The module will examine selected areas related to the impairment and enhancement of sport & exercise performance and will bring together the fields of biomechanics, physiology and to a lesser extent policy in an integrative manner. Adopting an issue based approach; the module will examine two key areas of applied sport science, namely injury and drugs.

The module
- develops an understanding of the classification, use and abuse of drugs in competitive sport via the examination of topical incidents of drug abuse in sport
- Requires you to reflect upon and consider your own personal stance on `drug abuse in sport' and to justify your position. The abuse of drugs at various levels of sport, in various countries and sports will be considered. The physiological rationale for drug abuse in various sports will be explored, including the biochemical rationale for their effectiveness. A critical analysis of the effectiveness of national/international drug control measures will be undertaken.
- Examines the application of physiological and biomechanical principles to sports injuries. This will include describing the nature and type of injury and the integration of the related disciplines (i.e. physiology, biomechanics) to sports injuries following a theory to practice approach. This developing knowledge of professional practice will be applied to inform the predisposition to injury
- introduces you to the processes and techniques available in the management and rehabilitation of injury and critically evaluate the scientific basis of injury management.

It should be noted that successful completion of the module does not qualify or empower the student to treat or manage injuries.

1. An on-line statement and accompanying reflection and justification of your personal position about a drugs related topic/issue (2500 words). This is based on (a) online discussion with peers and (b) engagement with module content (LO'S 1 & 2) and is worth 50% of the overall module grade

2. A Portfolio (2500 words) of 3 self-selected case studies illustrating critical analysis of the principles of injury prevention, management and rehabilitation (Assesses LO's 3, 4 & 5) contributing to 50% of the overall module grade

Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via on-line tasks and discussions.

Students will follow a 12-week guided study programme and access support material via Blackboard. Students will also be provided with the opportunity to gather information via video and online communication. Students will be required to access additional support material independently. Core required tasks will amount to an average of 8 hours of engagement per week, representing a total of 96 activity engagement hours for the module.

The number of independent study hours is 204, representing a combination of further and additional reading and a series of optional tasks (96 hours) and specific preparation for the module assignments (108 hours).

Bahrke, M. & Yesalis, C. E. (2002) Performance-Enhancing Substances in Sport and Exercise. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Brukner. P. Khan, K. (2003) Clinical Sports Medicine McGraw-Hill (Australia)
Tortora. C.J., and Derrickson. B H. (2009) Principles of Anatomy and Physiology.12th edition. New York, John Wiley and Sons
Wilson, W. & Derse, E. A. (2001) Doping in Elite Sport: The Politics of Drugs in the Olympic Movement. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics
Yesalis, C. E. (2000) Anabolic Steroids in Sport and Exercise. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Access to an appropriately specified PC, with accompanying Word, PowerPoint, Adobe and Java software.