Applied Sport and Exercise Science MSc

Physiological Support Of Athletes

The overall aim of the module is to investigate a range of physiological monitoring procedures, which may be used to support athletes in laboratory and field settings. Specifically, techniques for monitoring physiological performance will be evaluated, such as methods of assessing aerobic and anaerobic capability (e.g., via V¿O2max, lactate response, maximal intensity exercise), muscular strength and power, and body composition. You will be required to recognise the underlying scientific rationale for employing physiological tests through, for instance, applying knowledge about energy requirements and physiological determinants of a particular sport. You will also be required to develop a critical and analytical appreciation of the practicality, specificity, reliability, validity, and the advantages and limitations of specific physiological monitoring tests. This module will be as applied and as practical as possible, despite it being online. For instance, not only will you gather knowledge about an athlete (or group of athletes) via researching scientific material, but you will also gather information via video and online communication with the athlete. The test battery with the athlete will be conducted live, which you will be able to watch in real time. There will also be edited video clips available for subsequent viewing. Finally, you will analyse and evaluate the results obtained from the physiological monitoring tests, critiquing the relevancy of the data, their limitations, usefulness, meaningfulness for the athlete and coach, their application and their validity. You will need to be able to disseminate your findings to both a scientific audience and to the athlete.

Module code: SPOR70948

Advanced Research Methods And Data Analysis

This module will enable students to develop and enhance contemporary research methods and data analysis skills in sport and exercise. The content of the module includes: a critical appreciation of both quantitative and qualitative research, evaluating sources of data, appraising research designs, considering researcher’s philosophies, statistical data analysis via SPSS covering tests of differences and relationships, interpretation of research findings, and the presentation of research results. Students will learn practical analytical skills by working with provided sport and exercise datasets to conduct quantitative analyses and report the results. A variety of approaches to qualitative research will be critically appraised (e.g., thematic analysis, interpretative phenomenological analysis) and applied to sport and exercise datasets. The theoretical rationale for, and execution of, a range of inferential statistical techniques will also be covered (e.g., t-tests, correlations, regression, and mediation).

Module code: SPOR70944

Physical Activity And Mental Health

This module provides you with a review of the current state of our understanding of the psychology of Physical Activity behaviour. You will be introduced to and critically evaluate physical activity theories and models related to behaviour change and evaluate a range of different sources of evidence (primary, traditional and systematic review, meta-analysis and population-based studies) linking physical activity to selected aspects of mental health and illness.

Module code: SPOR70946

Masters Research Project: Science/Coaching Proposal And Ethics (Part 1)

Module code: SPOR70943

Sports Biomechanics And Injury

This module has a focus on biomechanically related sports injuries and their management. In light of the mechanisms of injury the principles of Sports Biomechanics in relation to injury prevention, management, and rehabilitation are covered . Also the role and practice of sports therapist and sports physician in the context of sports injury, are discussed.

Module code: SPOR70947

Masters Research Project: Science/Coaching Journal Article Part 2

This module supports students in conducting a rigorous and ethically-sound MSc-level research project in the students’ topic area of choice within their course remit. Students will independently manage and execute their research project, under the supervision of an allocated member of staff. These activities will lead to the production of a written journal article (as chosen by the student), followed by a 30-minute viva voce.

Module code: SPOR70945

Practice Of Sport And Exercise Psychology

What does it take to become a Sport and/or Exercise Psychologist? In this module you will consider issues pertinent to the professional practice of sport and exercise psychology. You will learn about a range of psychological techniques available to practitioners, including self-talk and imagery, whilst understanding the theoretical underpinnings and scientific research regarding the effectiveness of these techniques. You will be required to put yourself in the shoes of a psychologist and consider which psychological techniques are most appropriate and how they should best be implemented to a range of scenarios (e.g., enhancing confidence in a novice exerciser, helping an elite athlete cope with a career ending injury). This module will also give you the opportunity to develop and practice the skills required to work effectively as a psychologist in the real-world (e.g., counselling skills, communication skills and reflective practice).

Module code: SPOR70949