MOTOR AND SPORT ACTIVITIES SCIENCES

degree

Academic Degree Type:

Bachelor or equivalent first cycle

Duration (years):

3

Located in:

NOVEDRATE

Course Catalogue:

https://uniecampus.coursecatalogue.cineca.it//cors...

Objectives

Specific educational objectives
The specific educational objectives of the degree programme in Exercise and Sport Sciences aim primarily to train professionals with a solid foundation in the medical-educational field. This preparation focuses on improving the psychophysical well-being of the individual and providing the theoretical and practical foundations necessary for physical education and sport. The course aims to equip students with effective educational, recreational and sports skills for the following purposes:

• Leisure activities.
• Educational activities.
• Cultural activities.
• Socialisation and prevention initiatives.
• Maintaining and improving physical fitness in different age groups and physical conditions.
• Communicating and managing professional relationships with individuals.
• Organisation, strategic planning and management of sports facilities of different sizes and complexity.
• Interacting and collaborating with the sports media and various stakeholders in the world of sport, both on a large scale and at a local level.
• Working with different professionals who take a holistic view of the individual.
• Group work and autonomy in different types of practice contexts.

Graduates in Exercise Science should be able to deliver physical activities tailored to the needs of children, adults and older people across a range of contexts, with educational, rehabilitative, preventative, compensatory and adaptive aims.
In order to ensure the competence of graduates, the course also emphasises technical, didactic and methodological aspects of health maintenance and promotion, including disease prevention, as well as specific experience in the field of exercise and sports practice acquired through professional training activities.

The biomedical aspects of the curriculum include knowledge and skills associated with:
• Basic biological processes of living organisms at the cellular level.
• The structure of the human body, including important morphological and morpho-functional aspects.
• Physics and physiology with emphasis on the identification and understanding of biomechanical phenomena.
• Causes of human disease in relation to motor and sports activities.
• Endocrinology applied to physical exercise, with particular attention to the intake of substances that may be potentially detrimental to one's health.
• How exercise contributes to the prevention of major chronic degenerative diseases.

In addition, the programme focuses on the acquisition of socio-psycho-educational skills, such as:
• Basic knowledge of pedagogy, psychology and educational processes in different stages of the human life cycle.
• Understanding of individual and group behaviour.
• Critical interpretation of pedagogical values in the field of physical education and sport.
• General didactical notions in order to implement teaching programmes in the field of physical education.
• Critical understanding of multicultural society.
• Observing and recognising ways of interacting with individuals in the context of physical activity and sport.

In terms of legal, economic, organisational and managerial areas, the course includes the acquisition of:
• Basic concepts of public, private and sports law.
• Legal aspects of professional careers related to sports and physical education.
• The main legal regulations governing the organisation of physucial education and sports.
• Deontological rules concerning professional ethics.
• Basic elements of business management, marketing and corporate strategy in the field of sport.
• Notions of the history of sport and sports journalism.

The course is organised in such a way as to offer two curricula. One is primarily centred around the domain of physical education, rehabilitation and fitness. On the other hand, second curriculum tends to emphasise those skills essential for the management, technical-administrative aspects and general administration of sports facilities.
The course lasts three years. Besides a theoretical part carried out online (through lectures and interactive activities), the course also includes structured practical exercises in the virtual classroom, a series of workshops and seminars, as well as internships carried out in appropriate facilities in the field of exercise science (see list of centres attached). In addition, in-depth study of the English language is included in the curriculum to facilitate self-improvement and enhance the candidate's communication skills.
Achievement of the required skills will be assessed through final and on-going written and/or oral assessment and the successful completion of a dissertation on a relevant curriculum topic. Each course module includes a final assessment test which is marked out of thirty. This grading system may also apply to other elective courses that envisage the award of an aptitude mark.

Applying knowledge and understanding (2)

I - Knowledge and understanding
EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCE
By the end of the three-year course, students will have acquired knowledge and understanding of the main theories, methodologies and didactics of sport (individual, team, swimming and football) and human movement. They will also have acquired and understood the essential motor techniques and teaching methodologies required for the planning, delivery and management of physical education and sport activities from early childhood to late adulthood.

BIOLOGICAL, ANATOMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES
By the end of the three-year course, students will have knowledge and understanding of the functions of the human body and its key biological, anatomical and physiological principles. Students will also have an in-depth understanding of the biochemical mechanisms underlying primary metabolism.

MEDICAL-CLINICAL FIELD
At the end of the three-year course, students will have knowledge and understanding of the biomechanics of movement, enabling them to better understand the main pathologies of acute traumatic or degenerative overload that can affect the anatomical structures involved in movement. In addition, graduates in Exercise and Sport Science will have acquired and understood the theoretical and methodological foundations of prevention and rehabilitation, the basic principles of endocrinology applied to physical exercise, and pharmacological knowledge in the field of doping, including its detection, prevention and counteraction.

PSYCHOLOGICAL, PEDAGOGICAL AND SOCIOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE
By the end of the three-year course, students will have knowledge and understanding of the major theories of general and recreational education, developmental psychology, general psychology and psychobiology that underlie human behaviour throughout the life cycle. Particular emphasis is placed on the cognitive, relational, motivational and learning processes that occur in school and extracurricular settings where physical activities and sport take place.

HISTORICAL, LEGAL AND ECONOMIC KNOWLEDGE
At the end of the three-year course, graduates will have acquired and understood the principles of civil law, with particular emphasis on contracts and liability, and the principles of sports law, specifically in relation to sports institutions, sports contracts, and liability in sport. In addition, students will have acquired an understanding of the Italian Constitution and regulatory acts, which will enable them to assess the structure of public powers, as well as the history of sport and sports journalism.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND COMPUTER LITERACY
By the end of the three-year programme, graduates will have acquired a basic knowledge and understanding of the English language. Special importance will be placed on technical and scientific terminology used in the field of exercise and sport. They will also have a basic knowledge of computer technology and the correct use of common computer software applications.

Job-related competences
The skills acquired by graduates during their studies through the examinations included in the syllabus, practical activities and curricular placements will enable them to perform these functions. These skills may be described as follows:
- Ability to analyse and manage the relational and emotional dynamics of both individuals as well as school or sports groups, thus being able to apply appropriate and innovative didactic and communicative tools and methods.
- Ability to educate and transmit the culture of exercise, prevention and sport throughout the different stages of life, with the aim of turning physical exercise into a preventive measure against common metabolic diseases and into a functional measure for maintaining a good mental-physical balance.
- Conducting and managing physical education and sports activities in public and private facilities, both competitive and non-competitive, for individuals and groups, with the aim of achieving sports performance, psychophysical well-being and improvement/recovery of motor skills.
- Manage and plan the work of these sports facilities.
- Promoting and planning new initiatives within these sports organisations.

Applying knowledge and understanding

II - Applying knowledge and understanding

EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCE
Graduates in Sport and Exercise Science develop the ability to effectively apply the knowledge gained during their three years of study to the field of sport. They will gain expertise in planning and managing individual and group physical activity, tailoring training programmes and workouts appropriately to participants' gender, age, physical condition and other specific characteristics. These essential skills are cultivated through interactive classroom activities, specific practical exercises and curriculum-based work placements.

BIOLOGICAL, ANATOMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES
Throughout the three-year course, graduates in Exercise and Sport Science will develop the ability to apply their knowledge of how the human body works. They will be able to identify the energy substrates required for specific physical activities and recognise the anatomical structures involved in movement. They will also understand the interaction between organs and/or apparatus, enabling them to plan and manage exercise activities effectively. They are able to adapt programmes and workloads to meet the needs of different users. These essential skills are cultivated through interactive classroom activities, specific practical exercises and curriculum-based work placements.

MEDICAL-CLINICAL SECTOR
Graduates will be able to apply the medical and clinical knowledge developed throughout the three-year degree programme, with particular reference to the techniques of motor function and sports rehabilitation intended for the functional recovery of the body within the context of physical exercise and sports practice. These skills are cultivated through interactive classroom activities, specific practical exercises and curriculum-based work placements.

PSYCHOLOGICAL, PEDAGOGICAL AND SOCIOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE
Throughout the three-year program, graduates in Exercise and Sport Sciences develop the ability to master fundamental theoretical knowledge about cognitive, relational, motivational, and learning processes, and apply such knowledge to their professional lives. These skills are cultivated through interactive classroom activities, specific practical exercises and curriculum-based work placements.

HISTORICAL, LEGAL AND ECONOMIC KNOWLEDGE
Over the course of the three-year programme, graduates in Exercise and Sport Science will develop the ability to effectively apply the knowledge acquired in the field. They will approach the management of sports organisations, both simple and complex, in a professional manner, working with other professionals to address legal and business issues. They will also demonstrate the ability to interpret sports legislation and regulations to ensure appropriate management of sports organisations. These skills are cultivated through interactive classroom activities, specific practical exercises and curriculum-based work placements.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND COMPUTER LITERACY
Throughout the three-year course, Exercise and Sport Science graduates develop both productive and receptive English language skills that are directly relevant to their professional field. These language skills are also acquired through specific interactive teaching activities. In terms of IT, graduates will have an understanding of the main characteristics of hardware and the ability to use a range of essential software and networks.

Autonomy of judgements

III – Making Judgments
On the basis of the theoretical, technical and practical skills acquired, the graduate will be able to
• Make autonomous choices by analysing the quality, value and significance of training programmes and interventions in relation to the athlete's age, sex, psycho-physical condition and other specific characteristics, as well as the type of sporting activity and its objectives.
• Evaluate the characteristics and challenges of different developmental contexts in which sport and exercise is practised, identifying any uncomfortable situations, and referring individuals to other professionals, thus demonstrating networking skills.
• Graduates in Sport and Exercise Science will be aware of the criminal and civil liability implications of deviant behaviour, both on the part of professional operators in the field of sport and exercise and on the part of individuals who rely on them.
• The psychological and socio-educational aspects of the course will enable the graduate to manage groups and individuals involved in physical activity and sport at all stages of their development and in a complex and constantly changing social context. In particular, they will be able to adequately communicate the way the work is carried out and the objectives, stimulating individual and group participation with conscious user compliance.
• Through specific administrative and managerial training, the graduate will be able to assume coordinating and managerial roles in sports structures of varying size and complexity.
The ability to make judgements is fostered and assessed through activities of critical revision, linking and analysis. These activities are presented in the form of interactive classes, work placements and when preparing the final dissertation. On the other hand, students acquire the ability to make judgements even when interacting with lecturers and teaching tutors in virtual classrooms.

Communication skills

IV - Communication skills
Students will develop the requisite communication skills to motivate, involve and reassure their target audience of the importance of exercising. Furthermore, they will learn how to present their professional skills in a compelling way so as to enhance their employability. All of these essential skills, based on the achievement of pre-established course objectives, are developed within teaching units through online classrooms, individual and group activities in response to various teacher-generated question sets.
Such activities, such as multimedia presentations in the form of seminars or journal clubs, are delivered to an audience of tutors and course peers. They can also be carried out via distance learning. The acquisition of communication skills is promoted and assessed through interactive teaching tools, internships and dissertation preparation activities. This is complemented by students' ongoing interaction with lecturers and teaching tutors in the virtual classroom.

Learning skills

V - Learning skills
Students are regularly made aware of the need for continuous scientific and professional updating throughout their studies, even after they have completed their studies. Throughout their degree programme, students will also be provided with the cultural and operational tools to access scientific and technical databases, including international ones. In particular, the acquisition of learning skills is promoted and assessed through various channels, based on the type of learning: theoretical or practical-operational. In the former case, seminars on study methods are organised alongside interactive teaching activities. The ability to learn procedures and techniques is developed and assessed through face-to-face seminars, virtual classroom workshops and internships.

Enrolling requirements

Admission requirements

Admission to the course is subject to the possession of a secondary school diploma or other qualification obtained abroad and recognised by a special commission. Alternatively, a four-year baccalaureate with the appropriate additional year, or the appropriate educational credit if the additional year is no longer active, is acceptable. The knowledge required for admission includes: a basic understanding of human anatomy (musculoskeletal, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular and digestive systems); basic knowledge of chemistry (chemical bonds and biological molecules); elementary concepts of biology (the cell and heredity); and some basic understanding of physics (kinematics, dynamics, thermodynamics and the electric field). Knowledge of English and Italian is mandatory for non-native speakers. The non-selective entrance test is also intended to assess the Italian language skills of native speakers.

The knowledge required for admission to the course and the methods of examination are defined in the Academic Regulations of the degree programme. The same regulations also specify the additional training obligations in the event of a negative test result.

Access to further studies

Access to second cycle studies in QF-EHEA / 7° livello EQF

Final examination

Details of the final examination

The final examination involves the preparation of a dissertation under the guidance of a supervisor and a subject tutor. The content of the final paper is required to be innovative and original. Furthermore, during the defence of the dissertation, the student must demonstrate their expertise in the subject matter, their technical and methodological skills, and their communication skills.