Suspended for 2013 entry
This course offers a knowledge and skills base which enables cross-discipline exchange to occur between those in the health sector and those in the sport and exercise sectors.
It seeks to prepare students for undertaking work in health and exercise sciences as a practitioner and also for a Doctoral pathway or alternative research associated positions.
With this philosophy in mind, the course balances relevant, contemporary academic theory and research with advanced research methods and applied practice/professional issues in the health and exercise domains.
Students will develop knowledge and understanding of key mechanisms linking diet, physical activity and health and research muscle physiology and function, exercise metabolism, nutrition, genetics and molecular biology.
Entrance requirements
A lower second class BSc Honours degree in, for example, Biology, Biological Sciences, Health Sciences, Sport and Exercise Sciences, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, Natural Sciences. Applicants who do not hold the normal academic qualifications but who have an appropriate level of relevant graduate experience in health and exercise sciences may also be admitted. For applicants who do not hold the normal academic qualifications, it is recommended that they contact the School prior to submitting their formal application.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your proficiency such as a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each skill), or TOEFL: Listening 23, Reading 23, Speaking 23, Writing 23.
Funding
information on possible sources of funding
Modes of study
Full-time
Certificate: six months
Diploma: nine months
MSc: nine months
Part-time
Certificate: 12 months
Diploma: 24 months
MSc: 24 months
Course start date
September
Structure and content
You can study either full-time or part-time to Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or MSc levels.
You must attain 180 SCQF points at level 11 to be awarded an MSc in Health and Exercise Sciences. You will achieve this by successfully completing the following modules:
- Biology of Obesity and Ageing
- Advanced Research Techniques
- Muscle for Health and Performance
- Physical Activity, Fitness and Health
- Professional Practice and Development
- Dissertation
- Recent Advances
You will be expected to undertake 30 hours of work based CPD during your studies as part of the Professional practice and development module.
You will have the chance to work with and learn from people in research and/or practical delivery in health and exercise science, and to develop your specific interests through a research dissertation.
On successful completion you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- key mechanisms linking diet, physical activity and health.
- the development and rationale for current physical activity guidelines for health.
- research in muscle physiology and function, exercise metabolism, nutrition, genetics and molecular biology, and how research in these disciplines can inform health policy and practice across the health spectrum.
- guidelines for interventions in a variety of health settings and populations.
Delivery and assessment
The balance of contact hours across the course has been taken into account in terms of progression through the course.
Knowledge and understanding are acquired and enhanced through lectures, laboratory practical sessions, seminars, group work, presentations, staff/student tutorials, guided independent study, professional practice experiences and through the University’s virtual learning environment – Succeed.
Individual staff/student tutorials are available for providing feedback and for supervision of the Dissertation.
Students receive a School handbook describing the course outline, module details, procedures and assessment criteria. In addition, module handbooks include details of timetable, content, and assessments.
The assessment procedures are in line with institutional policies and involve a mixture of coursework, presentations and written examinations, and encourage students to link mechanistic research to professional practice.
Example timetable
The timetable below is a typical example, but your own timetable may be different.
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9-10 |
10-11 |
11-12 |
12-1 |
1-2 |
2-3 |
3-4 |
4-5 |
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| Tues |
Biology of Obesity and Ageing |
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Advanced Research Techniques |
| Wed |
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| Thurs |
Importance of Muscle for Exercise and Health |
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Seminar/Practical |
| Fri |
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Module titles
- Biology of Obesity and Ageing (SPSP44) (30 credits)
- Advanced Research Techniques (SPSP45) (15 credits)
- Muscle for Health and Performance (SPSP46) (15 credits)
- Physical Activity, Fitness and Health (SPSP47) (15 credits)
- Professional Practice and Development (SPSP41) (30 credits)
- Dissertation (SPSP10) (60 credits)
- Recent Advances (SPSP48) (15 credits)
Course Director
Dr.Naomi Brooks
RAE rating
In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) sports research at Stirling was ranked 1st in Scotland and in the top five in the UK, with 85 percent of publications classed as ‘International level’ and 15 percent as ‘World-leading’.
Strengths
As Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence we are closely aligned with many sports organisations and have formal links with a growing number of organisations with regard to facilitating student research projects, work experience and guest lectures.
Academic strengths
The Health and Exercise Sciences Research Group within the School of Sport has expertise that spans the health spectrum. Our work focuses on treatment/prevention of disease, through strategies for healthy lifestyles, to training and nutrition for optimal athlete performance.
Our skills enable us to work on mechanistic and applied studies from cellular and molecular techniques, to genetics, epigenetics, and tissue responses and whole body physiological responses to exercise and dietary interventions.
All staff are research active and have published their work in high impact journals as well as ensuring public appreciation of their research through national and international media contributions.
