Scientific Principles of Physical Education

Topic 1: Applied anatomy and physiology

Overview

Students will understand the anatomical/structural and physiological/functional roles performed in the identified systems of the body. They will understand how the controlled stress of exercise will affect the systems and the way that the effect is measured. The topic will cover how different stresses/types of exercise will bring about both acute responses and chronic adaptations.

The principles of Newton’s Three Laws of Motion – force, centre of mass and stability – will also be covered and are essential to a student’s understanding of how sporting technique and performance can be improved. Students will understand concepts of energy and how they relate to physical activity and sport.

Topic 2: Exercise physiology and applied movement analysis

Overview

Students will understand the importance of diet and nutrition pre-, during and post-physical activity. They will also study fatigue and recovery, which will build from their knowledge of energy systems in Topic 1: Applied anatomy and physiology.

Students will gain an understanding of how to apply knowledge of energy systems and how to train, maintain and improve their performance. This includes an understanding of fitness components, methods of training and physiological adaptations.

Students will also understand how to prevent and rehabilitate from injury. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of movement analysis through the use of examples to include linear motion, angular motion, projectile motion and fluid mechanics.