A pathway from foundations to application
This self-directed pathway organises sports science into four connected stages. It is a subject exploration resource rather than an accredited programme specification. Work through the stages at a pace that allows time for reading, practice and reflection.
1. Exercise physiology
Focus on exercise physiology as a way to understand movement, performance and wellbeing through scientific inquiry. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to exercise physiology. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how exercise physiology connects with biomechanics. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.
2. Biomechanics
Focus on biomechanics as a way to understand movement, performance and wellbeing through scientific inquiry. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to biomechanics. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how biomechanics connects with performance analysis. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.
3. Performance analysis
Focus on performance analysis as a way to understand movement, performance and wellbeing through scientific inquiry. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to performance analysis. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how performance analysis connects with research methods. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.
4. Research methods
Focus on research methods as a way to understand movement, performance and wellbeing through scientific inquiry. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to research methods. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how research methods connects with exercise physiology. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.