2025/26 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SPSC3330 Contemporary Issues in Sport and Exercise Medicine

10 Credits Class Size: 100

Module manager: Dr Camilla Nykjaer
Email: C.Nykjaer@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2025/26

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) is a specialised field of medicine that focuses on the health and well-being of individuals engaged in sports and physical activity. It includes the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries related to sports and exercise, as well as the promotion of overall health and performance. SEM, like any field, has its fair share of challenges. This module will explore some of the issues and challenges at the forefront of SEM. Students will be taught by clinical experts in SEM and will gain a critical understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of SEM and its role in performance, health and disease.

Objectives

This module recognises the need for students on Sport and Exercise Science and allied degree programmes to have an understanding of the role of SEM for those involved in a range of sports, exercise and physical activities, and to assimilate information from multidisciplinary sources. This knowledge will be applied in the context of promotion of healthy lifestyles to both the general population and those involved in competitive sport, the potential conflicts that may arise, and the potential for rehabilitation strategies.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Critically evaluate contemporary issues in sport and exercise medicine
2. Apply knowledge of SEM to promote healthy lifestyles
3. Develop and communicate effective strategies around health and rehabilitation considering the interdisciplinary nature of SEM and the needs of diverse populations
4. Synthesise information from multidisciplinary sources

Skills outcomes

Students will be engaged in critical analysis, and will gain an understanding of working with athletes and the general population in relation to SEM. They will practice communicating potentially complex scientific information to diverse audiences and gain some understanding of planning for intervention.

Analytical skills, communication skills, creativity, digital and technological skills, graphic design, use of initiative, planning and organisational skills.

Syllabus

- Physical activity promotion and the role of the healthcare professional;
- Exercise immunology and rheumatic diseases;
- Physical activity and sport during pregnancy and postpartum;
- Medical screening and physiotherapy for athletes;
- Concussion in sport;
- RED-S;
- Inequality in sport and physical activity;
- Performance nutrition.
Please note these topics are normally covered, but may be subject to change due to the availability of external clinicians contributing to this module.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lecture 1 3 3
Lecture 3 1 3
Lecture 5 2 10
Seminar 1 2 2
Independent online learning hours 1
Private study hours 81
Total Contact hours 18
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 100

Private study

- 2 hours reading per lecture (36 hours)
- 46 hours preparation for assessment.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

On-going via live sessions and coursework.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
In-course Assessment Collaborative infographic (max size 1 x A4 page) and co-production proposal (70%). 100
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 30/04/2025

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team