Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Stories
Working in elite environments with professional athletes on the Applied Practitioner Programme
Student profile | Seb Evans
Stories
Seb is a Leeds Beckett student, currently on his second year of studying BSc Sport and Exercise Science. In this post, Seb discusses all the opportunities he’s been involved in as part of the course’s Applied Practitioner Programme.
Tell us a bit about yourself and why you chose to study your course.
Prior to university I played football at academies, and now, I have an interest in bodybuilding. So, I’ve always been interested in how different disciplines can be used to optimise performance. Specifically, within my first two years I’ve developed an additional interest in biomechanics and how it can be applied to bodybuilding training and rehab.
I chose to study BSc (Hons) Sports & Exercise Science at Leeds Beckett because of their elite facilities in the School of Sport building which we use in our applied practical seminars.Tell us about the Applied Practitioner Programme. What did you do during the programme?
During the Applied Practitioner Programme, I participated in a variety of research-based experiences. I had the opportunity to assist in a research project about muscle fasciculation, where I got to use advanced electromyography (EMG) and ultrasound equipment.
I also conducted 24 dietary recalls with members of the public, developing my nutrition knowledge within the course. I’m also still part of an isokinetic dynamometer (IKD) internship, where I’m the only undergraduate to work alongside master's students with the IKD.
I also got to experience collecting data for a VO2 max test – a test to measure cardiovascular fitness and aerobic capacity.
How did the programme benefit you?
The programme has enabled me to further my scope of what potential careers I can aim for within sports and exercise science, specifically biomechanics. Also, it’s given me experience of working with equipment that undergraduates don’t usually get to use, access to placements outside of the university, as well as opportunities within the university. The programme also helped me to further develop my final year project and plan for my master’s in biomechanics.
What did you most enjoy about the Applied Practitioner Programme?
I enjoyed working with advanced equipment that undergraduates don’t usually get to use. I also enjoyed how the programme provided tasks for me to do that relate to future careers, such as the interview process to get into the programme. Having the opportunity to work alongside master’s, PhD students, and professors allowed me to build my network to potentially set up more placements in the future.What was the biggest challenge your experienced during the Applied Practitioner Programme?
The biggest challenge I found was putting myself out there during the interview process, specifically having to record myself discussing how I’d be beneficial for the programme. However, this experience has prepared me for any future interviews, and improved my overall self-confidence.What have been the highlights about studying your course at Leeds Beckett?
The applied practical seminars we have and learing to use a variety of equipment have both been highlights of studying BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science. The professors are also very helpful, especially during this year preparing for our final year projects next year.What advice would you give someone thinking about studying this course?
Go to open days and ask questions. It’s not the end of the world to not know exactly what you want to do. Choosing a course like BSc (Hons) Sports & Exercise Science allows you to try a mix of disciplines, and, as you become more specialised, enables you to find out what interests you most. Try to keep your final year project in mind because the first two years go by very quickly.
The facilities at Leeds Beckett are great and you get to use a variety of advanced equipment within seminars as well as the assessments including practicals.
