Strength and Conditioning Science
BSc (Hons)

Introduction to Research (Core)

This module will introduce you to fundamental issues in research methods and design. It will cover basic data handling and manipulation skills within quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Fundamentals of Strength and Conditioning (Core)

The module aims to introduce you to fundamental practical techniques associated with strength and conditioning. You will practice the techniques and study theoretical concepts of anatomy and mechanics which underpin the skills used by coaches. 

The module will involve a series of lectures, seminars and practicals to identify and explain key principles. The practicals taught in smaller coaching groups will allow you to further explore and understand these topics and skills.

Field Based Training Techniques (Core)

The module aims to introduce you to practical techniques and mechanical fundamentals of a variety of field based training techniques and modalities. You will practice the techniques and study theoretical concepts of anatomy and mechanics which relate to the skills through the analysis of movement. It will involve a series of lectures in a practical environment to identify and explain key principles. 

The practical seminars taught in smaller coaching groups will allow you to further explore and understand these topics and skills and begin to apply your own coaching to specific skills via individual and group coaching.

Strength Training Techniques (Core)

The module aims to develop understanding of the key mechanical principles, anatomical issues and considerations, which determine strength development in athletes. You will extensively practice the techniques and study theoretical concepts of anatomy and mechanics which relate to the skills through the analysis of movement.

Through this technical knowledge, this module aims to provide you with the coaching tools and critical understanding of key training principles and methods, which when applied appropriately, enhance strength and power in athletes.

Physiology of Exercise (Core)

This module introduces you to fundamental principles underlying exercise physiology, focusing on the structure and function of physiological systems. You should be able to identify key physiological responses to exercise within theoretical frameworks and concepts, and you should also be able to assess and record physiological responses to exercise using newly learnt laboratory techniques to further your understanding and present your findings within pre-defined criteria associated with the study of exercise physiology.

Introduction to Sport Psychology and Skill Acquisition (Core)

The module aims to introduce key theoretical and applied concepts in sport psychology and skill acquisition. In addition the module will provide a foundation in the language, methods, interventions and issues in sport psychology and skill acquisition. Through the presentation of theory and research the module aims to develop students’ understanding of this area of study.

• Credits: 20

Research Methods (Core)

This module is designed to introduce you to fundamental issues in research methods and design. The module will allow you to engage in the interpretation and critical evaluation of existing research in sport science. It also aims to increase your understanding of the purpose and production of a scientific review of literature.

Science in Practice (Core)

This module will enable you to understand the mechanics and physiology of training in the context of specific types of sport.

Through a series of lectures, seminar discussions and practical sessions, you will address the specific needs of sports performers and subsequently analyse the science and evidence which underpin different approaches to training. 

You will also gain an awareness of a number of ergogenic aids and how they may potentially improve the performance of different types of athlete.

Muscle Physiology (Core)

The aim of the module is to understand detailed information of the structure and function of human skeletal muscle and its associated physiological processes. This includes developing an understanding of the molecular responses and adaptations to different forms of exercise. You will begin to develop a greater understanding of skeletal muscle and its responses to exercise from an integrated and mechanistic viewpoint.

Physiology of Training (Core)

This module will enable you to develop an integrated approach in the physiological aspects of training. This includes developing sound theoretical knowledge and practical skills to understand the physiological responses to training and how these can be manipulated to maximise performance. You will also begin to develop the ability to assess determinants and limitations of performance from an integrated and mechanistic viewpoint.

Sports Biomechanics (Core)

Module description coming soon.

Skill Acquisition I (Core)

This module is designed to provide an understanding of how skills are acquired and what practitioners can do to expedite the learning process. Key evidence-based methods for enhancing skill acquisition will be covered alongside theoretical explanations of key research findings. You will have opportunities to put these methods into practice.

Research Project (Core)

This module aims to give you the opportunity to utilise and further develop skills you have gained at Levels 4 and 5 (years one and two) by carrying out an independent piece of research within your chosen area of interest. 

Organisation of Training (Core)

A module designed to develop your critical awareness of how to design, monitor and manage issues associated with the training programmes of sports performers. The module covers how to conduct a thorough needs analysis of a sport and an athlete, and subsequently how to use this information to plan an effective training programme.

Management of Specific Populations (Core)

The module aims to develop a critical awareness of issues which impact upon the training and coaching of athletes from specific populations. The module will introduce students to mechanisms of injury and the strategies practitioners can use to rehabilitate athletes’ return to play.

Science in the Workplace (Core)

The module aims to provide experience of the utilisation of learned theory in the workplace. Increased credits have allowed for increased content driven towards developing skills associated with professional practice and gaining employment upon graduation from the programme.

Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology (Optional)

The aim of this module is to give you applied competence and knowledge in a range of physiological testing procedures.

Experimental Biomechanics (Optional)

The module aims to develop knowledge, understanding and experience of kinetic and kinematic measurement techniques involved in biomechanical analysis of sport performance. 

Skill Acquisition II (Optional)

This module provides you with an in-depth and critical understanding of contemporary theory, research, and practice in the field of skill acquisition and motor behaviour. This module also aims to enhance applied practice by allowing students to plan, develop, and implement sessions that are evidence-based and grounded in theory.