University of Portsmouth - Sports Science Workshop Taster Day

Sixth Form studentrs studying A Level PE and BTEC Sport recently attended a Sport and Exercise Science workshop day at the University of Portsmouth. The day provided students with an insight into life at university and the sport careers that they can pursue in Biomechanics, Physiology, Nutrition, Psychology, and Business Management.  

During the day students participated in four workshops, touching on some of the content they have covered in their BTEC/ A level lessons:-

How can race walkers, walk so fast?
Students examined the cardio-vascular, respiratory, and thermal responses to a bout of steady-state exercise to see how they compare to elite athletes.

Squat are you doing? Using biofeedback to change how we move.
Biofeedback is where you measure certain characteristics of how we complete a task that a coach or athlete couldn't measure themselves and provide this in the form of feedback. Students explored how they can use biofeedback to help athletes move symmetrically (equally on both sides) during movements like squatting and jumping. They used state-of-the-art Motion Capture System and force plates, and see which students were master of the squat rack and who could jump the highest.

Virtual reality in sport?
Students explored how virtual reality in sport is used to aid performance and facilitate recovery.

Behind the scenes of sport management 
From Logistics to Marketing, in this session students learnt about the intricate planning and execution required to pull off a successful sporting event. Students created their own sport event targeting different high profile groups in the community. They explored common problems faced by sport events managers and understand the strategic decision-making processes that are integral to the field. 

Our thanks to Mr Cumner for accompanying the students and showing them the range of careers available through enjoying sport.