Sport science (also written sports science, and often called sport and exercise science) is a broad, laboratory-based field that asks how and why athletes perform. Degrees usually combine human physiology, biomechanics, sport and exercise psychology, motor control, research methods and statistics, then let students specialise in performance, health or coaching-related options.
Programs differ in emphasis. Some lean towards elite performance support, with testing, monitoring and data. Others lean towards health and physical activity in the general population. Because the title is used loosely, the program page, its module list and any professional-body accreditation matter more than the name alone.
Graduates work in performance analysis, strength and conditioning support, fitness and exercise services, education, research and sports organisations. Many use the degree as a base for postgraduate study in physiology, psychology, nutrition or physiotherapy.
Typical topics: Human physiology, Biomechanics, Sport and exercise psychology, Motor learning, Research methods and statistics, Performance testing and monitoring.
Also called: Sports science, Sport and exercise science, Applied sport science, Sportwissenschaft, Sciences du sport, Ciencias del deporte, Scienze motorie. These names lead to this one page.