BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation with a Foundation Year Bachelor's degree at the University of Kent

You'll begin an exciting journey into scientific principles, starting from the structure of simple atoms and molecules to the incredible complexity of the human genome. You'll investigate the building blocks of matter and examine how atoms form complex molecules, which ultimately give rise to living organisms.

You will ignite your curiosity while gathering critical practical experience, skills and confidence in conducting scientific experiments. You will test hypotheses with a series of engaging laboratory classes that investigate the science that surrounds us. You will analyse your own experimental data, develop your numeracy and data handling skills and use appropriate software to draw meaningful conclusions.

You will learn the essential proteins and enzymes that exist in everyday life, the metabolic processes that allow us to create energy, and some of the chemistry that underpins these processes such as equilibria, acids and bases. Through engaging problem-solving exercises and interactive, thought-provoking lectures, you will deepen your academic knowledge in these areas, and explore the factors that drive chemical and biological processes.

You'll outline the essential steps associated with undertaking scientific research, and consider issues related to the experimental process and statistics. You'll undertake experiments that develop proficiency in collecting, analysing, and interpreting large data sets. You'll also develop your ability to communicate with authority as a scientist and improve your skills in academic writing and referencing, information retrieval and analysis, and effective presentation.

You will be introduced to fundamental principles and concepts, and examine these in real-life sport and exercise contexts and scenarios. You will learn to identify human anatomy and physiology, and understand how this relates to sport, exercise, rehabilitation and massage. You'll learn how to assess amateur and elite sporting performance via performance testing and scientific analysis. You'll also examine the psychology of sport and exercise and the biomechanics of human movement.

You'll explore the intricate functions of human tissues and organs, gaining insight into their roles in sustaining life. You'll examine the essential principles of genetic inheritance and the factors driving genetic variation, laying the groundwork for understanding the diversity of human traits. By understanding the processes that keep our organs working well, you'll begin to understand how diseases emerge.

You'll begin a journey into the fundamentals of organic and inorganic chemistry, and learn to apply spectroscopic methods in analytical chemistry. You'll examine the different groups of the periodic table, uncovering the unique properties of each element and the fascinating chemistry exhibited by each distinct group. You'll immerse yourself in the captivating world of organic chemistry and the different molecular classes, functional groups, and key reaction mechanisms that compose this disciplin

Using examples of contemporary scientific research across the fields of sports performance, therapy and rehabilitation, and health, you'll compare different methods of scientific testing. You'll also determine what we consider 'best practice' and examine the challenges and limitations associated with conducting research with human participants. You'll get to grips with research terminology, start to understand how research studies are designed, and discover how data can be analysed.

Your study of anatomy will focus on the key regions of the lower limbs, upper limbs, spine and thorax, and you'll learn to identify the associated bones, joints, soft tissue structures, muscles and nerves of each of these regions. Through the practice of palpation, you'll also be able to identify key anatomical landmarks in the body. Throughout the module, your lecturers will emphasise functional anatomy through sporting movement and injury.

You'll learn about what goes on beneath the skin, the physiology of the human healing process, and the body's response to musculoskeletal injury. You'll look at ways we can enhance healing using evidence-based therapeutic interventions such as electrotherapy, ice or heat, and you will learn to treat and manage different injuries based on their location and tissue type.

You will learn about the dos and don'ts of setting up a sports massage practice, how to communicate with your client, how to ask the right questions and plan and carry out a full-body sports massage. Additionally, you will explore how to adapt massage techniques for various needs and health conditions. You'll get plenty of practical, hands-on experience and learn how to combine several different massage and stretching techniques.

You'll learn how to conduct a carefully structured examination of the body to gain information about what could potentially be wrong. You'll learn how to conduct this logically and methodically, concentrating on the main joints of the upper and lower limbs as well as the spine. You'll find out how to assess joint range of movement, strength, and ligamentous stability.

You'll learn and discuss exercise physiology, human movement and training principles. The teaching is based on a practical approach to movement analysis, common exercises and movement patterns. You'll develop your practical skills and build confidence in planning and delivering effective exercise sessions.