providers. We offer Postgraduate options such as an MSc in Sports and Exercise Nutrition and an MSc in Health Promotion Practice. To view all our options please click here

Students may exit with an award after year two or year three of this programme, and pursue studies in allied health professions such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and diagnostic imaging. Our students have been successful in obtaining places in a range of Universities. These include:

• Physiotherapy:  University of Cumbria, University of Bradford, Robert Gordon Aberdeen, Queen Margaret Edinburgh, Coventry University, Hanze Hogueschool Groningen, Saxion University, Netherlands.
• Occupational Therapy: University of Salford, Ulster University, Glasgow Caledonian University, Coventry University, Northumbria University, Robert Gordon Aberdeen, University of Brighton.
• Diagnostic Imaging:  University of Liverpool, University of Hertfordshire, University of Bristol, St Georges University London, Teesside University.

Our staff are very knowledgeable and ensure students receive appropriate references and advice prior to application and subsequent interview.

Did you know?

Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS) Ireland recognized fitness instruction, Personal Training and Exercise for Health Specialist awards are embedded within this programme.  It is also accredited by the International Union for Health Promotion (IUHPE).

Students may exit with an award after year two or year three of this programme, and pursue studies in allied health professions such as Physiotherapy, Radiography, Occupational Therapy, and Diagnostic Imaging. 

Our staff is very co-operative to ensure that undergraduates receive appropriate references and advice prior to application and subsequent interview. They will support each and every student with their wishes.  

We offer a Level 6 Higher Certificate in Health and Exercise Science and Level 7 Bachelor of Science in Health Science and Physiology Our range of health science programmes allow students to explore different areas of health sciences and the flexibility to change their mind mid-stream. 

We have one of the largest Science schools in Ireland and in 2014 the building was completely revamped. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, industry spec equipment, and individual lab spaces. They will learn by doing.

Alumni

Course Format

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Semester 5

Semester 6

Semester 7

Semester 8