Module Descriptors
SPORT SCIENCE FOR COACHES AND TEACHERS
SPOR40955
Key Facts
Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Level 4
20 credits
Contact
Leader: Robert Needham
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 26
Independent Study Hours: 174
Total Learning Hours: 200
Assessment
  • 90 minute unseen exam weighted at 100%
Module Details
Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how physiological principles are applied to improve sports performance
Knowledge and understanding, Application, Analysis

2. Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of anatomy and application of biomechanical principles
Knowledge and understanding, Application, Analysis

3. Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge and application of sports psychology principles
Knowledge and understanding, Application, Analysis

4. Demonstrate an understanding of the inter-disciplinary nature of key sport and exercise sciences
Knowledge and understanding, Problem solving, Communication, Enquiry

Additional Assessment Details
A 90-minute unseen exam including multiple choice, short answer and essay type questions covering all areas of the module. This is worth 100% of the module grade and will assess learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4

Additional Assessment Details (include formative feedback / assessment)

Formative feedback on knowledge and understanding will be a regular feature of workshop sessions where field and laboratory testing will be taking place. Supportive learning workshop tasks will be published on blackboard and will form part of the independent study tasks.
Indicative Content
This module serves to provide an introduction to the fundamental aspects of sports science and how various disciplines interact with each other to provide a holistic approach to athletic preparation

Areas to be explored include: the roles of the physiologist, biomechanist and psychologist Basic fundamental knowledge of sport and exercise will be covered, as they apply in the scientific testing and monitoring of sports performance and the preparation of training plans both in standard and extreme environments.

The module will cover aspects of laboratory and field testing of sports performance, the role of the sports scientist in individual and team sports, the importance of calibration, accuracy, reliability and specificity of testing. How to use scientific testing results to support the sportsperson in developing and improving their performance will be discussed. Both two dimensional and three-dimensional motion analysis and data capture will be covered. Communication of results to performers will be considered.
Wed Descriptor
This module serves to provide an introduction to the fundamental aspects of sports science and how various disciplines interact with each other to provide a holistic approach to athletic preparation

Areas to be explored include: the roles of the physiologist, biomechanist and psychologist Basic fundamental knowledge of sport and exercise will be covered, as they apply in the scientific testing and monitoring of sports performance and the preparation of training plans both in standard and extreme environments.

The module will cover aspects of laboratory and field testing of sports performance, the role of the sports scientist in individual and team sports, the importance of calibration, accuracy, reliability and specificity of testing. How to use scientific testing results to support the sportsperson in developing and improving their performance will be discussed. Both two dimensional and three-dimensional motion analysis and data capture will be covered. Communication of results to performers will be considered.
Learning Strategies
Students will undertake a tutor-led lecture programme, supported by tutor and student led workshops. Students will be expected to select appropriate physical tests and administer these tests according to set protocols. Also, to able to provide a basic interpretation of the results. In addition, there will be tutor-guided independent study, supplemented by student-led independent study, research and reading, including internet searching and reading, library searching and reading plus observing sports scientists at sporting events (match analysis, physiotherapists, sports therapists, psychologists etc.) , and other associated topics. Furthermore, there will be student-led independent study into assessment planning and preparation.
Reference Texts
Kenney, W. L., Wilmore, J. H. & Costill, D. L. (2015). Physiology of sport and exercise. (6th ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Lynne, A. (2010) Effective Sports Coaching: A Practical Guide Crowood Press, Whiltshire

Bartlett, R. (2014). Introduction to sports biomechanics. Analysing human movement patterns. London: Routledge.

Weinberg, R., & Gould, D. (2015). Foundations of sport & exercise psychology. (6th ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Module Resources
Appropriately equipped laboratory with adequate technical support and: -

Cycle ergometers

Treadmill

Wingate software

Gas analysis software

Stadiometer, weighing scales, bioelectrical impedance analysis software

Electronic timing gates

Astroturf, sportshall

OHP and white board.

Appropriately equipped lecture theatre with access to a Powerpoint facility

Access to Blackboard