This module is aimed at sports coaches, exercise professionals and sports enthusiasts wanting to develop their scientific knowledge and observational skills in sport and exercise. By investigating and applying aspects of sports science, including physiology, movement analysis, training methods and conditioning theory you will enhance your understanding of human movement and performance. Throughout the module, you will be considering work-related perspectives so you come back to the principle of applying theory to practice. Some optional choices will allow you to explore areas of interest in greater depth.
What you will study
This module is based on studying elements of sport and exercise science and applying them to the practices of coaching and exercise instruction. Within each study theme you will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained to your work role or interests for some of the assessments.
In the first part of the module there are five main study themes:
The body in sport and exercise; a systems approach – investigates four of the main systems that influence human performance (skeletal, muscular, cardio-respiratory and nervous systems).
Making sense of movement – considers the analysis of movement in sport and exercise and how biomechanical principles can help us to understand movement and inform training practice.
Exploring core stability, strength and conditioning – considers the methods by which effective training programmes are designed to meet complex individual needs with a theory into practice focus.
Working with special population groups – examines selected medical conditions or life stages (e.g. children, older adults), their effect on the anatomy and physiology of the individual and the implications they have for sport and exercise participation. There is an element of study choice in this theme.
Your personal investigation – you will undertake a personal investigation in a field of interest to you. This will include a search for relevant literature and, with carefully structured tasks and the support of your tutor, you’ll independently prepare a summary of the literature in your chosen field.
All the above study themes will be supported by a printed and online study guide, two text books and a module reader. The module also makes full use of a website where you will be able to access electronic materials and keep in touch with fellow students.
Vocational relevance
This module is aimed at sports coaches or exercise professionals wanting to develop their underpinning knowledge and skills in the subject area. It is the first Stage 2 module in the three qualifications in sport and fitness.
By using work-related learning on this module the general insights into science and theory, greater self-awareness and communication skills will improve your employability.
Entry
This is an OU level 2 module and you need to have a good knowledge of the subject area, obtained either through OU level 1 study or by doing equivalent work at another university.
If you are working towards a Sport and Fitness qualification we recommend that you have first studied the stage 1 modules.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
Qualifications
Excluded combinations
Sometimes you will not be able to count a module towards a qualification if you have already taken another module with similar content. To check any excluded combinations relating to this module, visit our excluded combination finder or check with an adviser before registering.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying E217 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
Study materials
What's included
A study guide, module reader, two text books, online audio-visual material and website.
Computing requirements
You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Ventura or higher.
Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).
Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.
Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.
It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will be assigned a tutor who will help you understand the study material and mark and your assignment work. You can ask your tutor for advice and guidance during your studies. You will have contact with your tutor in the following ways:
- online tutorials, which are arranged to help you with the module materials and assignment work
- an online tutor group forum
- email or telephone.
Contact us if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box above.
You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper.
Professional recognition
This module is recognised by the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) and endorsed by PD:Approval, for continuing professional development (CPD) purposes. This means that if you’re a member of REPs, on completing the module, you can claim 16 CPD points.
Future availability
Sport and conditioning science into practice (E217) starts once a year – in October. This page describes the module that will start in October 2019, when it will start for the last time.
The four modules E217, E233, EXC224 and EXF224 will be replaced with two new 60-credit modules: Sport and exercise psychology in action (E235) and Applying sport and exercise sciences to coaching (E236). E235 will start for the first time in October 2019 and E236 will start for the first time in October 2020.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our
Student Policies and Regulations website.