SSCI403-26S1 (C) Semester One 2026

Innovation in Sport and Exercise

30 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 16 February 2026
End Date: Sunday, 21 June 2026
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 1 March 2026
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 10 May 2026

Description

The course will examine how to gain a competitive edge through the application of sport science. It will consider aspects in relation to a range of disciplines including, but not limited to, biomechanics, exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, sport psychology, sport nutrition, performance analysis and motor learning. The course will be set in the context of sports science in a contemporary bicultural Aotearoa New Zealand.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, successful students will be able to:
1. Critically evaluate sport and exercise innovations that contribute to sports performance and competitive advantage.
2. Complete in-depth literature searches on current topics in sport science.
3. Critically analyse topics covered in the course.
4. Critically discuss, through self-reflection, developments in sport science in relation to knowledges and norms in contemporary Māori society and in a bicultural Aotearoa New Zealand.
5. Propose and justify an original, evidence-informed sport or exercise innovation that advances knowledge, informs future research, and has the potential to enhance sports performance.

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:

Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award

Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.

Employable, innovative and enterprising

Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.

Biculturally competent and confident

Students will be aware of and understand the nature of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relevance to their area of study and/or their degree.

Globally aware

Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.

Prerequisites

Subject to approval of the Head of School

Timetable 2026

Students must attend one activity from each section.

Lecture A
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Monday 10:00 - 13:00 Warehouse 122 Strength and Conditioning Lab (16/2-23/3, 20/4-25/5)
Warehouse 120 Biomechanics Lab (16/2-23/3, 20/4-25/5)
 16 Feb - 29 Mar
20 Apr - 31 May

Course Coordinator / Lecturer

Sibi Walter

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage  Description
Assignment: Online assessment module 20% Based on LO 4. The students are required to complete the online module on LEARN to demonstrate their understanding of the knowledge and norms of the Maori society, the Treaty of Waitangi, and Aotearoa New Zealand's bicultural history as it relates to sport & exercise. Although from a personal perspective growth in reflection should be demonstrated through reference to relevant literature.
Systematic literature review 4500 words 40% Based on LO 1, 2 and 3. This assignment will require students to conduct a systematic review of any topic where science and innovation have been used to enhance performance and gain a competitive edge in sport.
Research & innovation presentations 40% Based on LO 1, 3 and 5. This assignment will be an oral presentation to the class. The students are required to present a conclusive critical summary of their systematic review and propose a sports performance enhancing innovation based on the knowledge they gathered from their systematic review.

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $2,572.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see School of Health Sciences .

All SSCI403 Occurrences

  • SSCI403-26S1 (C) Semester One 2026
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