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Description

Programme Specification for the 2018/9 academic year

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Medical Sciences with Professional Training Year

1. Programme Details

Programme nameBSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Medical Sciences with Professional Training Year Programme codeUFS4EMSSHS01
Study mode(s)Full Time
 Academic year2018/9
Campus(es)St Luke's (Exeter)
 NQF Level of the Final Award6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

Taught jointly by Medical Sciences at the University of Exeter Medical School and Sport and Health Sciences, the Sport and Exercise Medical Sciences (SEMS) programme blends a deep understanding of the pathophysiology, prevention, diagnostic tests and treatment of acute, traumatic, or chronic disease or injury, alongside an insight into the science underpinning the optimal preparation, performance and rehabilitation of the athlete or healing patient. This programme has been developed through the careful consideration of modules from existing programmes to create a new programme that fits with the wider ethos of both colleges to promote health and wellbeing, within a framework of medical translational science. This reflects an increasing NHS and public health agenda to integrate physical activity, lifestyle related-health behaviours, and nutrition education into university curricula to prevent disease and treat targeted disorders. Thus, the combination of medical sciences and sport and health sciences enables you to develop a holistic understanding of the human body and exercise and physical activity. The four-year version, with Professional Training Year (PTY), offers you the opportunity to undertake a relevant work placement (through a competitive entry process) with an employer within the health sector, academia, or another appropriate industry. The SEMS programme responds to a growing public health agenda which seeks to prevent disease and treat targeted disorders through appropriate physical activity, lifestyle-related health behaviours and nutrition. It provides a broad range of career opportunities particularly within the medical sciences, rehabilitation, sport science, health and wellbeing sectors. On graduation, you will be well positioned to support the preparation and rehabilitation of athletes, with patients recovering from injury or illness, and to undertake roles aimed at improving lifestyle through increasing levels of sport and exercise in the population at large. You will also be well placed to pursue further postgraduate study in, for example, Sport and Exercise Medicine, Medicine, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Sports Nutrition and Nursing. 

 
Core modules in the SEMS programme include: Year 1 Foundations of Biomechanics; Sports Training Physiology; Nutrition and Metabolism; Foundations of Exercise and Sport Psychology; Integrated Clinical Science 1; Expanding Horizons 1; Fundamental Skills for Medical Scientists. Year 2 Exercise Physiology; Biomechanics and Kinesiology; Sport Psychology; Integrated Clinical Science 2; Principles of Good Clinical Practice and Research. Year 3 Dissertation or Research Project and Personal Development Planning; Medical Imaging – Principles and Applications; Rehabilitation Science. There are also a wide range of optional modules from both the Medical Sciences and Sport and Health Sciences programmes in year 2 and the final year to choose from (see below). 
 
A substantial part of your study involves student-centred focused group sessions designed to explore key scientific concepts and systems presented in the form of triggers. The style of trigger varies week by week but will include authentic patient-based clinical case studies, current media-worthy medical science breakthroughs and extracts from research papers. We then build on this foundation to see how things could go wrong in the body due to injury or disease and how normal function might be restored. In this way you will develop a whole range of transferrable skills that you can put into practice in a clinical or health setting as well as robust research skills such as creative and inquisitive communication, leadership, critical appraisal and problem formulation and problem solving. Supplementing these sessions you will attend module specific lectures, workshops and laboratory practical sessions throughout the programme. All students complete the same first year. However, there are an increasing range of modules in the second and final year designed to address your career inspired postgraduate choices.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

1. To develop skilled, creative and inquisitive graduates who are well prepared for successful graduate-level employment (e.g. in research to improve the health of individuals and the community by “translating” findings into diagnostic tools, medicines, life-style changes, policies and education etc);
2. To provide you with knowledge and understanding of translating science into medical, health and athletic improvement, from the fundamentals to the frontiers of the subject;
3. To provide you with the basic scientific, intellectual, and practical training that will prepare you for lifelong learning, as demanded by today’s competitive professional environment worldwide;
4. To offer you the opportunity to develop a more detailed understanding of the discipline by specialising in an area linked to the Medical School’s international research strengths and those of Sport and Health Sciences (SHS) of the College of Life and Environmental Sciences (CLES);
5. To provide an opportunity to develop and apply knowledge, theory and skills within a professional training placement setting; and
6. To enable you to experience a supportive learning environment that fosters evidence-based academic and reflective personal development.

The programme introduces you to a foundation in the Medical and Sport and Exercise Sciences and subsequently enhances this development of intellectual capabilities within an institution that is committed to advancing research, scholarship and learning, and to disseminating knowledge and best practice. With this in mind, and underpinned by core biomedical and physiological sciences, successful students will develop a holistic understanding of social, health and environmental factors that impact human health and how new scientific discoveries across these areas are translated into practice to benefit front-line clinicians, sport and health practitioners, their multidisciplinary teams and, ultimately, their clients or patients.

N.B. This programme does not train students to be clinicians. Sport and Exercise Medicine and Physiotherapy is a branch of medicine within the NHS, which requires one to study medicine (please see: http://www.bma.org.uk/). As a life-sciences graduate, however, you may be able to enrol on the accredited (competitive-entry) postgraduate NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP). For further information on NHS careers, please visit http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/ .

4. Programme Structure

This programme is of 3- or 4-year duration and studied full time at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications, or FHEQ), which is divided into ‘stages’. Each stage is normally equivalent to an academic year. You will be mostly located at the University of Exeter St Luke’s Campus with some activities at the University of Exeter Streatham Campus for the duration of your studies. The programme is divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work (including teaching and learning sessions, independent study and assessment preparation).
For full details of the programme, including module details and career prospects, please visit the Medical School and College of Life and Environmental Sciences websites (http://medicine.exeter.ac.uk/ and http://lifesciences.exeter.ac.uk/).

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

For full details of the programme, including module details and career prospects, please visit the Medical School and College of Life and Environmental Sciences websites (http://medicine.exeter.ac.uk/ and http://lifesciences.exeter.ac.uk/).

Stage 1

In your first year you will follow a compulsory programme of 120 credits which is carefully drawn from BSc Medical Sciences and Sport and Health Sciences programmes. You will explore the science that underpins the advancement of modern medical practice, sport nutrition, physiology and psychology. There is an emphasis on basic cellular and molecular biology that enhances your understanding of the normal functioning of the human body, from enzymes through to whole biological systems. Without this core knowledge of how the body works, it would be impossible for us, as scientists, to devise the new diagnostic tests, drugs or treatments that will best benefit sport athletes and patients.
 
Alongside traditional lectures, tutorials and laboratory practicals, you will engage in structured group work where you will be given the freedom to explore a scientific topic under the expert guidance of our tutors (in the Integrated Clinical Science and Expanding Horizons modules). Further tutor-guided learning occurs within our Life Sciences Resource Centre and exercise physiology and biomechanics laboratories, supported by state-of-the-art technology-enhanced learning resources (the Integrated Clinical Science modules). Your core laboratory skills will be developed through laboratory-based practicals that run alongside and support your other sessions. Some sessions will involve a doctor, scientist and patient to explore key clinical cases from three different perspectives.
 
You will begin to compile your Personal Development and Professionalism Portfolio, in which you chart your progress from a new student to a professional individual ready for the world of employment. You will do this by analysing your academic performance through reflection and the frequent feedback offered by the school to identify opportunities for personal, academic and professional development, in order to help you achieve your career goals.
 
Support for your academic progress and career planning is provided by your allocated Academic Tutor. Additionally, training and support is provided through various workshops and seminars organised by the Programme’s Academic Lead for Careers and Employability within the compulsory core module, Fundamental Skills for Medical Scientists (CSC1004, 30 credits) and the non-credit-bearing module, Academic and Professional Support (CSC1905). Some of these sessions are delivered by the dedicated Careers Consultant assigned to the college by Employability and Graduate Development (EGD). At this stage, you will begin to compile your Personal Development and Professionalism portfolio, a collection of evidenced work and feedback that documents your development into a highly employable, skilled graduate. Additional leadership and teamwork skill development may be acquired through the university’s Exeter Awards scheme.
 
You will also receive lectures and information during Stage 1 to preview different specialist optional modules available. This will help to inform your choice in Year 2 if you decide to study a topic in more depth.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
ESS1204 Foundations of Biomechanics 15No
ESS1502 Sports Training Physiology 15No
ESS1606 Nutrition and Metabolism 15No
ESS1605 Foundations of Exercise and Sport Psychology 15No
CSC1004 Fundamental Skills for Medical Scientists 30No
CSC1005 Integrated Human Physiology 30No

Stage 2

The second year focuses on the scientific basis of nutrition, psychology, sport physiology and related important diseases, beginning with some fundamental insights into the ways in which human biology goes awry in disease. This knowledge is then used to explore how cutting-edge scientific technologies can be exploited to advance disease diagnosis and treatment.

Within a variety of learning environments, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratory practicals and structured group learning, you will have opportunities to investigate and debate how disease / injury develops and how healthcare can be improved. Key aspects of applied research are explored including clinical and medical research methods and its design and setting (including governance, ethics, funding, testable hypothesis development, data handling and communication) within healthcare environments. Your understanding of these areas will develop through a variety of hands-on learning opportunities which enhance your practical research skills and knowledge of contemporary medical and sport science research issues.

When choosing modules for Stage 2, you will need to consider whether you will accrue prerequisites of final year modules, as some final year modules require prior learning.

Specialist designation of all modules, and final year research projects, dissertations etc will be confirmed by the University of Exeter Medical School (UEMS) as the lead college and may be granted, withdrawn or amended by the UEMS accordingly.

Students will progress on to the stage 2 of the programme where they are required to take 105 credits of compulsory modules shown in Table 2 and select 15 credits from the modules shown in Table 3 below, from either Medical Sciences or Sport and Health Sciences.

Please note that no more than 120 credits may be studied at Stage Two and you are recommended to avoid taking more than 60 credits in each term.

In addition to the core/optional modules, students will participate in a number of activities and complete the Academic and Professional Support module (CSC2905, 0 credits) as a core requirement managed by the Academic Lead for Careers and Employability. You will continue to build your Personal Development and Professionalism portfolio and will receive dedicated careers support and advice from your Academic Tutor, the college Careers Consultant and the Academic Lead for Careers and Employability.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
ESS2001 Exercise Physiology 15No
ESS2004 Biomechanics and Kinesiology 15No
ESS2710 Sport Psychology 15No
CSC2012 Disease, Diagnostics and Therapeutics 30No
CSC2014 Principles of Medical Research 30Yes

Optional Modules

One 15 credit module to be taken from the list.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
CSC2009 Anatomical Sciences 15No
CSC2013 Medical Research Evaluation 15No
CSC2008 Immunopathology 15No
ESS2704 Learning and Teaching in Physical Education 15No
ESS2507 Skill Acquisition 15No
ESS2509 Sports Nutrition and Metabolism 15No
ESS2508 Strength and Conditioning Physiology 15No
CSC2004 Medical Genetics 15No
CSC2006 Foundations in Neuroscience 15No
CSC2005 Introduction to Pharmacology 15No

Stage 3

Professional Training Year placements
 
The Professional Training Year (PTY) provides you with an excellent opportunity to gain invaluable experience of working as part of a cutting edge research team. This gives you the chance to discover what it is like to work in a real research laboratory or a health intervention setting and will enhance your career prospects. You may even get the opportunity to attend a national or international science conference to present your research data, or may get your name on a research paper. Undertaking a PTY placement will enhance your professionalismindependence and confidence; increase your subject knowledge and research skills; improve your problem-solving, team-working, leadership, communication and project management skills; and prepare you for working in a professional work environment.
 
Our students have been awarded prestigious placements in major pharmaceutical companies, such as AstraZeneca and Pfizer. Placements with these companies are open to all UK undergraduates, and our students are closely supported by us throughout their application. In the past, students have completed research projects at the following institutions (for indicative purposes only):
 
• Research laboratories within the NHS
• Harvard Medical School (USA)
• Johns Hopkins University (USA)
• University of California (USA)
• Health Protection Agency
• Universities of London (King’s College, Imperial), Exeter, Plymouth and Southampton
 
Students who are not successful in securing a PTY placement or who would like to only study for three years, will continue directly from the second year into the final year of the programme. PTY module is assessed at stage 3 level, and will count against 1/7th of your degree. Stage 2 and the final year will count against 2/7th and 4/7th. Those not undertaking PTY will be granted 1/3rd and 2/3rd for their Stage 2 and final year assessments.
 
In the event of failing your professional training year (i.e. achieving a mark for the year of below 40%), you would be transferred on to the equivalent three-year Medical Sciences programme for your final year. Your degree title would no longer include ‘with professional training year’. Your result for your PTY placement would remain on your final transcript, but would not contribute towards your final degree classification.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
CSC3003 Professional Training Year 120Yes

Stage 4

In your final year you have will have the opportunity to study cutting-edge translational science and undertake research to help improve current human and medical knowledge and practice. In addition to the core modules, you can select from a wide range of optional specialist advanced modules from both Medical Sciences and Sport and Health Sciences, enabling you to tailor your degree to match your own specific interests and career ambitions.
 
You will look at authentic and complex medical case scenarios and, working as a team, you will apply evidence-based scientific theory and explore and critically evaluate emerging health technologies to help improve patient health, rehabilitate them to pre-injury conditions or influence their behaviours to prevent further injury or illness. During this stage, you will either undertake a clinical/medical research project, or a scholarly review closely supervised by an expert research professional as part of the module CSC4020 or ESS3302/ESS3304 (SHS Dissertation). Research projects, therefore, are provided by both Medical Sciences and Sport and Health Sciences.
 
You will also complete your Personal Development and Professionalism Portfolio. Support will be provided by the Academic Lead for Careers and Employability to help you consider your career options and help consolidate your CV and interview technique. This and related activities are managed within the core Academic and Professional Support module (CSC3905, 0 credits).
 
Your choice of modules for Stage 4 will partly depend on your choice of final year research dissertation and whether you opt for Medical Sciences or Sport and Health Sciences projects. The total credit load for each parent programme may not exceed 75 in the final year.
 
Specialist designation of all modules, projects, dissertations etc will be confirmed by the Medical School and may be granted, withdrawn or amended by the Medical Sciences or Sport and Health Sciences, accordingly.

Compulsory Modules

Students must choose either the Medical Sciences or Sport and Health Sciences Dissertation.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
ESS3302 Dissertation Students must choose either the Medical Sciences or Sport and Health Sciences Dissertation.45Yes
ESS3304 Dissertation (Physiology) Students must choose either the Medical Sciences or Sport and Health Sciences Dissertation.45Yes
CSC4020 Research Project Students must choose either the Medical Sciences or Sport and Health Sciences Dissertation.45Yes
CSC4022 Medical Imaging - Principles and Applications 15No

Optional Modules

If a Medical Sciences Dissertation is selected, then students must choose 45 credits from Sport and Health Sciences final year modules. If a Sport and Health Sciences Dissertation is selected then students must select 15 credits from UEMS final year modules.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
CSC4007 Medical Genomics 15No
CSC4005 Pharmacogenomics 15No
CSC4019 Translational Medical Science 30No
CSC4006 Rational Drug Design 15No
CSC4009 Neuropharmacology 15No
CSC4015 Health Research Clinical Trials 15No
CSC4018 Health Economics 15No
ESS3805 Biomechanical Analysis of Human Movement 30No
ESS3804 Clinical Exercise Prescription 30No
ESS2900 Employability and Career Development 15No
ESS3706 Integrated Physiology and Adaptation to Physical (in)activity 15No
ESS3703 Paediatric Exercise Physiology 15No
ESS3707 Physiological Determinants of Exercise Performance 15No
ESS3705 Sport, Physical Activity and Health 15No
ESS3808 Sport Psychology 30No

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Describe and apply to practical environments, in an integrated and interdisciplinary manner, the core biomolecular, biomedical, and biopsychosocial principles underpinning human health and important diseases.
2. Demonstrate competence in key biomedical and medical science techniques, underpinned by key clinical and medical methods at the standard expected of a graduate-level employee.
3. Apply and evaluate the key principles underpinning basic and applied medical research (including the ability to critically appraise different research strategies).
4. Synthesise and successfully apply the principles of the contemporary theoretical, cultural, ethical, and regulatory basis of basic and applied medical and clinical research practice within the UK and wider global community contexts, including any sub-specialisation named in brackets in the degree title.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the variables involved in enhancing physical activity or sports performance and specialist knowledge derived from exercise or sport related research, or applied contexts.

Structured small group learning sessions; lectures; practical laboratory classes; seminars and workshops; experiential placements; research project or dissertation; independent study, and personal tutor feedback.

ILOs 1-5 will be tested across the core and optional module formative and summative assessment, including essay examinations, short answer and multiple choice tests, practical examinations, written reviews, laboratory reports, practical work and projects, quantitative problems, project report/dissertation, oral and poster presentations; project supervisor judgements, and reflective portfolio analyses.

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

6. Apply skills of critical thinking, problem- formulation, problem-solving, and rigorous scientific data handling to clinical science practice.
7. Critically analyse the key medical science and public health principles underpinning the prevention, diagnosis, and clinical management of important illnesses and diseases.
8. Describe and evaluate the key principles and challenges for healthcare planning and delivery, including the development and implementation of new health technologies.
9. Describe and evaluate key human-environment science principles associated with human health, illness and disease.
10. Assess and apply the expected performance standards in relation to scientific probity, multidisciplinary team-based practice, and recognise personal levels of professional scientific competence.

Structured small group learning sessions; lectures; practical laboratory classes; experiential placements; research project or dissertation; independent study and personal tutor feedback.
ILOs 6-10 will be tested across the core and optional module formative and summative assessment, including essay examinations, short answer and multiple choice tests, practical examinations, written reviews, laboratory reports, practical work and projects, quantitative problems, project report/dissertation, oral and poster presentations; project supervisor judgements, and reflective portfolio analyses.
 
ILO 10 will also be assessed using peer and facilitator (personal development and professionalism) PDP judgements in small group sessions, portfolio reflection, and question and answer sessions.

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

11. Identify, describe and apply effective and competent communication methods that will maximise professional relationships with patients, healthcare professionals, professional training placement teams, and lay audiences.
12. Manage time, work load, ambiguity, change, and stress effectively.
13. Manage and reflect on a process of personal development planning, based on self-awareness.
14. Reflect on personal leadership and management attributes and apply these in the workplace.

Structured small group learning sessions; lectures; practical laboratory classes; experiential placements; research project or dissertation; independent study and personal tutor feedback.
ILOs 10-13 will be tested across the core and optional module formative and summative assessment, including essay examinations, short answer and multiple choice tests, practical examinations, written reviews, practical work and projects, quantitative problems, project report/dissertation, oral and poster presentations; project supervisor judgements, and reflective portfolio analyses.

7. Programme Regulations

Credit
 
The programme consists of 360 (or 480 with PTY) credits with 120 credits taken at each stage.
 
Progression
 
Condonement is the process that allows you to be awarded credit (and so progress to the next stage or, in the final stage, receive an award), despite failing to achieve a pass mark at a first attempt. You are not entitled to reassessment in condoned credit.
 
Up to 30 credits of failure can be condoned in a stage on the following conditions:
 
a. You must have registered for and participated in modules amounting to at least 120 credits in the stage.
b. You must pass the modules marked with a 'Yes' in the 'non-condonable' column in the tables above.
c. You must achieve an average mark of at least 40% across the full 120 credits of assessment in the stage, including any failed and condoned modules.
 
Assessment and Awards
 
Assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. The award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit weighted average marks for stages 2 and 3 combined in the ratio 1:2 respectively, unless you are on a PTY programme, in which case the credit weighted average marks for stage 2, PTY, and 3 are combined in the ratio 2/7, 1/7. 4/7, respectively.
 
Classification
 
The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following marks:
 
Undergraduate Degrees
 
Class I 70% +
Class II Division I 60-69%
Class II Division II 50-59%
Class III 40-49%

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/admin/staff/qualityassuranceandmonitoring/tqamanual/fullcontents/)

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

This programme is not subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

The University and its constituent Colleges review the quality and standard of teaching and learning in all taught programmes against a range of criteria through the procedures outlined in the Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA) Manual Quality Review Framework.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

0

18. Final Award

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Medical Sciences with Professional Training Year

19. UCAS Code

BC04

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits

480

 ECTS credits

240

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

23. Dates

Origin Date

28/02/2016

 Date of last revision

19/10/2016