Master of Science in Biology of Physical Activity

The aim of the MasterBPA programme is for students to understand the interaction between different systems of the body during physical exercise, as well as the relevant theoretical background.

Programme Description

The programme offers three fields of specialisation:

1. Biomechanics (muscle-tendon mechanics, neuromuscular function, human movement)
2. Exercise Physiology (cellular and molecular adaptation, cardiorespiratory function, human physiology)
3. Science of Sport Coaching and Fitness Testing (scientific bases and applications of fitness testing, strength and power training, endurance training)

The two-year programme (120 ECTS credits) is designed to prepare students for careers in research centres, medical rehabilitation centres, sport medicine and exercise testing centres, sport academies and physical exercise and sports organisations. It also provides qualifications to apply for postgraduate (PhD) studies.

Our Master’s degree programme provides you with

• high quality teaching in English in a state-of-the-art research laboratory
• lectures given by leading international experts in the field
• an individual study plan
• 2-year full-time education
• experience of both the Finnish culture and an international campus
• comprehensive services organised by the International Office of the University

The master’s thesis will be constructed in the form of a scientific paper with the aim of publishing it in an international peer-reviewed journal.

The 120 ECTS required for the Master’s Degree consists of mandatory 28 ECTS of common courses, advanced studies according to the major subject (80 ECTS in Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology, 70 ECTS in Science of Sport Coaching and Fitness Testing), and optional courses that you can choose freely (12 ECTS in Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology and 22 ECTS in Science of Sport Coaching and Fitness Testing). It is, however, recommended to include Finnish language courses in your studies. All Finnish citizens should include XRUL004 / XRUL904 Svenska för idrottsbiologer (2 ECTS) in their studies. You can find the detailed course descriptions in our curriculum.

Common courses

The objective is to get acquainted with the terminology and research in the field of biology of physical activity, to understand the scientific research process and to achieve practical skills in measurements related to biomechanics, exercise physiology and fitness testing.

Complementary courses

The objective is to deepen theoretical knowledge and to get acquainted with the state of the art problems in the field of biology of physical activity.

Advanced studies according to major subject

The objective is provide the student with qualifications as an academic expert in the field. The aim is that the student is able to think scientifically, master the theory, methods and their applications in solving practical problems. The Master’s thesis will be constructed in the form of a scientific paper with the aim of having it published in international peer-reviewed journal.

Biomechanics

Exercise physiology

The programme educates academic experts who understand the interactive mechanisms between different physiological systems and physical exercise, and their theoretical background. The programme is designed to prepare students for careers in research centres, medical rehabilitation centres, sports medicine and exercise testing centres, sports academies and physical exercise and sports organisations. It also qualifies students to apply for postgraduate studies in the field.

The programme is designed to prepare students for careers in research centres, medical rehabilitation centres, sport medicine and exercise testing centres, sport academies and physical exercise and sports organisations. Graduates of the programme are also qualified to apply for PhD studies at the higher education institutions in the field.