The IB Sports, Exercise and Health Science (SEHS) course is a fascinating blend of science and practical inquiry, perfect for students passionate about wellbeing and human performance. This guide goes through everything students and parents should know, from the core curriculum to valuable skills and opportunities in school and beyond. If you’re currently based in Geneva, explore our useful tips to embark on IB Sports and shape your future success.
What Is IB SEHS and Who Is It For?
IB Sports Science is an interdisciplinary subject that combines biology, physiology, and biomechanics. It examines how the human body functions in physical activities, how athletic performance can be optimised, and the scientific principles behind health and fitness. Students are exposed to both theoretical learning and hands-on experimental work, making it a stimulating course for ages 16-19.
IB SEHS is an ideal fit for those who aspire to continue their academic journey in physical education and sports science. Its strong focus on international sporting competition fuels scientific solutions to real-world issues. If you’re pursuing a career in coaching, physiotherapy, or sports management, this course builds a concrete foundation for higher education and professional success in these fields.
Core Focus Areas in the IB SEHS Curriculum
The Sport, Exercise, and Health Science IB curriculum hinges on four scientific pillars, ensuring a holistic understanding of health and athletic performance. In this part, let’s explore these key domains in detail to explain what students will achieve after completing the course requirements.
Anatomy & Physiology
In this unit, students investigate how vital systems of the body collaborate during physical exercise. From the musculoskeletal system to cardiovascular function, they analyse the body’s adaptive responses to training, which is crucial for understanding performance limits and preventing injury. Discussion topics include muscle contraction, joint movement, oxygen dissociation, and cardiac output.
Exercise Physiology & Nutrition
This domain explores how the body generates energy and adapts to exercise. Students delve into energy systems and recovery strategies, covering topics like ATP-PC, aerobic respiration, and glycolytic. Sports nutrition is also highlighted, where they learn how macronutrients and hydration define athletic success by improving recovery, preventing fatigue, and accomplishing specific fitness goals.
Biomechanics & Movement Analysis
Bringing physics into human movement, this area bridges the gap between science and sports. It focuses on concepts like force, levers, and laws of motion to understand the techniques behind skill performance. Students learn from inspecting movement patterns, such as angular momentum, projectile motion, and the principles of balance, to optimise athletic techniques and prevent injury.
Psychology & Skill Acquisition
The last unit examines the mental processes that influence skill execution and athletic learning. Topics covered include motivation, confidence, and anxiety, as well as practice strategies, allowing learners to understand how athletes refine skills and perform under pressure. Linking cognitive functions to physical training is key to developing coaching tactics, reinforcing mentality, and optimising results.
Key Skills Developed Through IB SEHS
The IB SEHS cultivates essential skills that support academic growth and future careers. More than theoretical knowledge, it prepares students with:
- Critical thinking: Evaluate findings and draw conclusions effectively.
- Practical investigation: Master experiment design and interpretation.
- Scientific communication: Present findings through written and oral formats.
- Real-world application: Apply scientific theories to solving problems.
In short, whether you’re drafting a detailed report or analysing performance data, obtaining these skills from IB Sports allows you to thrive in sports, science, and healthcare — any field you choose.
Structural Overview: What You’ll Study
The IB SEHS is offered at Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL), both covering the same pivotal structured content as follows:
- Anatomy, Physiology, and Movement Science
- Energy Systems, Training, and Nutrition
- Sports Psychology and Skill Acquisition
The curriculum encompasses investigation design, data analysis, and practical lab work, aiming to encourage a hands-on learning method. Both SL and HL students are assessed through internal coursework and external exams. In addition, HL students engage in more advanced content — such as training programmes and environmental factors — and take Paper 3 for assessment on the extra material.
Why IB SEHS Helps You Succeed Academically and Professionally
Whether taken at SL or HL, the IB SEHS course equips learners with a comprehensive conceptual foundation, targeting those with a passion for sports, science, and health-related academic trajectories in university. More than scientific knowledge, students also enhance their critical thinking and collaboration, which are highly sought-after skillsets not only in university but also in today’s professional landscape. This is a course that opens doors to careers in sports and wellness industries, far beyond the college-level classroom.
Get Started with IB SEHS – How TutorsPlus Can Help
Now, ready to excel in IB Sports? Expert IB Sport, Exercise & Health Science tutors at TutorsPlus provide personalised support to deepen understanding, boost confidence, and improve grades. Their one-on-one tutoring format gives you the full attention you deserve, helping you master difficult concepts and achieve outstanding results in coursework, exams, and long-term progress — all at once.
