Students will participate in a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions and independent activities.

Contact Hours: (36)
12 hours of lectures
12 x 2 hours of laboratory sessions.

Independent Study hours: (114)
50 hours assigned reading and independent study
24 hours preparation for presentation
40 hours exam preparation

Students will be introduced 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 athletes 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.

1) Oral presentation (15 minutes) worth 50% of the overall module mark (Assesses LO's 1 & 2)

2) Exam (90 minutes) requiring extended answers worth 50% of the overall module mark (Assesses LO's 1, 2 & 3)

Additional Assessment Details (include formative feedback / assessment):
Formative assessment will take place through discussion in the laboratory sessions

Appropriately and adequately equipped lecture theatre
Appropriately and adequately equipped sport and exercise psychology laboratory
Appropriately and adequately equipped IT room
Appropriately and adequately stocked library facilities
Internet access sufficient to access blackboard

Cox, R. H. (2006). Sport psychology: Concepts and applications. (6th ed.) Dubuque, Iowa: McGraw-Hill.
Farrow, D., Baker, J. & MacMahon, C. (2008). Developing sport expertise. London: Routledge.
Singer, R. N., Hausenblas, H. A., & Janelle, C. M. (2007). Handbook of research on sport psychology. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Williams, A. M., & Hodges, N. J. (2004). Skill acquisition in sport. Oxon: UK: Routledge.