Assessment, Learning and Research Through Applied Work Experience

Sport and exercise sciences consider the theoretical knowledge and practical application of scientific principles relating to physiology, biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, nutrition, biomechanics and psychology, to maximise sports performance and improve general health and wellbeing through exercise.  As a consequence, there is often a need to perform well under pressure to ensure that complex tasks are achieved (both in research and professional practice).

Learning through applied work experience is invaluable for developing student’s skill and knowledge, enhancing their professional attitude and providing exposure to working under the pressure of the ‘real-world’ environment.  This lecture will describe how an internship programme was established for the Physiology and Sports Science degree programme, provide examples of placements in elite and professional sports organisations and reflect on the associated benefits from knowledge transfer.  Moreover, it will consider how robust assessment processes were developed specifically for the programme.

About the Speaker

Professor Niall MacFarlane is Professor in Physiology and Sports Science, and a Deputy Head of Teaching in the School of Life Science. On completion of his PhD in Integrative Muscle Physiology, he became a BHF Research Fellow at Glasgow University before being appointed as a teaching replacement lecturer on the MRC-funded Clinical Research Initiative into Heart Failure.  During this period, he worked on a joint Physiological and Pharmacological Societies working group to establish funding and support for investigating biological processes in vivo (leading to national funding for centres of excellence in Integrative Mammalian Biology and their associated summer schools). Professor MacFarlane developed novel assessment processes that linked academic rigour to assessment of learning through applied work experience. More recently, he lead the Physiology and Sports Science programme at Glasgow University and used innovative curriculum design and novel assessment strategies to enhance student experience and graduate employability.