28 / 32
28
S P O R T , E X E R C I S E & H E A LT H S C I E N C E
Sport, Exercise
& Health Science
This Standard and Higher Level course incorporates the traditional disciplines of anatomy,
physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition, which are studied in the context of sport,
exercise and health. The crucial element throughout is the ability to cover a wide range of topics
from an applied perspective. The course includes a variety of practical experiments where pupils
develop their scientific investigation skills.
The anatomy topics examine the structure of the neuromuscular, respiratory, cardiovascular and
nervous systems and how the incredible human structure adapts so effectively in response to
training. Physiology topics delve into the biochemistry of sporting performance through the study
of energy systems, nutrition, ergogenic aids and kinetic function. For those interested in physics
there is the opportunity for field-testing in the biomechanical units of the course: for example
aiming to determine the relationship between angular displacement of the golf club and the
distance travelled by the ball.
Psychology of sport hypothesises the relationship between personality, motivation and
performance, investigates evaluation apprehension and interestingly, how we attribute our
success and failings in sport. A short mathematics topic ensures pupils have the skills to effectively
analyse the relevance of their data collected during practical work. The assessment does not test
physical performance, but this course will suit pupils who like to apply science to sport and will
complement a wide variety of other subjects.
Core topics include: the skeletal system, the muscular system, cardiac function, pulmonary
function, anaerobic and aerobic energy systems, neuromuscular function, kinesiology,
biomechanics, genetics, immunity, training principles, information processing, principles of skill
learning, psychology of sport and nutrition.
COMPONENT
ASSESSMENT
CONTENTS
Paper 1
1
hr exam
Weighting: 20%
• Multiple choice questions on core
and AHL topics.
Paper 2
2¼ hr exam
Weighting: 35%
• Data interpretation question
• Short answer questions and extended
response questions on core and AHL topics.
Paper 3
1¼ hr exam
Weighting: 25%
• Short answer and extended response
questions in each of the two options studied.
Internal
Assessment
10 hrs of scientific
investigations
Weighting: 20%
• An individual investigation which is teacher
marked and externally moderated.
NB
Standard level assessment follows the same paper content and weighting, but the exam times
are shorter.