The aim of this module is to provide knowledge on the fundamental concepts of human anatomy and physiology which underpin the biological sciences. The module will provide a sound knowledge of the mechanisms associated with the control and regulation of the major systems of the body. The material covered, in lectures and practical classes will provide a foundation for more advanced study of exercise physiology or applied biomedicine. This module will also develop independent study skills and the ability to obtain and assess scientific information.
View the full module definitionApplied Professional Skills aims to develop a comprehensive suite of academic, scientific, practical, and general transferable skills that are critical for a successful career in sport science. This core module supports the content of other first year modules and prepares you for your second year of study. The module will also enhance your personal development in preparation for work experience, employment opportunities, and future career. You will develop a skills portfolio that evidences and reflects on key transferable skills acquired across all modules, including a CV and personal statement and a LinkedIn profile. Lectures will cover how to find and use information in a scholarly way, develop critical thinking skills, think and work ethically and with academic integrity. Students will learn how to identify important unanswered questions in sports, and then develop the skills needed to address these questions, test theories and improve current practice. In order to develop your research skills and to enable you to understand the evidence base that underpins our existing understanding of sport, you need to be able to analyse the research literature and gain experience in preparing and presenting scientific information. This module will guide students through these processes and equip them with the fundamental practical skills sport scientists need to be able to carry out their own research project, ranging from blood sampling to heart rate monitoring and gas analysis. Students will develop skills in research design, the application of key methods, the statistical analysis of data, and the interpretation and presentation of research findings. Lectures will also cover content on identifying and developing career pathways, employability skills and personal development. Students will learn key practical skills and professional competencies expected of scientists to prepare them for a career in sports science, sports therapy, coaching or in the field of exercise and health.
View the full module definitionPsychology is the study of human behaviour, which is diverse and individualised. In seeking to explain behaviour, we must investigate the wide range of psychological aspects that contribute to these behaviours. This module introduces and discusses these fundamental psychological constructs, domains and paradigms. You'll develop an understanding of the historical development of different psychological approaches and key psychological constructs, leading to a critical appraisal of their respective roles in facilitating our understanding of human behaviour. A cornerstone of human behaviour is our individuality. Despite being social animals, and needing to belong, we retain our unique traits and characteristics across all contexts. The module will also focus on the facets of human behaviour that are highly individualised and contextualised within sport and exercise. You will evaluate the extent to which individuality impacts our behaviours in sport and exercise contexts. The module provides an holistic overview of how critical the role of psychology is for anyone involved in sport or exercise.
View the full module definitionAccording to the International Association of Physical Literacy, “Physical literacy can be described as the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life”. This module aims to present students with a basic level of understanding of each of these components and how they intertwine to contribute to a person’s level of physical literacy. As part of this, the philosophical underpinnings of the physical literacy concept will be discussed and how the adoption of such thinking may shape and influence the physical education and sports coaching landscape. Moreover, the module will explore how the development of diverse motor skill, coordination and balance may serve to form a strong and adaptable basis for more advanced physical activities, as well as providing consideration to the different methods used to develop physical literacy, leading to more active lives across different populations. Accordingly, a mixture of theory-based and practical sessions will be utilised, providing applied knowledge and understanding.
The development of physical capabilities, such as muscular strength and endurance, as well as aerobic capacity, present well-evidenced physical health and wellbeing benefits. Underpinning this is the concept of fundamental movement skills competency, which is thought to contribute to greater levels of engagement in physical activity from across the life course. However, how these fundamental movement skills and physical capabilities are enhanced need not be reliant upon traditional sports and conventional forms of physical activities. instead, can be achieved through many different approaches. This module will provide students with knowledge and understanding of appropriate methods to develop motor skill and physical fitness capabilities to children and adolescent populations. A combination of taught theory-based sessions, practical-oriented seminars and coaching will provide an applied learning environment. Within sports coaching, physical education, and youth-based strength and conditioning careers, bridging between theoretical concepts and real-world application is important.
This module develops an understanding of the scientific principles behind physical training and the physiological factors affecting athletic performance. Emphasis is placed on the physiological responses to exercise as well as the adaptations that occur as a result of long-term physical training. The module will look in detail at responses of the individual body systems as well as the athlete as a whole. Methods of both training and performance testing will be covered and the efficacy of specific training techniques discussed. Recent advances and techniques in the preparation for performance will be discussed with regard to the literature.
View the full module definitionThis module will explore the role of nutrition in sport, health, and exercise, focusing on the specific nutritional needs of both athletes and non-athletes to support physical activity. You'll gain a background knowledge of key nutritional concepts relevant to exercise, including the energy and nutritional demands of exercise and sport. You'll evaluate the potential ergogenic effects of a food first approach, with consideration of the impact of macronutrients, micronutrients and nutritional supplements upon performance. You'll learn the importance of the dietary reference values (DRV’S) in relation to maintaining good health and wellbeing. You'll also learn how to evaluate and adjust these to meet the requirements of exercise and optimal performance. Nutrition is a critical factor for participants across all sport, exercise or health-related activities. It is a fundamental cornerstone of life itself. In this module, you’ll learn the significance of effective nutritional input for both improving sporting performance and for health and wellbeing.
View the full module definitionThis module is intended to further develop scholarly-, professional-, and research-based skills appropriate to the discipline of sports and exercise performance. It will advance a broader and more detailed investigation into research methods and statistical analysis that was introduced in the first year during the Applied Professional Skills. These include the difference between parametric and non-parametric data, t-tests, ANOVA's, correlations and Chi-square tests. Following this, you will develop your ability to critically analyse and interpret research in sports and exercise performance and produce apposite and detailed experimental work. The development of knowledge, understanding, skills and thought processes necessary for effective original academic and/or work-focused research will make use of real-life techniques and approaches. You'll take a researcher role to pilot a study and develop a research proposal using the skills developed in this module to critically investigate an area relating to sport and exercise science.
View the full module definitionRuskin Modules are a great opportunity to explore challenges and ideas outside your area of study. Working with students from a range of courses, you'll be supported to create meaningful connections across disciplines, and apply new knowledge to tackle complex problems and key challenges. Ruskin Modules are designed to grow your confidence, realise your potential and help you prepare for the world of work.
This module will place a strong emphasis on learning to coach the fundamental foundation movements safely and effectively to a range of participants, within a professional strength and conditioning environment. It will highlight how a detailed understanding of the physiological and biomechanical components underpinning specific movements and exercises is essential for delivering effective training sessions to elicit desired outcomes. Additionally, the module will demonstrate the importance of developing and reflecting upon our own coaching skills and strategies to continuously improve as practitioners. Module content will align with the principles of the UK Strength & Conditioning Level 3 Trainer's Award.
View the full module definitionThis module expands on prior modules such as Principles of Strength and Conditioning, Physiology and Nutrition and Exercise. It reviews and critically evaluates the role and function of GP referral schemes and other health initiatives. Investigates the aetiology, methodology and the use of exercise prescription to complement other modalities in treating a range of chronic health conditions, including, but not limited to: cardiac conditions (hypertension, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris); Metabolic conditions (cholesterol, diabetes, obesity); mental health conditions (stress, anxiety, depression). Case studies and industry contact are used to gain experience, develop sessions and assess the implementation and monitoring of programmes specifically designed for individuals with relevant conditions.
The purpose of this module is to enable you to develop a detailed understanding of the limitations of human performance during different modes of exercise and under a range of different conditions. You will critically evaluate mechanisms proposed in the literature to explain the developments or decrements as a result of exercise, and apply your knowledge of exercise physiology to analyse methods of training and other interventions to improve physical performance. A core feature of the model is the application of evidence-based science to real world problems in exercise physiology.
View the full module definitionPerformance and Exercise Nutrition explores contemporary applications of dietary practice for sports performance. The module begins with an introduction and review of 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 (eg creatine, beta-alanine, caffeine and sodium bicarbonate). You will develop a critical understanding of applied aspects of nutrition relevant to the demands of a chosen sport. In doing so, this module aims to encourage development of essential employability skills including: advanced dietary assessment, conference style presentation skills, innovative and strategic programme design, and critical thinking skills.
View the full module definitionThis module allows you to select an area of keen interest within sports and exercise science, sports coaching, exercise referral, physical literacy, or physical education. You'll determine and apply ethical standards, undertake an in-depth review of empirical literature, and create a research question from that review. The module then allows you to develop, conceptualise, execute, analyse and reflect upon your research. The module is supported by 12 hours of taught sessions addressing project management and development. Additionally, a nominal 12 hours are allocated for personal supervision during the module.
This module will provide an in-depth study of how physical activity and exercise (and a reduction in sedentary behaviour) improve health and how it may be promoted. It will expand and develop your knowledge gained at Levels 4 and 5 (Exercise Physiology, testing, research methods, and psychology) and apply this to the physiological and psychological aspects of health and disease. The focus will be on the relationship between physical activity, exercise, sedentary behaviour, and health. The role of exercise prescription will be analysed and discussed in detail, showing how physical exertion can manifest itself in positive psychological, physiological, and metabolic adaptations. From this, it will be possible to make recommendations regarding the key factors required for a healthy lifestyle. The module will develop your theoretical and practical understanding by applying theories to real-life scenarios. The module will help to develop the key employability skills related to IT, numeracy, and communication and will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars. It will be of particular interest to those who have an interest in health and wish to pursue a career in the exercise sciences.
View the full module definitionIn this module you will enhance and develop your understanding of theoretical and applied knowledge relative to exercise physiology, programme design and chronic health conditions. We will look at the following areas: cardiac conditions (hypertension, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris); pulmonary conditions (chronic pulmonary disease, asthma); metabolic conditions (cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, stroke/metabolic syndrome); mental health conditions (stress, anxiety, depression); modified health screening appraisal and programming protocols with medication interaction. Case studies and industry contact are used to gain experience, develop sessions and assess the implementation and monitoring of programmes specifically designed for individuals with relevant conditions. Content is aligned to the Level 3 diploma in exercise referral and will enable you to progress onto completion of the industry-recognised qualification.