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 definitionThis module will introduce you to data retrieval; measurement; analysis and interpretation; health and fitness assessment whilst working with athletes in a field and in lab-based settings. You‘ll be carrying out pre-screening tests and outlining risk assessments and general procedures of working with an athlete from start to finish. You’ll gain an introduction to the concept of central tendency and dispersion, units of measurements, correlation, hypothesis and significance testing, measurement validity, reliability, and error. You’ll then learn how to educate fellow students to interpret data from testing, understand what the data is, and be able to synthesise and analyse data from testing in a way that can be reported in a user-friendly style.
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 definitionThis module aims to provide you with the practical skills and knowledge of general procedures to core sport testing methods across racing sports, invasion games, racket and ball sports, target sports and aesthetic and combat sports, which underpin biomechanical and physiological performance. The material covered in lectures and practical classes will provide a foundation for safely conducting testing with athlete safety and well-being at the forefront. These skills will support you in identifying talent, developing young athletes and well as identifying strengths and weaknesses which can be used for training purposes. You’ll also develop independent study skills and the ability to obtain and assess scientific information.
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
View the full module definitionEntering higher education is exciting; but it can also be a daunting experience. At ARU, we want all our students to make the most of the opportunities higher education provides, reach your potential, become lifelong learners and find fulfilling careers. However, we appreciate that the shift from secondary education, or a return to formal education is, in itself, quite a journey. This module is designed to ease that transition. You'll be enrolled on it as soon as you receive an offer from ARU so you can begin to learn about university life before your course starts. Through Into ARU, you'll explore a virtual land modelled around ARU values: Courage, Innovation, Community, Integrity, Responsibility, and Ambition. This innovative module is designed as a game, where you collect knowledge and complete mini tasks. You'll proceed at your own pace, though we you to have completed your Into ARU exploration by week 6. If for any reason you're unable to complete by that date, we'll signpost to existing services so that we can be confident that you are supported.
View the full module definitionThe key skills learnt in Level 4 now means you have an understanding of how the human is able to move and the different types of motion a body can have. The module Practical Competencies in Biomechanics advances your understanding in Biomechanics through developing an understanding of how to measure and record a sporting performer using a variety of approaches commonly used by biomechanists. Upon successful completion of the module, you will have a theoretical and practical understanding of the key competencies within the discipline of Biomechanics. Following the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) ‘guidelines’ for biomechanics, this module will cover the following key areas: Motion analysis in both 2D and 3D perspectives; Electromyography (EMG), its use and practical application; Kinanthropometry in Biomechanics and Centre of Mass (CoM) modelling; Centre of pressure & postural control; Introduction to Force plates. This is an applied module. You will be taught the key theoretical underpinning and then be expected to engage in the practical application of the topic; which will take the form of seminar, lab practical or computer session. Your ability to proficiently complete a range of practical competencies relevant to the discipline of Biomechanics will form the key assessment within the module. In this module you will study and explore the content within the context of real sporting actions such as: standing, walking, running, jumping and throwing. The module will enable you to develop transferable skills such as IT, numeracy and communication and will encourage you to become an independent thinker with good study habits.
View the full module definitionThe production of force and power across a range of motions and in conjunction with body dimensions are crucial in both everyday living and athletic performance. Accordingly this module will study the process of profiling the generation of force during short-term (anaerobic) conditions from both a performance and health-based perspective. The philosophy behind the module is the notion of validity and reliability in both test selection and execution. To this end the module will explore the means of assessing anaerobic (metabolic) power through such means as Wingate cycle tests, jump tests and Mararia stair tests, while anaerobic capacity will evaluated in the context of accumulated oxygen deficit, constant load trials and as well as lactate and critical power models. The determination of strength will address measures of isometric, isotonic and isoinertial force production using conventional ‘gym-based’ approaches to more clinically relevant measures such as the reactive strength index. These will be compared to the laboratory controlled assessment of strength (torque) using isokinetic dynamometery. Assessment of agility which brings together the neurological and metabolic aspects of force generation will be considered in the context of both physical and special certainty and measures will be critiqued for their relevance. Body composition will be considered through the use of skinfold assessment and callipers through to hydro-densiometry. Flexibility and the determination of the range of motion (ROM) will be evaluated in the context of indirect measures such as sit-and-reach through to more direct approaches using flexometers and goiniometers. This module will help to develop a series of transferable skills including practical (laboratory) techniques and skills relevant to general employment including report writing, data collection, handling and presentation and will be of particular interest to individuals wishing to apply their exercise physiology knowledge and work within a Sports Science Support environment both with athletes and clinical populations. The context for the journey within this module will be established using a series of live briefs showcasing how these concepts and transferable skills are utilised by graduates of ARU in the workplace.
View the full module definitionWithin 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 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 definitionWithin this module you’ll extend the knowledge you’ve gained at level 4. Specifically, we’ll focus on more advanced Sport Psychology topics from a theoretical, evidence based and practical perspective and explore their associations with sport performance and wellbeing. For example, we’ll explore in depth challenge and threat states, mental toughness, parental involvement, injury and burnout. The latest research within each of the topic areas will be examined and discussed. You’ll be encouraged to apply this research to case study scenarios and real-life situations in your seminars and assignments. In addition, through discussion of case studies you’ll gain the opportunity to analyse and interpret different research methodologies as applied in the Sport Psychology domain (e.g., interviews) and understand discipline related challenges concerning ethical considerations and professional boundaries. The module will be delivered through weekly sessions combining lecture, seminar and independent learning activities.
View the full module definitionAerobic physiology and functioning are the linchpins to all athletic and health-based activities. It from this starting point that this module will begin. You'll study the process of profiling aerobic endurance performance and health from a physiological and analytical perspective. The philosophy behind this module is the notion of validity and reliability in test selection. As such it will address the protocols and limitations associated with the assessment of maximum aerobic power (VO2max), while aerobic capacity will be addressed in the context of maximal lactate steady state, lactate minimum, individual anaerobic threshold, onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA) and DMax and the ventilatory threshold. The relevance of performance economy as a diagnostic tool will be considered and projected to show how this simple concept of sub-maximal oxygen uptake can be used to establish the performance indicator termed velocity at VO2max (vVO2max). Consideration will be given to the dynamics of oxygen supply and utilisation at the onset of exercise through a reflection of oxygen uptake kinetics. These concepts will all be used to explore exercise intensity domains and how the role of critical power and the W’ can be used to provide an objective measure of an integrated response to exercise. Clinical skills will also be considered through the application of such techniques as ECG, thoracic impedance, respiratory flow loops and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. This module will help to develop a series of transferable skills including practical (laboratory) techniques and skills relevant to general employment including report writing, data collection, handling and presentation and will be of particular interest to individuals wishing to apply their exercise physiology knowledge and work within a Sports Science Support environment both with athletes and clinical populations. The context for the journey within this module will be established using a series of live briefs showcasing how these concepts and transferable skills are utilised by graduates of ARU in the workplace.
View the full module definitionThis module extends the L5 module Practical Competencies in Biomechanics, further developing your understanding of force plates for data capture and analysis, and extends your understanding of motion analysis. You will be taught in a collaborative learning environment, engaging with other students, working in small groups to answer questions or work on mini tasks set in the lecture, seminar or computer session. The module content is focused on the initiation and development of motion in terms of both the internal forces produced by the musculoskeletal system and the external forces acting on the body. In order to understand human movement, you will explore the ground reaction force in depth. You will then see how the concepts of internal forces, the external net force and mass and acceleration are used to explain movement patterns. That will enable you to appreciate the importance of torque, momentum and impulse and to use these quantities to critically analyse a sporting action. This module content will also focus on the analysis of gait, a key skill that all Biomechanists should possess. The fundamental principles of gait analysis will be explored in a theoretical and practical manner. You (the student) will also gain sufficient experience to recognise differences in gait (and force) patterns between normal and pathological gaits. Throughout the module you will use force plates and motion analysis to investigate, analyse and appraise human movement. You will study and explore the content of the module in a series of lectures, seminars and experimental sessions. This will enable you to further develop both your scientific skills and your transferable skills such as IT, numeracy and communication.
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.
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.
Following 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 will delve into the fascinating but sometimes controversial domain of training science and explore the nature training programme design, athlete development and limitations to the success of the athlete. To this end, it will commence with an exploration of what constitutes performance, examining the physiological and metabolic demands of sports. The major component of this module will though address the principles of training application and design. Consideration will be given to the laws of training in the context of the developing athlete and how these are linked to the of one-factor and two-factor theories of super-compensation. Time will be devoted to the nature of fatigue both as a prerequisite to the training adaptation but also as a function of the training load examining the peripheral and central manifestations of this key training mechanism. Fatigue will also be explored in the context of recovery and methods of recovery. In the context of fatigue and training adaptation the role of cellular messengers such as PGC-1α and mTOR will be considered to show how an adaptation manifests. The notion of fatigue, training and recovery will lead into the evaluation of under-performance syndrome addressing both what this is as psychobiological construct but also how this can be both monitored and avoided. These elements will all be brought together to evaluate the programming of training using an array of approaches including linear and non-linear periodisation and block training models and how these programmes can either through the use of a taper lead to an athletic peak or through the application of undulating loads lead to a maintenance of performance. A major aspect of this module will focus on populations, with particular reference to children, females and the disabled, the underlying biology will considered as well as how training had to be adjusted to accommodate this ‘special’ populations. This module will help to continue developing a series of transferable skills including practical (laboratory) techniques and skills relevant to general employment including report writing, data collection, handling and presentation and will be of particular interest to individuals wishing to apply their exercise physiology knowledge and work within a Sports Science Support environment both with athletes and clinical populations. The context for the journey within this module will be established using a series of live briefs showcasing how these concepts and transferable skills are utilised by graduates of ARU in the workplace.
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 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.
View the full module definitionWithin this module, you will critically evaluate the methods used in training and advance your knowledge on the array of physiological, metabolic and biochemical adaptations that arise. These are fundamental attributes required within professional practice in real-world settings, such as those working in elite sport (e.g. sport scientists, exercise physiologist and strength & conditioning coaches). Through a series of integrated lectures and seminars, we will address key the components of fitness (e.g. aerobic and anaerobic endurance, strength, power, flexibility and speed) and within each of these domains, you will explore the application of various training approaches in the context of intensity, frequency and duration (e.g. training loads). Throughout the module, you will synthesis current and relevant research, and complete in-depth analysis of how these training approaches are associated with the developmental status of an elite athlete, the phase of the training cycle and anticipated training outcome. You will then critically evaluate the training adaptations and reflect on the methodological approaches and interventions, to both derive the data and conclusions that were drawn. Particular emphasis will be placed on the key responses and adaptations to training, including; myocardial, haematological, immunological, enzymatic, cellular, substrate, metabolite, muscular and neurological. You will then develop a clear understanding of the training environments and practical considerations, before reflecting on the application of key training strategies and physiological consequences in association with altitude, heat and pollution exposure, jetlag, menstruation, aging and disability. This content reflects current and relevant professional practices, for example, sport practitioners (England FA, English Institute of Sport and Team GB physiologists, physiotherapists and strength & conditioning coaches) planning their preparations for Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. Alongside the professional application of specialised knowledge within sport and exercise sciences, you will advance your key employability skills related to IT, numeracy and communication, in addition to translating research for a lay audience. This module will be of particular interest to those who wish to develop a critically applied scientific understanding of the physiological mechanisms of training, have interest in professional and high-performance sport and wish to pursue a career in the sport and exercise sciences.
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 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 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.
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