(1) A test of competence where students will be required to select and justify a battery of tests to be administered on an athlete, in a competent, appropriate and professional manner (50% of the total marks for this module). (LOs 1 and 2).

(2) A written report (50% of the total marks for the module). Given a set of data derived from a test on an athlete (a) interpret and disseminate information in the form of a written report to the athlete in an appropriate manner (LO 3) (b) provide a critical analysis of your rationale for (a) (LOs 4 and 5).

Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via the VLE.

This module will allow students to develop competencies in a wide range of functional and biochemical test procedures used in the physiological support of athletes in both the laboratory and in the field. In addition they will be required to recognise the underlying scientific rationale for employing these tests as well as developing a critical and analytical appreciation of their reliability and validity. A firm appreciation of when it is appropriate to utilise these tests will also be developed. Finally they will be required to develop an appropriate testing regimen for a given athlete and interpret and disseminate the results.

Australian Sports Commission (2000). Physiological Tests for the Elite Athlete (1st edition). Human Kinetics Champaign IL. ISBN 0-7360-0326-6

Maud, P.J & Foster, C. (1995). Physiological Assessment of Human Fitness (1st edition). Human Kinetics, Champaign IL. ISBN 0-87322-776-X

Bird and Davidson, (Eds.)(1997). Physiological Testing Guidelines. BASES. ISBN 1-901465-01-2

McArdle, W.D., Katch, F.I. and Katch, V.L. (1996). Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition and Human Performance (4th edition). Williams and Wilkins. ISBN 0-683-05731-6.

Further reading will be given via the course pack.

Computer with internet access.

Library with access to appropriate academic journals.

CD-Rom of selected Physiological Tests

Copyright cleared learning resources course pack.

Students will follow an 8 week guided programme of work via a web based virtual learning environment (VLE). In addition they will be supplied with a learning resources course pack containing relevant peer reviewed literature which will form the basis of a critical appreciation of the topic areas in question. Workshops will be provided which will allow students to (a) gain direct experience with regard to the typical battery of tests employed in a sports performance facility and (b) complete part of the assessment for this module.