Active bodies: introducing the study of sport and exercise
Qualification dates
| Start |
End |
|
|
This introductory module builds on your general or professional interest in sport and exercise, using the body as its central theme. It provides essential knowledge of key concepts, including how the body moves, how training improves performance, and how to fuel it effectively. You’ll also explore the benefits of an active lifestyle, investigate why activity levels vary among individuals, and examine a range of contemporary issues in sport and exercise. You’ll be able to apply your understanding of these concepts to your own participation in sport and fitness, or to careers such as fitness training, sports coaching, or P.E. teaching.
What you will study
This module provides a solid base in sports and fitness, introducing key ideas to help with further study or personal growth. You’ll explore core sport and exercise topics while building skills that can be used for future learning and career opportunities. The module has six parts:
Being active
This first topic sets the scene for the module, introduces the module materials, and explains the support available during your studies. In addition to exploring the differences between the terms ‘sport’ and ‘exercise,’ you will study why it is important for humans to be physically active and how this impacts physical and mental health, self-identity, and self-confidence.
Exploring physical activity
The next section examines the factors that influence sport and fitness participation among different population groups. You’ll reflect on what has shaped your own engagement with these activities and explore how broader social contexts impact people’s involvement.
The performing body
This block builds on your understanding of physiology. It examines the components of fitness and how to test and develop them using various methods. It introduces the core principles of anatomy and physiology, including the anatomy of the skeletal and muscular systems and the body’s energy systems.
The moving body
This topic introduces the basic principles of biomechanics, explaining how humans move and how movement can be made more efficient and effective. You’ll explore how to apply these principles to enhance athletic performance and prevent injury.
Fuelling the body
This section explores the components of a healthy diet by examining the structures and roles of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. You’ll also study the importance of vitamins, minerals, and water, and consider the role of nutrition in optimising health and performance in sport and exercise activities.
Examining the sporting body
In this final block, you’ll choose three focus areas to explore. Options include examining why people participate in extreme ultra-endurance sports, how data is gathered from the body, issues surrounding disabled bodies and disability sports, the role of sports clothing, and the significance of physical play in childhood. Each area is examined from physiological, psychological, and sociocultural perspectives, providing a well-rounded understanding.
You will learn
By the end of this module, you’ll be able to:
- describe how sport, exercise, and physical activity benefit physical and mental health
- explain the scientific principles and methods that support training for sports performance
- develop an understanding of the key concepts of nutrition and how they can be applied to sports performance, exercise and physical activity
- explore factors that influence participation in sport, exercise and physical activity
- recognise the role of the body in sports performance, exercise, and physical activity across different contexts.
Professional recognition
This module counts as five continuing professional development (CPD) points as a non-endorsed activity with The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMPSA).
Entry requirements
This module is a broad introduction to sport and fitness, and no assumptions are made about your prior knowledge or educational background. As an OU level 1 module, it provides core subject knowledge and develops the study skills required for higher education and distance learning. These skills will also support your progress to modules at OU level 2 and beyond.
There are no fitness requirements for enrolling in this module. None of the activities involve strenuous exercise, and any physical activity that requires it can be performed by a friend. Your role is focused on monitoring and observing.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an .
Preparatory work
We recommend you take our free OpenLearn course, , to help you prepare for this module.
What's included
You will have access to a module website, which includes:
- a week-by-week study planner
- study guide
- module book
- interactive content
- assessment resources
Computing requirements
- Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they may not be suitable as your primary device.
- Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
- Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
- Operating systems – Windows 10 or 11 or macOS Ventura (or higher).
- Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
- Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.