Sport and Exercise Science

Developing Research Skills In Sport And Exercise

You will attend a series of lectures and interactive student-centred workshops focussed on sport and exercise research methods and analysis. In particular, you will be introduced to research methodologies and processes, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches to research design and to the ethical issues involved in sport and exercise research. You will develop your understanding of planning a research project and developing research questions. You will explore quantitative research methods and analysis, and use statistical packages (e.g., SPSS) to analyse, interpret and represent data as well as exploring qualitative research methods and analysis with a focus on data collection and analyses techniques.

Module code: SPOR40906

Coaching And Teaching Individual Sports

This module follows on from Coaching and Teaching in Sport, and will focus exclusively on individual sports.Currently these are anticipated to be swimming, athletics and badminton. The module aims to provide you with an introduction to basic techniques associated with each sport (and tactics where applicable). Basic theoretical principles underpinning movement and safety in each sport will also be covered. The module will also focus on the application of the principles of coaching, teaching and instruction to the three sports being studied.

Module code: SPOR40912

Academic And Employability Skills In Sport And Exercise

You will attend a series of lectures and interactive student-centred Skills Workshops, which will include the appreciation and development of CV writing, study skills, employability skills, self and career management guidance. In particular, you will review the skills and qualities you already possess, with reference to how they relate to those skills and attributes regarded as crucial for research and critical by employers. During this module you will develop: 1. Effective Learning Skills: Time management, different learning styles, effective note-taking, behaving professionally in Sport and Exercise settings; compare and evaluate information from a variety of sources; prepare for and learn from assessment and feedback. 2. Communication Skills (a) Written communication: preparing, writing and presenting an essay including referencing and citing of information; preparing, writing and presenting an individual research project including a literature review, methodology, results and discussion section; (b) Reading and verbal skills: asking effective questions in class and group discussions; recognizing and constructing an argument and taking into account other students' views; selecting, analysing and comparing a range of print-based information; (c) personal communication skills: giving effective presentations to groups. 3. Information Technology Skills: The use of a Windows environment to communicate ideas via word processing and/or spreadsheets. Use e-mail and access WWW in terms of locating, selecting and evaluating internet-based information. The use of an e-portfolio system to aid with Personal Development Planning (PDP). You will also have the opportunity to reflect on the Staffordshire Graduate Skills:Engaging in internal and external events. University-wide events and lectures - programme specific and/or industry related to any area of the University curriculum. Identifying knowledge and skills used in the workplace. Constructing a CV and identifying areas for further development.

Module code: SPOR40904

Coaching And Teaching In Sport

This module aims to provide you with an introduction to the coaching and teaching process and the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills in coaching and teaching groups and individuals. Principles of effective planning, organising, reflecting and conducting coaching sessions will be covered and introduced in lectures and further developed in practical sessions. In addition, you will be introduced to risk management issues that affect coaches and coaching sessions.

Module code: SPOR40914

Coaching And Teaching Invasion Games

The module focuses on invasion games and will aim to provide you with an introduction to basic techniques (e.g. passing, dribbling, shooting/scoring, etc.) and principles of play or tactics (e.g. support play, balance in defence, penetration in attack, etc.) in team invasion games. The application of these techniques and principles in a variety of team games will be considered. The application of a variety of appropriate and effective coaching/teaching techniques will be applied in the team games setting.

Module code: SPOR40911

Fundamentals Of The Psychology Of Sport And Exercise

In this module you will be introduced to a number of psychological concepts that have applications in sports settings:1. Selected theoretical, approaches to understanding human behaviour within sport and exercise settings.2. Basic processes underlying learning and performance in sport using a human cognitive model.3. Selected psychological theories that have been applied to exercise adoption, participation and adherence.

Module code: SPOR40918

Fundamentals Of Nutrition And Metabolism

This module will provide a basic knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with sport and exercise nutrition and metabolism. Including dietary recommendations, nutrient structures, sources and functions and effects of inadequate intake, digestion and absorption, energy metabolism, fluid balance and thermoregulation, acid base balance and energy balance. Body composition and dietary analysis techniques will be covered.

Module code: SPOR40910

Fundamentals Of Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics And Strength And Conditioning

The purpose of this module is to provide you with an introduction to human anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics and the principles of strength and conditioning. Various systems of the body (such as the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic and nervous) will be explored in the context of biomechanics and/or exercise physiology. In biomechanics, you will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of human movement analysis through studying basic anatomical and mechanical principles, including an analysis of the musculo-skeletal system and movement patterns. Techniques for assessing sports-related kinematics and kinetics, will be developed, through the use of laboratory exploration. In exercise physiology, techniques for monitoring physiological performance and responses to exercise will be learnt and evaluated, such as methods of assessing aerobic and anaerobic capability (e.g., via laboratory- and field-based assessment of VO2max, lactate response, maximal intensity exercise, and flexibility). In the strength and conditioning context, you will be introduced to specific laboratory and applied physical test protocols and exercise prescriptions for the development of athletic performance. Practical and technical skills in data collection, and skills in data analysis will also be taught and developed.

Module code: SPOR40925

Physiological And Nutritional Processes And Mechanisms

The focus of this module is on training and nutrition. You will gain an in-depth understanding of dietary guidelines relevant to health, sport and fitness. You will learn how to critically interpret an athlete’s/individual’s dietary results. Skills in data collection and analysis, and report writing will be taught and developed, in order to assist with the requirements of the assessments.You will be provided with an in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of the methods and principles of training programme design, relevant for a particular sports performer/team. Content will include, for instance, the concepts of periodised and polarised training, altitude training, and training and adaption in extreme environments. You will be taught how to measure, describe and analyse the chronic adaptations to training as well as the markers associated with overtraining. How to offset overtraining and implement recovery techniques in the design of a training programme will also be analysed. The role of genetics in determining the effects of athletic training on phenotypic expression will be explained, as well as issues such as genetic ergogenics, which will be embedded in the teaching content, where relevant.

Module code: SPOR50915

Research And Graduate Employability In Sport And Exercise

This module will require you to build upon your knowledge of research gained the Developing Research Skills module in your first year. Within this module learner’s will gain knowledge and understanding of research design, data collection methods, and data analysis skills. You will complete further data analysis skills in either quantitative or qualitative analysis as per the area of expertise your programme demands.You will be required to apply your research skills by planning, conducting and analysing data for a small research project of qualitative or quantitative design.You will then begin to identify your areas of interest for your dissertation project which you will undertake in your final year. This will include developing an understanding of how to construct a proposal and one to one meetings with relevant dissertation supervisors.

Module code: SPOR50723

Advanced Sport And Exercise Psychology

This module provides an understanding of contemporary topics in sport and exercise psychology focusing broadly on issues arising from the study of individual differences, affective states (e.g., anxiety and mood) and social factors (e.g., leadership and group cohesion). You will be provided with theoretical and research knowledge on a range of contemporary sport and exercise psychology related issues. Sport and exercise research methodologies will be explored and critically analysed. The importance of engaging in exercise or physical activity from a broader society perspective will also be outlined.

Module code: SPOR50511

Biomechanics & Kinesiology

The purpose of this module is to build on the basic understanding of functional anatomy and biomechanics, with a focus on biomechanical data acquisition procedures. You will have practical experience on the measurement of motion, force and pressure, which is applicable to normal gait and simple sporting activities. This module will also introduce you to the assessment of muscle activity during simple sporting movements. Other topics covered within this module are:- Assessment of measurement validity, accuracy and reliability.- Error effects and their solution.- Force and moment analysis.- The importance of angular kinematics.- Biomechanics of high performance athletes.- Introduction to gait analysis.- Appropriate methods of data presentation.- Application of movement analysis to support exercise prescription.

Module code: SPOR50782

Principles Of Strength And Conditioning, Periodisation And Performance Lifestyle

Module code: SPOR50924

Applied Biomechanics & Kinesiology

The module whilst covering various approaches to qualitative and quantitative biomechanical analysis will have a strong focus on strength and conditioning practice, sports injury and rehabilitation. The module content will cover:Advanced biomechanical assessments that unpin strength and conditioning program design.Injuries to the musculoskeletal system and their biomechanical basisBiomechanical and kinesiological analysis of motor skills in a sporting contextInjury management and rehabilitationInteraction between the sports performer and the sports surface with a focus on injury.

Module code: SPOR60521

Sport And Exercise Physiology For Health And Fitness

This module is split into two main parts: sport physiology for the athlete, and exercise physiology for the non-athlete. The module is, therefore, aimed at students who wish to take up careers within sports science support, and/or within the exercise/health/fitness sector. The non-athlete part will provide the opportunity to critically explore exercise-related and nutritional factors that are relevant to a more sedentary individual (client), who may also have specific exercise, health and dietary needs. Practice will focus on the prior establishment of client medical, dietary and exercise history, measurement of health, fitness and diet, and exercise and dietary prescription and advice. You will learn how to apply theoretical knowledge of exercise prescription and diet, and to be critical of recommendations, through analysis of the literature. You will be given the opportunity to develop your professional and employment-related skills and competencies that are required when dealing with individuals in a healthcare context. You will be encouraged to develop and reflect on these skills through mock practice sessions. For appropriate athlete-specific training programmes to be established, the individual needs of the athlete need to be taken into consideration. Physiological responses and requirements may differ among athletes, such as the female athlete, the veteran athlete and the child/adolescent athlete, and because athletes are exposed to different conditions suggesting that these particular athletes needs to be considered further. You will, therefore, explore and analyse the physiological issues relating to exercise and training among different sub-populations. An example of content would be: the female athlete; the veteran athlete; the child and adolescent athlete, and chronobiology.

Module code: SPOR60522

Drugs In Sport

The module aims to provide you with an advanced level of knowledge in the area of use and abuse of drugs in sport. The development of the abuse of drugs in sport and the position of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and other governing bodies will be considered. A global perspective is essential to this area of study. The abuse and effectiveness of various selected physiological and pharmacological ergogenic aids will be considered e.g. anabolic steroids, amphetamines, caffeine, blood doping and EPO. The role and effectiveness of doping control procedures will feature throughout the module. Effective study of this area requires a multi-disciplinary approach including physiological, psychological, sociological, biomechanical and historical perspectives.This module will provide you with an opportunity to develop important life-long skills in an interesting, topical and global scenario.

Module code: SPOR60537

Children In Sport And Physical Education

This module will develop your understanding of children's social development through sport and physical education. It will also critically analyse the national curriculum and evaluate the impact of physical education on young people. You will be expected to evaluate your own experiences and analyse the role that PE and school sport is perceived to have in contemporary society.

Module code: SPOR60535

Personal And Professional Development In Sport And Exercise

This flexible module enables you to choose an award relevant topic and type of assignment which is best suited to your current areas of interest and career aspirations. You may choose to conduct a research project where you identify a topic for research, design and conduct an appropriate study, analyse and interpret data you have collected, and write and submit a report in line with the Sport and Exercise format for dissertations. Alternatively, you may conduct a piece of work based on an identified need in Sport and Exercise. This need may emerge as a consequence of voluntary work experience or links with local employers within the field of study related to the award being undertaken. Examples of work in this area might include the production of web resources, guidelines for best practice, evaluation of local government sport policy, audit of coaching practice in a local sports club etc. etc.Aligned with this dissertation/project you will also have to produce a project proposal (including ethical approval and risk assessment when appropriate), which will outline the main background, methods, and evaluation strategies.Finally, based upon your dissertation/project and final year study, work or volunteering experiences, you will undertake a viva to outline how the current module (and other modules and experiences in your final year) has supported your transferable skills and readiness for the world of work in the context of the core elements of the `Staffordshire Graduate'.

Module code: SPOR60520

Sports Nutrition

This module serves to integrate the fundamental principles of nutrition to sport and improvement of sports performance, concentrating on a critical appreciation of the literature supporting various dietary strategies and supplements that a variety of athletes could utilise. For example creatine loading, caffeine supplementation, carbohydrate and other substances.An important feature of the module is the design and implementation of a group based research investigation into the effectiveness of a supplement in enhancing sports performance. The module will feature research methodology as applied to Sports Nutrition and will prepare you for the world of work by working as a group to accomplish the task.

Module code: SPOR60523

The Psychology Of Competitive Performance: Theory And Practice

You will explore how individuals respond and function in competitive performance settings, such as sport. Historical (e.g., Drive Theory, Inverted-U hypothesis) and current (e.g., Catastrophe Theory, Theory of Challenge and Threat States in Athletes) approaches to performance psychology will be outlined. Key issues pertinent to the practice of psychologists in performance settings will be covered including, ethical concerns, adherence issues, and methods of evaluating intervention effectiveness. Finally, the module will explore a range of psychological strategies (e.g., imagery, self-talk and hypnosis) commonly used to maintain and enhance performance in competitive performance.

Module code: SPOR60803

Stress, Emotion And Sport Performance

You will be introduced to the concepts of stress and emotion with reference to current approaches (e.g., Lazarus' Cognitive-Motivational-Relational Theory). This will be followed by historical (e.g., Drive Theory, Inverted-U hypothesis) and current (e.g., Catastrophe Theory, Theory of Challenge and Threat States in Athletes) approaches to understanding how responses to stress may relate to performance. A particular focus of the module will be on examining how the manner in which sports skills are acquired may impact on the resilience of those skills when performed in a stressful and emotional environment (e.g., implicit and explicit learning). The final section of the module will explore how individuals or groups can cope with stress and regulate emotions. Particular consideration will be given to the notion that self-control may be a limited resource with techniques to cope with stress and regulating emotions strength, reducing the amount of strength available for subsequent self-control effort.

Module code: SPOR60493

Placement: Sport And Exercise Science

The module aims to provide experience of learning from and applying knowledge to a relevant working environment. The module provides you with the opportunity to develop key personal and transferable skills by applying your knowledge and skills to a specific context relevant to your course or areas of interest. Whilst the placement module has generic aims and learning outcomes the detail of each placement will be determined by the module leader and other supervisory lecturing staff.

Module code: SPOR60947

Paediatric Strength And Conditioning

This module provides learning opportunities that will enable you to be critically aware of key issues relating to the effect of growth and maturation on physical performance during childhood and adolescence. You will critically examine the research literature to gain knowledge and understanding of the evidence based approach required to prescribe exercise to children and adolescents in a safe and effective manner. This acquired knowledge, along with taught practical guidelines, will allow you to critically formulate and prescribe training aimed to develop specific physical and physiological attributes (motor skill, strength, speed, plyometrics, agility, metabolic and mobility development) that will support the implementation of talent identification and long-term athletic development strategies. You will be required to develop a critical awareness of contemporary issues in youth strength and conditioning (periodisation, nutritional and injury prevention strategies and the myths of resistance training for children and adolescents).

Module code: SPOR60750

Contemporary Issues In Sports Coaching

The topics will vary according to topical issues apparent at the time of delivery. The nature of a contemporary issues module means that the current issues in the subject area are fluid and constantly changing, therefore, this module will aim to keep you abreast of these current issues and integrate them into the teaching schedule of the module.

Module code: SPOR60534

Fitness Instruction And Personal Training

You will be encouraged to use knowledge gained in the subdisciplines of sport and exercise, as well as contemporary research, to assist in the planning and designing of safe and effective exercise/training sessions that are relevant to the performer (e.g., based on personal lifestyle needs and goals) and in the preparation of a magazine article. This knowledge may include aspects of health and fitness, exercise adherence, behaviour change, lifestyle management, sociological perspectives, anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, and movement analysis, depending on the modules that have been, or are being, studied. Instructing/coaching/teaching skills will be developed. You will be provided with the opportunity to practice your teaching and communication skills, and to observe, analyse, reflect on and modify them, in order to ensure that the performer progresses. The organisational context of fitness instruction and personal training (skills, qualifications, register of exercise professionals), including requirements for self-employment as well as working in a club, will be considered, as well as risk assessment, duty of care, health and safety, data protection, legal requirements and professional obligations particular to exercise to music, fitness instruction and personal training. The aim of the module is to prepare you to achieve a professional award (Level 2 in fitness instruction in the context of exercise to music, or a Level 3 certificate in personal training, as appropriate). You may opt to take this qualification following successful completion of the module.

Module code: SPOR60536

Applied Strength And Conditioning For Sports Performance And Rehabilitation

Module code: SPOR60946

Introduction To Sport Science

Module code: SPOR30756

Social Aspects Of Sport

Module code: SPOR30644

Coaching In Sport

Module code: SPOR30737

Study Skills And Research Methods

Module code: SPOR30631

Fundamentals Of Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics And Strength

Module code: SPOR40915

Placement: Sports Coaching

The placement module aims to provide experience of learning from and applying knowledge to a relevant working environment. The module provides you with the opportunity to develop key personal and transferable skills by applying your knowledge and skills to a specific context relevant to your course or areas of interest. Whilst the placement module has generic aims and learning outcomes the detail of each placement will be determined by the module leader and other supervisory lecturing staff.

Module code: SPOR50911

Business Enterprise And Entrepreneurship In Health, Fitness And Sports Science

The overall aim of this module is to develop skills in aspects of business planning, marketing, promotion, financial planning, communication, IT, and practically-relevant areas of sport and exercise, in order to offer a sports-related, student-ran business at the University. The essence of the business will be to offer a health, fitness and sports science support service, incorporating aspects of the following: sports science support; lifestyle assessment; health education; coaching; coach education and professional development; injury prevention; sport/exercise rehabilitation; nutrition; and personal training, depending on student skill base.

Module code: SPOR60524