There are 4 assessments for this module:-

1. A TEACHING PRACTICAL weighted at 15%. Assesses LO 1
2. A PRACT EXAM length .5 HOURS weighted at 15%. Assesses LO 2
3. An ASSIGNMENT length 1500 words weighted at 20%. Assesses LO 3
4. A SEMINAR PRESENTATION (30 mins), worth 50% of the overall module mark. Assesses LOs 4 and 5,

Additional Assessment Details (include formative feedback / assessment):

Teaching practical: students will be required to 1) instruct a section of an exercise to music session (learning outcome 1). As part of this practical, students will be required to critically reflect on their teaching performance. Students will be assessed on their ability to keep to the beat and phrase of the music, to instruct, observe, correct, provide encouragement/feedback, check for understanding, adhere to safety principles, choreograph, and on their ability to ensure that the routine is appropriate to the needs of the individual(s) by providing adaptation and progression options. They will also be assessed on their reflection.

The practical exam requires the student to train a client on a one-to-one basis (learning outcome 2). Students will be assessed on: their ability to communicate with their client, their teaching and instructing skills, their ability to motivate the client, their professionalism, screening and needs' analysis techniques, record keeping, the structure and content of the personal training session, creativity, knowledge of training principles and methods/approaches, knowledge of nutritional and other relevant lifestyle factors, ability to ensure that the session is appropriate to the needs, capabilities and experience of the client, adherence to safety principles and on their reflection of performance.

The third assignment will be a research-based article for potential submission to a fitness magazine (eg Fitpro) on a topic that is relevant for a fitness professional, which draws on research and knowledge from discipline(s) within sport and exercise. (learning outcome 3)

Students will be provided with the opportunity to practice their teaching and communication skills, and to observe, analyse, reflect on and modify them, using video and formative feedback from tutors and peers.

Early in the second half of the module students will be given to opportunity to undertake a presentation in a group. This will enable then to practice and receive feedback on their presentation skills. Students should reflect on their personal presentation skills and will be given individual feedback by the tutor.

Students will be encouraged to use knowledge gained in the sub disciplines 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. In addition students will examine at an advanced level of knowledge, the use and abuse of drugs in sport from a global perspective, examining the position of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and other governing bodies of sport.

Students will be provided with the opportunity to practice their teaching and communication skills, and to observe, analyse, reflect on and modify them, in order to ensure performer progression in an exercise/training environment. 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. In terms of personal performance enhancement, 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 be a feature of the module.

Effective study of the above areas requires a multi-disciplinary approach including physiological, psychological, sociological, biomechanical and historical perspectives and provides an opportunity to develop important practical life-long skills allied to a contemporary and global understanding of ergogenic aids to performance.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching (78 hours)
24 hours Lecture
30 hours Practical
24 hours Seminars

Seminar above will consist of 4 x 2hr tutor/student led workshops on presentation skills, practice presentations and essay writing skills.
8 x 2hr student presentation sessions

Guided Independent Study (232 hours)
30 hours Extending notes
30 hours Practice for practical exam
30 hours Practice for teaching practical
22 hours Preparation of written teaching plan
50 hours Tutor directed reading and searching for information
30 hours Preparation for seminar presentation
30 hours Student led independent study

Timetabled access to appropriately sized and equipped space capable of delivering both exercise to music and personal training sessions.

Bahrke, M.S. and Yesalis, C.E. (2002) Performance Enhancing Substances in Sport and Exercise. Human Kinetics.

Earle, R. W., & Baechle, T. R. (Eds.). (2004). NSCA's essentials of personal training. (2nd ed.). National Strength and Conditioning Association. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Kennedy-Armbruster, C., & Yorke, M. M. (2009). Methods of group exercise instruction. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Mottram, D. R. (2010) Drugs in Sport. (4th ed.) London: Routledge