In your first year you'll study with our partner, ARU College. This module will provide you with the necessary skills to begin studying at level 4 in courses related to sports and sports science. You will be introduced to the core skills necessary to succeed in higher education, including researching and referencing appropriately, demonstrating appropriate ICT skills, and communicating effectively verbally and in writing. In addition to these fundamental study skills, you'll be introduced to the various scientific disciplines underpinning sports sciences. Fundamental mathematical skills will be covered in order to support other subjects and give you confidence in manipulating data. You will be introduced to molecular and cellular biology, and how these fields are applied to real-world investigations. You will also study the biology of micro and macro organisms, with reference to both human and animal structures. You'll be introduced to the core concepts of chemistry, with a particular focus on organic chemistry, and will also be given a grounding in the core principles of physics, applied to living organisms. You will be introduced to the core principles of psychology and will explore various current applications of psychological theory. The module is made up of the following eight constituent elements: Interactive Learning Skills and Communication (ILSC); Information Communication Technology (ICT); Psychology; Maths for Scientists; Cellular Biology; Biology – Physiology; Chemistry; Physics for Life Sciences.
Within this module you will be introduced to key topics and concepts of sport and exercise science to develop your knowledge and enthusiasm in the area. To do this, we will approach sport and exercise science from a multidisciplinary perspective. Case studies and live briefs are used to contextualise your learning from real-world scenarios. Through a combination of lectures, practical and team-based learning sessions you will develop an understanding how biomechanics, sport psychology and exercise physiology corroborate in sport and exercise behaviour. For example, what psychological, biomechanical and metabolic factors influence the performance of an elite athlete? And, how can we motivate sedentary individuals to exercise more and what physiological adaptations are expected? As such you will develop a clear understanding of the commonalities and distinctions of the disciplines of sport and exercise in different real world scenarios. The development of knowledge is complemented with gaining key transferable,practical and employability skills such as working collaboratively, analysing and presenting data and practical laboratory skills.
View the full module definitionUnderstanding the sporting landscape is the starting point for any professional working in sport. This module. This module introduces students to the key theoretical and practical concepts of sport coaching and development. Delivered through a series of lectures, seminars, practicals, as well as industry based guest lectures and a field trip to a major sport location. The module examines the role of key organisations that oversee and deliver sport in the UK (and abroad) as well as an appreciation of the broader sporting context in which sport practitioners operate. By the end of the module, you will have developed an appreciation of the coaching process in terms of the pedagogical, managerial, behavioural and ethical components which enable good practice. As well as the module specific knowledge, you will also further enhance your key employability skills of written communication and your awareness of the options available for career pathways.
View the full module definitionWithin this module you will be introduced to key topics and concepts of sport and exercise science to develop your knowledge and enthusiasm in the area. To do this, we will approach sport and exercise science from a multidisciplinary perspective. Case studies and live briefs are used to contextualise your learning from real-world scenarios. Through a combination of lectures,practical and team-based learning sessions you will develop an understanding how biomechanics, sport psychology and exercise physiology influence sport and exercise behaviour. For example, what psychological, biomechanical and metabolic factors influence the performance of an elite athlete? And, how can we motivate sedentary individuals to exercise more and what physiological adaptations are expected? As such you will develop a clear understanding of the commonalities and distinctions of the disciplines of sport and exercise in different real world scenarios. The development of knowledge is complemented with gaining key transferable, practical and employability skills such as working collaboratively, analysing and presenting data and practical laboratory skills.
View the full module definitionPractitioners such as coaches, teachers and instructors facilitate quality experiences in sport and physical activity. This module will develop and apply the key theoretical and practical concepts that underpin effective delivery in contemporary sport and exercise contexts. By the end of the module, you will have developed an understanding of the teaching and coaching process including key areas such as the roles, techniques, and planning skills required to provide an educational experience in sport. You will begin to assess the quality of your own and others’ coaching/teaching delivery, in relation to adherence to professional codes of conduct, awareness of health and safety issues and understanding of how a session should progress. The skills of coaching and teaching physical education will be compared and considered, by experiencing practice and evaluating the use of various communication and organisational skills such as time management, feedback and problem solving. The techniques used to deliver a successful sport or physical education session will be taught using an integrated approach that includes practical delivery together with linked lectures, seminars and reading groups. The module will help develop key transferable and employable skills in communication, organisation and analysis of practice in sport and physical activity. This module will be of particular interest for those who want to further their applied understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of coaching and teaching.
View the full module definitionAt Anglia Ruskin University we strive to ensure you receive an outstanding Academic Education and Student Experience and understand that, whilst embedding employability skills within the credit-bearing curriculum is important, it is only part of the set of achievements needed in order for you to obtain career employment.This 0-credit module will be used to track and verify the progress you have made with respect to key employability skills and endeavour. You will work closely with your personal development tutor, SU Volunteering Services, Study Skills Plus, and the Faculty Employability Advisor to engage with co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities and activities to enhance your personal attributes
Within the discipline of Sport and Exercise Sciences it is well recognised that both quantitative and qualitative research designs provide different, but complementary, opportunities for researchers and practitioners to collect and evaluate coaching, health, and exercise data for the perspective or objective review of evidence to inform future applied practice. This module uses active and collaborative learning design that requires you to take the position of a researcher or practitioner (a complex problem solver) and to work through real-world sporting questions that need answering. Working as part of a team you will collaborate and contribute to the answering of these questions through collective negotiation and project management. Your development of these key employability skills is important for, and transferable to, any graduate-level job or post-graduate study. We will develop them together within the context of our subject area (Sport and Exercise Sciences) and the outcomes will support you in the development of your own piece of sustained independent work within your course – The Undergraduate Project module.
View the full module definitionThis module introduces you to the underlying principles and processes of analysing performance in sport. This is a key skill for coaches and teachers involved at all levels of sport, and forms the basis of a standalone support role (performance analyst) in many modern multidisciplinary teams. Based on contemporary research, contextual and theoretical input, students will be introduced to the use of different technologies (GPS, Video and Notational Analysis), learn to analyse individual, team and coach performances in sport, and will explore different ways to interpret and feedback information in a useable way. This module will develop core employability skills including data management, digital literacy, planning and time management, analysis, team working and communicating information.
View the full module definitionThis module aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and practice. You will practically plan, deliver and evaluate real life coaching sessions with the help of a mentor. By the end of the module, you will have direct coaching/teaching experience and will have generated a portfolio of practical hours of coaching/teaching. The module will develop your appreciation of mentoring, coaching/teaching and reflection, whilst also developing valuable employability skills such as working in a team, communication and professionalism. The key areas we will address are those regarding the ‘job’ of the coach/teacher, from collecting real time information from your athletes/children, through to relating this into a structured plan and delivering this plan via several linked sessions. Finally, evaluating these sessions and then writing a reflection on this process will complete the coaching/teaching cycle. Throughout the module you will also develop employability skills, such as time management, administration, organisation, peer-feedback, and we will increase your awareness and understanding of important health and safety requirements of the sector. This module will be beneficial for those of you wanting to enhance their practical coaching/teaching experience and generate a greater volume of coaching/teaching hours.
View the full module definitionLearn about sports development processes from around the world, within a variety of socio-economic and educational contexts, and how these are shaped by government policies. You’ll consider main bodies which influence the development and management of sport and focus on the ways in which sport functions as a business. As you focus on complexities of sports development and compare them to sports structures and funding from around the world, you’ll look at how sport in the UK is constructed and governed. Finally, you’ll research the recruitment, development and funding of athletes across various levels of performance from playground to podium and use case studies from around the world.
View the full module definitionThe role of psychology in optimising sport performance is becoming increasingly recognised with many athletes now employing the services of sport psychology consultants and using mental skills in training and preparation for competition. Before designing an effective sport psychology intervention programme you must undertake a process of assessment and profiling to identify the mental strengths and weaknesses of the athlete. Within this module you will extent the knowledge you have gained at level 4, and we will specifically focus on the assessment methods needed to develop psychological profiles of athletes. For example, you will learn to use performance profiling and to conduct intake interviews. You will be challenged to examine the findings from this psychological assessment in relation to psychological theories to explain specific performance issues in the applied setting. The latest research within the topic areas will be examined and discussed and you will be encouraged to apply this research to case study scenarios and real-life situations in seminars and assignments. The module will be delivered through weekly sessions, combining lecture, seminar, active learning and practical elements. The module will be of particular interest to those who are planning careers in sport coaching or sport science support.
View the full module definitionRuskin Modules are designed to prepare our students for a complex, challenging and changing future. These interdisciplinary modules provide the opportunity to further broaden your perspectives, develop your intellectual flexibility and creativity. You will work with others from different disciplines to enable you to reflect critically on the limitations of a single discipline to solve wider societal concerns. You will be supported to create meaningful connections across disciplines to apply new knowledge to tackle complex problems and key challenges. Ruskin Modules are designed to grow your confidence, seek and maximise opportunities to realise your potential to give you a distinctive edge and enhance your success in the workplace.
At Anglia Ruskin University we strive to ensure you receive an outstanding Academic Education and Student Experience and understand that, whilst embedding employability skills within the credit-bearing curriculum is important, it is only part of the set of achievements needed in order for you to obtain career employment.This 0-credit module will be used to track and verify the progress you have made with respect to key employability skills and endeavour. You will work closely with your personal development tutor, SU Volunteering Services, Study Skills Plus, and the Faculty Employability Advisor to engage with co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities and activities to enhance your personal attributes.
This role of the applied strength and conditioning (S&C) coach at all levels of sport has progressed in recent years and is now a fundamental role within the sport science support team. This module will provide an in-depth exploration of safe and effective S&C practice. You will develop an evidence based applied rationale for the role of S&C work in relation to different athletes. You will be introduced to the fundamental techniques and principles of athlete assessment, evaluation and training prescription in order to critically evaluate the individual’s or team’s needs. These applied modes will be discussed in the context of applying and disseminating your underlying scientific knowledge to optimise the athletes training considering the wide range of individuals you will encounter, the positive benefits this role can have as well as the social and professional responsibilities which are associated with S&C roles. Although the generic term “S&C” is applied to this training domain you will address the wider implications in relation the components of fitness: endurance, speed, strength, agility (or equivalent areas). You will also explore the rationale for approaches used in relation to training programme design which will be under-scored by the issues of physiological and anatomical adaptation. As well as the module specific principles aligned to the UKSCA assessment process (required to become an accredited S&C Coach) you will also further enhance your key employability skills of communicating, presenting and interpreting scientific data.
View the full module definitionExplore the underlying importance of dietary intake to support both health and exercise-related demands. Using theoretical and evidence-based concepts you will consider the dietary macro-nutrients (carbohydrates, fats, proteins; including fluid intake) and micro-nutrients (vitamins and minerals) and their role in overall human health, with reference to population-based normative guidelines. You will also explore the practical applications of dietary strategies to support increased metabolic demands (e.g. exercise). Methods of dietary assessment, body composition and energy expenditure will be considered in line with nutritional evaluation using problem-based scenarios. Specifically, you will undertake a basic dietary analysis of a selected case study, and, working in teams, evaluate and design a nutrition programme for a specific case pertinent to health and/ or exercise. You will develop key employability skills pertinent within this area including: working with clients, dietary evaluation, programme design, team work and reflective practice.
View the full module definitionAthletes rely on a constant stream of sensory information (e.g. visual, auditory, proprioceptive) from the environment to execute the motor skills needed for successful sporting performance. In this module you will focus on the three stages in motor control: Perception; Decision; Action. The perception of sensory information will be discussed in relation to goal directed and stimulus driven behaviour from a theoretical and applied perspective. Within this you will examine topics such as the visual system and the use of eye tracking methodology for the assessment of visual attention. Additionally, you will examine the influence of factors such as anxiety, expertise and expectancies on the perception of sensory information and elements such as anticipation and decision making. The second part of the module will focus on programming movement (information processing and dynamic systems theories), movement coordination and the execution of motor skills. Also you will examine the relationship between perceptual information, movement control and skill execution.
View the full module definitionBuilding on the ‘Performance Analysis’ module we’ll take your performance analysis skills into the field working with a sports team of your choice. You will be expected to liaise with a team, work with the coach to develop key performance indicators, video games/matches/contests and then analyse the reliability and validity of the data before presenting to the coach/team. You’ll also consider advanced performance analysis by linking the sportscode software to GPS tracking and heart rate data.
View the full module definitionUnderstanding the process of identifying talented performers in sport is important for both the coach and PE teacher. Many young performers aspire to compete on the national stage but only a few will make it. This module examines the processes involved in talent identification in sport and the subsequent models of athlete development. We will explore the foundations of movement that are needed in young performers to maximise athletic potential. The module will provide a critical understanding of development of children and adolescents with a particular emphasis on the importance of adopting a long-term, athlete centred approach to developing performers. Evidence based discussions will explore the restrictions that limit some performers playing at the top level. A combination lectures, seminars, field trip and practical coaching will enable you to explore and examine the topics in a variety of ways. Sporting agencies across the continuum of sport (e.g. performance through to participation) require graduates to have an understanding of talent identification and developing performers, and the module will also analyse how to access these career opportunities upon graduation.
View the full module definitionThis module examines the underpinning nature of coaching philosophy and its application in a variety of applied situations. The module has key focuses which are for the students to understand their own coaching philosophy but also how it is applied in their coaching. It also promotes skills important for employment such as communication, application, listening and the expression of ones views supported with literature. The complex nature of coaching will be examined and how the coach works within the real world, with real-life sporting situations being utilised. The learning activities will permit the students the opportunity to analyse particular problems and express solutions. The ability for the students to examine specific ideas, analyse them and then present back the resolution is an important skill that gradates will need in the working world.
View the full module definitionThis module focusses on the mentoring of another person, engaging with the literature on learning and education of sport coaches and their professional development. The module permits students an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of how professionals learn and effective continual professional development (CPD). Students will work as a mentor to a coach, applying the knowledge they have gained to a practical setting. This module therefore promotes skills important for employment such as communication, listening, working with others and lifelong learning. Students will work with a mentee (which could be a level 5 student) and go through a programme of mentoring, making an agreement, meeting their mentee, designing tools to help understand their mentees’ current coaching/ teaching standard, and setting goals to develop it.
View the full module definitionBuilding on previous sport development modules, you’ll explore contemporary strategic management related issues surrounding the management of public, private and voluntary sports organisations; appreciate the importance of the strategic planning process for the development of sporting opportunities; and understand sport practitioners can develop and contribute to shared organisational objectives in order to achieve wider social outcomes.
View the full module definitionThe module provides you with the opportunity to select an area within Sport and Exercise Sciences, Sports Coaching and Physical Education, or Strength and Conditioning, and to determine and apply ethical standards, undertake an in-depth review of the literature, and create a research question derived from the review. Furthermore this module provides an opportunity to develop, conceptualise, execute, analyse and reflect upon your own independent research. The module is supported by 4 x 1 hour taught sessions where project management and development will be addressed. Additionally, a nominal 12 hours are allocated for personal supervision during the module.
View the full module definitionGetting extended real world work experience provides amazing learning and career development opportunities. This Sport and Exercise Sciences Advanced Work Placement module provides you with the opportunity to develop, conceptualise, execute, analyse and reflect upon your own learning experiences linked to a vocationally relevant graduate aligned placement. It provides you with the opportunity to focus your career aspirations in the final year of undergraduate study allowing you to immerse yourself, learning within a workplace and critically reflecting on the experience. The module will build on the employability theme which is embedded within the course. The module requires you to independently select an appropriate work related experience within the broad area of Sport and Exercise Sciences. You will commit to a regular schedule and work within the industry researching and providing support for a process/project/initiative while gaining an extended experience of the work place. This great opportunity will permit you to be informed on potential career, enhance your CV and confidently plan your future career upon graduation.
View the full module definitionThis module will cover an in-depth and comprehensive study how physical activity and planned exercise improves health, and how they may be promoted. This module will expand and develop your knowledge gained at Level 4 and 5 using a multidisciplinary approach to apply this to the aspects of health and disease. The theoretical and practical know you acquire in this module will enable you to critically evaluate the role of physical activity in case studies of individuals with chronic and lifestyle-related health conditions. The role of exercise prescription will be analysed and discussed in detail to evaluate how physical exertion can result in positive psychological, physiological, and metabolic adaptations. From this, you will be able to design a research informed exercise programme that is justified by the intended adaptations to aid disease management and improve quality of life. This module will help to develop the key employability skills required in careers within clinical exercise science, working with clinical populations, and public health policy. The module will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars. This module will be of particular interest to those who have an interest in physical activity, exercise and health, and wish to pursue a career in the clinical exercise sciences. Standard texts are available via the library and more specialist research literature is online.
View the full module definitionThe advancement of knowledge, applications, technology and theories in the sport, exercise and performance psychology domain is rapidly increasing. On our Contemporary Issues in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology, you will therefore cover the most up-to-date topics discussed in national (e.g., BASES) and international (e.g. AASP, ISSP, FEPSAC) Sport and Exercise Psychology conferences. You will also consider the transfer and adaption of current and innovative research and technology from the general psychology domain. This is a great opportunity to be at the forefront on the sector whilst developing relevant transferable skills including problem solving, creativity, teamwork and thinking “outside of the box”.
View the full module definitionFollowing on from your Nutrition for Health and Exercise module, you will explore contemporary applications of dietary practice for sports performance. You will be introduced to, and review, the importance of macro/micro-nutrition with a focus on sport and exercise. Using evidence-based research, the impact of nutrition for different sporting contexts will be explored. Lecture-based theoretical considerations will be merged alongside seminar workshops to develop practical protocols for key performance nutrition areas including: nutrition for enhanced strength and power; endurance-based nutrition; weight making sports and weight management; and recovery-based strategies. A central focus of this module includes current research-based awareness of selected ‘ergogenic’ aids, and practical implications for sports performance (e.g. creatine, beta-alanine, caffeine and sodium bicarbonate). Ultimately, you will develop a critical understanding of applied aspects of nutrition relevant to the demands of a chosen sport.
View the full module definitionThis module provides the opportunity to build on wider exercise science and previous learning to investigate the latest evidence-based practice in Strength and Conditioning (S&C). You will learn, experience and analyse free weight lifting techniques with specific focus on more complex lifts and the derivatives associated with them. You will learn to apply this knowledge when coaching performers through this process and also consider the value of these exercises within the training cycle. Through observation of performers, you will identify and understand the coaching cues required to correct ineffective movement patterns. You will also develop a high level of knowledge to enable you to practically suggest and present appropriate interventions for performers of varying ability. Drawing upon your digital literacy skills you will investigate the use of technology/micro technology for monitoring performance and you will critically evaluate the methods of data collection for the exercise and conditioning professional. You will investigate how training may change when working with different performers with varying abilities and from different populations (e.g. youth/veteran athletes and disability athletes). Being able to change your professional practice relative to the specific population you are working with is a critical skill for the conditioning coach. Learning about the needs and issues to consider when training special populations will permit you to be a more proficient in the area. Through a combination of lectures and practical’s, split one third and two thirds respectively, you will be challenged to apply your underlying sports science and coaching knowledge, to effectively communicate this to athletes and to evaluate performance as you observe it. These are key skills required for people wishing to work as an S&C coach as well as in other coaching and sports science roles from community clubs through to professional teams.
View the full module definitionAn effective support team makes use of various sports and exercise sciences, such as physiology, biomechanics, and psychology, to help improve the performance of an athlete, of a team, or the quality of life of the general public. In Applied Sport Psychology we will explore how to plan a sport psychology intervention, from the different perspectives that can be adopted by practitioners, to understanding when and how different psychological skill training techniques (e.g., goal setting, imagery, mindfulness) can be used. Through the adoption of a team-based learning setting, you will be engaging with the latest research within the topic areas and you will learn how to examine and critique it. Together with the members of your team, you will then be encouraged to apply this research to case study scenarios. Life briefs and guest speakers with expertise in the areas explored will add richness to the content and variety of the module, which will consist of a series of lectures mixed with practice-based sessions. As well as providing you with subject-specific knowledge, this module also helps develop a number of transferable skills relevant to general employment including interpersonal skills, data collection, handling, presentation, and reflective practice. The content is therefore appropriate for students following both the Sport and Exercise Science and the Sport Coaching and Physical Education courses.
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