Students will be required to complete two pieces of summative assessment.

1) A 2500-word critical proposal for a battery of physiological monitoring tests relevant for a group of athletes or individual athlete. (LO1 and LO3, and worth 50% of the total marks for the module)

2) A 2500-word report (consisting of a 1000-word 'athlete-friendly' report, and a 1500-word scientific report) analysing, interpreting and critically evaluating a set of data derived from physiological monitoring tests on an athlete/group of athletes. (LO2 and 50% of the total marks for the module).


Additional Assessment Details (include formative feedback / assessment):

The proposal (assessment one) should be relevant for the athlete/athletes, and should include a critical justification to support the choice of tests selected, by referring to the physiological determinants and metabolic demands of the sport, the needs of the athlete(s), and the specificity, validity, reliability, advantages and limitations of the tests selected. The proposal should also include a reflection on skills in gathering information through various media to assist in the formulation of the proposal.

Students will receive formative feedback throughout the module comprising of a combination of task-related feedback and comments on online discussion contributions and interactions offered up throughout the module.

Students will be taught about a range of physiological monitoring procedures, which may be used to support athletes in a laboratory and field setting. Specifically students will
1. Examine techniques for monitoring physiological performance will be evaluated, such as methods of assessing aerobic and anaerobic capability (e.g. via VO2max, lactate response, maximal intensity exercise), flexibility, muscular strength and power, and body composition.
2. Be required to recognise the underlying scientific rationale for employing physiological tests, through, for instance, applying knowledge about energy requirements and physiological determinants of a particular sport.
3. Be required to develop a critical and analytical appreciation of the practicality, specificity, reliability, validity, and the advantages and limitations of specific physiological monitoring tests.
4. Due to the online nature of the module, not only gather knowledge about an athlete or a group of athletes via researching scientific material, but also gather information via video and online communication and be given the opportunity to reflect on their ability to communicate effectively through this medium.
5. Critically analyse and interpret the results obtained from a battery of physiological monitoring tests, critiquing the relevancy of the data, its limitations, usefulness, meaningfulness for the athlete and coach, its application, and its validity. Students will need to be able to disseminate their findings to both a scientific audience, and to the athlete(s).

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).


This module will adopt a collaborative approach to learning where, via a series of online discussions and gathering of information (e.g. via email and videoblogs, which will form part of the assessment process), students will demonstrate their understanding of the discipline.

None

Access to an appropriately specified PC, with accompanying Word, PowerPoint, Adobe and Java software. Copyright-cleared resource material (journal articles).

Abernethy, P., Wilson, G., & Logan, P. (1995). Strength and power assessment. Issues, controversies and challenges. Sports Medicine, 19(6), 401-417.

Howley, E. T., Bassett, J. R., & Welch, H. G. (1995). Criteria for maximal oxygen uptake: review and commentary. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 27(9), 1292-1301.

Core
Maud, P. J., & Foster, C. (Eds.). (2006). Physiological assessment of human fitness. (2nd ed). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Recommended

Kenney, W. L., Wilmore, J. H., & Costill, D. L. (2012). Physiology of sport and exercise. (5th ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Tanner, R., & Gore, C. (eds). Australian Institute of Sport. (2013). Physiological tests for elite athletes. (2nd ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Winter, E. M., Jones, A. M., Davison, R. C. C., Bromley, P. D., & Mercer, T. H. (Eds.). (2007). Sport and exercise physiology testing guidelines. British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences guide. Volume I. Sport testing. London: Routledge.