Equine and Human Sport Science

Racing, show jumping and three-day-eventing constitute a multi-million pound industry that over the last decade has become increasingly reliant on science and technology to yield high performance results for both human and horse.

This Equine and Human Sport Science degree scheme combines human and equine exercise physiology, biomechanics and psychology to provide students with the skills necessary to work in this exciting field of human and equestrian sports training. Key features include:

• Excellent equine teaching and research resources: purpose built Equine Research Centre to Home Office specifications, state of the art laboratories and tissue culture suites, 60 x 30 m low-dust indoor arena, 60 x 30 m outdoor arena, horse exerciser, cross-country course, round pen and d.i.y. livery available on request.
• New Sport Science Building with 10 fully-equipped specialist laboratories including computer-based digital video for sophisticated analysis of movement; cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic analysers to monitor the exercising body; and psychology rooms for studying stress, motivation, team building etc. Our human environmental chamber allows special study of responses in hot, cold or humid environments.
• Superb Sports Centre: Fitness suite, swimming pool, sports hall, all-weather pitch and extensive playing fields.
• Optional overseas exchange and work experience years.
• An applied studies strand throughout the 3 years allows a unique opportunity for you to develop a portfolio on the science of a topic of personal interest.

Content and Structure

This is a 3-year course which includes an underpinning knowledge base in both human and equine sciences, combined with the opportunity to develop specialist interests in aspects of the sports science of man and the horse. Key skills are carefully integrated into the curriculum to develop your ability to solve problems, give presentations, analyse data, produce reports, write academically and work as a member of a team.

First year areas of study (Equine and Human) include

• Cardio-vascular physiology,
• Sport and exercise psychology,
• Biochemistry,
• Biomechanics of sport and exercise.
• Anatomy and physiology
• Applied and thematic studies

Options

• Psychophysiology of sports science
• Muscle function
• Problem solving

Second Year Areas of Study (Equine and Human) include

• Exercise physiology
• Nutrition
• Psychological analysis of sport performance and enhancement
• Research methodologies, data analysis and interpretation
• Applied and thematic studies.

Options

• Health and behaviour of the horse
• Sport and exercise medicine
• Industry placement
• Study Tour

Third Year Areas of Study (Equine and Human) include

• Dissertation
• Applied and thematic studies

Options

• Advanced nutrition
• Sport and exercise nutrition
• The psychology of maximal sports performance
• Exercise and mental well-being
• Exercise management in health and chronic disease
• Physiology of training and performance enhancement
• Seminar topics