Sports Science MA, Optimising Athletic Performance, 15 credits

Aim

The aim of this course is to provide a comprehensive overview of optimising athletic performance using a multi-disciplinary approach. Physiological, biomechanical, psychological and training principles will be discussed in relation to the modern-day athlete. Isolated systems will also be considered as synergistic components within a more complex whole. Sport-specific challenges will be evaluated and preparation, recovery, environmental factors, nutrition and specific populations will be investigated.

Course objectives

After completing this course, students should be able to demonstrate:
- Advanced knowledge of a variety of factors affecting sporting performance and the underlying mechanisms
- The ability to search for and critically evaluate relevant research articles
- The skills to be able to independently critically evaluate and apply scientific principles to specific sporting scenarios

Content

- Physiology and training
- Biomechanics and training
- Psychology and training
- Athletes as complex systems
- Sport-specific demands
- Training principles, planning and periodisation
- Preparing to train and compete
- Recovering from training and competition
- Sex differences
- Considerations for para-athletes
- Environmental considerations
- Nutritional and ergogenic aids

Entry requirements

A Bachelor degree with at least 180 credits, including a degree project of at least 15 credits, in Sports Science, Sports Medicine or Physiotherapy.

OR

A Bachelor degree consisting of at least 180 credits, including a degree project of at least 15 credits, and a minimum of 60 credits in one or more of the following
subjects: clinical epidemiology, exercise physiology, testing methods in sports
science, kinesiology, biomechanics, coaching and leadership, sports nutrition,
sports medicine, training sciences.

AND

English course 6.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

A range of teaching methods will be used, e.g., lectures, seminars, discussions, practical labs and individual reflection. The course will be delivered predominantly online and entirely in English. There will be one compulsory campus meeting (combined with the parallel course, “Return to Play and Injury Management”). Compulsory seminars, presentations and independent project will also form part of the assessment.

Examination form

1101: MODULE 1 - Online seminar series, 2.5 Credits
Grade scale: Fail (U) or Pass (G)
Active participation and demonstrable scientific competence in all online seminars.

2101: MODULE 2 - Campus-based practicals, 2.5 Credits
Grade scale: Fail (U) or Pass (G)
Active participation and demonstrable practical competence in all laboratory and seminar activities on campus.

3101: MODULE 3 - Oral presentation and opposition, 2.5 Credits
Grade scale: Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with distinction (VG)
Active engagement as a presenter and opponent when planning and defending independent project work.

4101: MODULE 4 - Indpendent project work, 7.5 Credits
Grade scale: Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with distinction (VG)
Independent development of a written portfolio of work related to the optimisation of athletic performance in a sport of choice.

Grading system

Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with distinction (VG)