SPORTS SCIENCE

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr M Cardinale

Pre-requisites

None

Overview

This course will briefly explain the structure and function of the musculo skeletal system and introduce the fundamentals of human movement. Basics of human conditioning will be covered, with an emphasis on the design of specific exercises and exercise programmes. The role of the coach will be explored in terms of effective lesson design, delivery and communication with the athlete.
Practical classes will be a major feature of this course in pool, gymnasium and track settings.
3 one-hour lectures a week and 1 four-hour practical every fortnight.
MCQ plus short answers (two-hour examination) (70%) and continuous assessment (30%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M Cardinale

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

(i) Available only to students in programme year 2 or above.
(ii) The physical activity and exercise training components required in this course may pose difficulties to students with some disabilities. If this arises alternative arrangements will be made. Any student wishing to discuss this further should contact the Department Disability Co-ordinator.

Overview

This course is designed to introduce students to the application of science in the study of elite sports performance and exercise responses. Fundamental aspects of exercise physiology, along with the principles of training and effects of over-training, sports injuries and the use of drugs in sport will be introduced. Research methodology is highlighted throughout. By the end of this course students will have a wide appreciation of the major factors underpinning sports performance.
2 one-hour lectures and 2 laboratory sessions per week. This will include seminars, tutorials and problem solving sessions.
1 written examination (70%) and continuous assessment (30%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A D Stewart

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

(i) Available only to students in programme year 2 or above.
(ii) The practical work required in this course may pose difficulties to students with some disabilities. If this arises alternative arrangements will be made. Any student wishing to discuss this further should contact the Department Disability Co-ordinator.

Overview

This course examines the implications of regular physical activity for both the individual and society as a whole. Also the role of sport and exercise in contemporary society will be explored.
The effects of regular exercise on physical and psychological well-being will be studied and the efficacy of physical exercise as a treatment modality in various disease states will be reviewed. Situations in which exercise is contra-indicated will be highlighted and those factors which influence participation in, and adherence to programmes of regular physical activity will be discussed.
2 one-hour lectures, 1 one-hour tutorial and 1 three-hour laboratory session per week.
1 written examination (70%) and continuous assessment (30%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr D Ball

Pre-requisites

SR 2002, BI 20B2 and BI 25B2.

Co-requisites

PY 3002

Notes

The practical work required in this course may pose difficulties to some students with disabilities. If this arises alternative arrangements will be made. Any student wishing to discuss this further should contact the Department Disability Co-ordinator.

Overview

This course provides a broad background to the physiological responses to exercise and to the adaptations that occur in response to repeated exercise (training). It deals with the factors which determine muscle strength, and with the responses to brief high intensity and prolonged exercise. There will be emphasis on the whole-body integrated response to different types of exercise, with emphasis on the following: muscle fibre recruitment patterns and motor control, cardiovascular and respiratory changes, thermoregulation and fluid homeostasis.
12 week course - 3 one-hour lectures, 2 one-hour seminars, and one eight hour practical a week.
1 three-hour written examination (67%) and continuous assessment: essays, practical reports (33%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr A D Stewart and Dr D Bell

Pre-requisites

SR 2002, and SR 2501.

Notes

The practical work required in this course may pose difficulties to some students with disabilities. If this arises alternative arrangements will be made. Any student wishing to discuss this further should contact the Department Disability Co-ordinator.

Overview

Using the context of the elite athlete to the beginner exerciser, this course develops the themes explored at level 2. Dissection anatomy, detailed kinanthropometric assessment and biomechanics form the first six weeks, with integrated modules exploring structural and functional relationships. Thereafter, physiological assessment, exercise perscription and special needs are addressed in a practical – orientated series of modules.
12 week course - 2 one-hour lectures, 2 two-hour seminars and 1 four-hour laboratory session comprise each two week module. (Six modules comprise the course).
1 written examination (70%) and one training programme presentation (30%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A Jenkinson

Pre-requisites

SR 3001

Co-requisites

SR 3504

Notes

The practical work required in this course may pose difficulties to students with some disabilities. If this arises alternative arrangements will be made. Any student wishing to discuss this further should contact the Department Disability Co-ordinator.

Overview

This course will consider the biochemical responses to acute exercise and the adaptations that occur in response to repeated bouts of exercise. In addition, the effect of exercise on nutritional requirements and the effects of diet on exercise performance will be examined. The course will investigate the energetics of muscle activity, the sources of energy available to muscle, the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and lipids, the control and integration of the metabolic response to exercise and biochemical mechanisms involved in the fatigue process. The effects of exercise on energy balance and body composition, nutritional demands of high level training as well as the roles of diet and exercise in a healthy lifestyle will be studied. The relevance of dietary recommendations for athletes and the use of dietary supplements and other ergogenic aids will be reviewed.
3 one-hour lectures per week (of which 2 one-hour in total will be tutorials), 6 practicals and 1 essay per course.
1 three-hour exam (70%) and continuous assessment (30%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr F Bowser-Riley

Pre-requisites

SR 3001

Co-requisites

BM 4005

Overview

This course provides a detailed coverage of the physiological factors which influence sports performance and of the specific adaptations that occur in response to different types of training. It will include a consideration of four main situations, and consider the factors peculiar to each: these are weightlifting, sprinting, endurance sports and team games. The potential limitations to performance, including primarily metabolic and cardiorespiratory factors, will be considered, and the implications for training programmes will be considered. The impact of nutritional factors will also be described.

3 one-hour lectures/tutorials plus student presentation per fortnight.
1 three-hour written examination (70%) and continuous assessment (30%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A M Jenkinson

Pre-requisites

SR 3001

Co-requisites

SR 4001

Overview

This course provides a detailed coverage of the physiological responses to exercise, using both human and animal models. It emphasises the factors which are thought to limit exercise capacity in different situations. There will be emphasis on fatigue in high intensity exercise, with a focus on adenine nucleotide depletion, effects of pH on muscle contractility, and electrolyte changes in muscle. The potential limitations to oxygen transport will be discussed. The factors associated with fatigue in prolonged exercise will also be examined. These include: substrate depletion, thermal balance, dehydration. The central fatigue hypothesis will be considered.
6 week course - 3 one-hour lectures and 1 seminar per week plus 1 tutorial per fortnight.
1 two-hour written examination (70%) and continuous assessment (30%).

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Dr G F Nixon and Dr D J MacEwan

Pre-requisites

SR 4001, BM 4005, SR 4301.

Notes

The practical work required in this course may pose difficulties to some students with disabilities. If this arises alternative arrangements will be made. Any student wishing to discuss this further should contact the Department Disability Co-ordinator.

Overview

A 10 week research project will be undertaken, during which the student will learn laboratory skills and/or literature search techniques. Skills in research design, data handling, statistical analysis, and microcomputer use will be developed through practical applications. A thesis will be written and defended orally.
Laboratory work and/or literature assimilation, full time.
Continuous assessment with contributions from Thesis, practical work and projects.