Sports, exercise and health science (SL/HL)

As one of the sciences subjects in the IB Diploma Programme, sports, exercise and health science (SEHS) is primarily concerned with the scientific study of human physiology, biomechanics and psychology. Scientists working in these fields attempt to make sense of human physical and mental health and performance through a variety of approaches and techniques, controlled experimentation, and collaboration with other researchers. DP SEHS enables students to engage constructively with topical scientific issues. Students examine scientific knowledge claims in a real-world context, fostering interest and curiosity. By exploring the subject, they develop understandings, skills and techniques which can be applied across their studies and beyond. 

The course is organized under three main themes: exercise physiology and nutrition of the human body; biomechanics; sports psychology and motor learning. These themes are distinct, but also share many overlapping features; studying the similarities and connections between them is a central component of the course. 

Integral to the student experience of the DP SEHS course is the learning that takes place through scientific inquiry, both in the classroom and in field work or the laboratory. With an emphasis on experimental work, teachers provide students with opportunities to ask questions, design experiments, collect and analyse data, collaborate with peers, and reflect, evaluate and communicate their findings.