Sport and Exercise Psychology

Course Content:

The module seeks to introduce fundamental psychological constructs and how they
impact upon our understanding of human behaviour and learning in sport and exercise
environments. Such constructs include personality, motivation, anxiety, stress as well as
the learning and performance process.

Autumn Semester content summary: an introduction to theories of motor control and
motor learning. Measurement and testing in sport and exercise psychology with
regards to skill acquisition- focusing on Perception and attention, neurological bases of
human movement, memory and learning.

Spring Semester content summary: an introduction to the theories of sport and
exercise psychology, discussing how psychological variables influence behaviour with
focus on personality, the self, motivation, anxiety and stress.

Topics covered may include:
? The growth and development of sport and exercise psychology as a discipline
? Methods used to conduct sport and exercise psychology research
? The role of the self in sport and exercise, how this develops and impacts upon
wellbeing and performance
? The differing theories of personality development and the role it plays in sport and
exercise
? The different perspectives on the motivation in sport and exercise and the influences
this has on individuals and groups
? Theories of arousal, stress and anxiety and how they might impact upon
sport/exercise environments
? The role of psychology in the uptake and maintenance of physical activity
? The role of exercise in maintaining/improving psychological health
? Competing perspectives pertaining to motor control and skill acquisition
? The role of perception and attention in the ability to learn and perform motor skills
? Types and classifications of different types of motor skills
? The role and functionality of memory and its impact on acquiring and performing
sport skills
? The role of neurological systems in the control of human movement
? Differing approaches to understanding learning in the sports environment.

Teaching: Lectures, seminars and practical sessions

Assessment:
STUDY OPTION 1:
? Exam: In-class test (30%)
? Coursework: Two written assignments (70%)
STUDY OPTION 2:
? Lab Report (50%)
? MCQ (50%)
STUDY OPTION 3:
? Coursework (50%)
? MCQ (50%)

Study Option 1 = Whole Year
Study Option 2 = Autumn
Study Option 3 = Spring/summer