Sports, exercise and health science

Sports, exercise and health science (SEHS) is an experimental science course combining academic study with practical and investigative skills. SEHS explores the science underpinning physical performance and provides the opportunity to apply these principles. The course incorporates the disciplines of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition. Students cover a range of core and option topics, and carry out practical (experimental) investigations in both laboratory and field settings. The course offers a deeper understanding of the issues related to sports, exercise and health in the 21st century and addresses the international dimension and ethics related to both the individual and global context.

Apart from being worthy of study in its own right, SEHS is good preparation for courses in higher or further education related to sports fitness and health, and serves as useful preparation for employment in sports and leisure industries

Both the SL and HL have a common core syllabus, internal assessment scheme, and overlapping elements in the options studied. While the skills and activities are common to all students, HL requires additional material and topics within the options.

Through studying any of the group 4 subjects, students should become aware of how scientists work and communicate, and the variety of forms of the “scientific method” with an emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work.

Syllabus Content

The core topics covered in both SL and HL are:

  • Anatomy

  • Exercise physiology

  • Energy systems

  • Movement analysis

  • Skill in sport

  • Measurement and evaluation of human performance

Additional HL topics include:

  • Further anatomy

  • The endocrine system

  • Fatigue

  • Friction and drag

  • Skill acquisition and analysis

  • Genetics and athletic performance

  • Exercise and immunity

SL and HL students will also study 2 of the following 4 options:

  • Optimizing physiological performance

  • Psychology of sports

  • Physical activity and health

  • Nutrition for sports, exercise and health