Applied Sports Science with Performance Technology - BSc

Course Code: US796

Level

Duration

3 Years

Department

Sport & Early Childhood Studies

CAO Points

New course 2023

Course Type

Undergraduate - CAO

Location

Thurles

The BSc in Applied Sports Science with Performance Technology prepares students to work in an emerging field of sports analysis. This course is underpinned with exercise science to provide students with the background knowledge of developing sports performance.

The course content will be delivered through theory and practical classes. This course focuses on the applied nature of exercise science with the addition of sports analysis. We place a significant emphasis on preparing students to be able to deliver the knowledge through practical coaching sessions. In addition, we aim to prepare students to be industry-ready.

Over the four years, students will study the core elements of exercise science, such as components of fitness, the principles of training, sports nutrition, sports psychology, and learn how to analyse biomechanical movements and the science of sport. Students will then specialise in performance technology. Specialist content includes; GPS technology, pre, post, and live sports event analysis, creating an athlete's needs analysis, talent identification, and recruitment. Covering the course content will allow students to take the ITEC gym instruction qualification exam.

**Please note that Garda Vetting is a requirement for this course.**

What are the entry requirements?

Leaving Certificate

A minimum of 5 O6/H7 grades in Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish.

QQI FET/FETAC Applicants & Mature Applicants

Refer to our Admissions section for further information.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

Who can I contact?

What modules will I study?

This exciting 3 year degree will allow students to study the core elements of exercise science, such as components of fitness, the principles of training, sports nutrition, sports psychology, and learn how to analyse biomechanical movements and the science of sport. A core element of the course is the applied nature of the study. Consequently, the modules have significant practical elements that focus on the competencies necessary to coach and analyse the athletes’ performance in their chosen sport.

Year 1 - Semester 1

Title: Communication Skills

Credits: 5
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This module will develop the learners personal and interpersonal communication skills as a transferable skill to the sports and fitness industries. It will equip the learner with the practical know-how to communicate effectively for sporting and academic pursuits using multiple media and communication platforms both verbally, written, non-verbal and electronically. This module will introduce independent and reflective learning skills.

Title: Foundations of Nutrition

Credits: 5
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This module introduces the fundamental aspects of human nutrition. The sources, structure, functions and metabolism of macro nutrients, together with basic concepts of energy balance will be explored. The sources and functions of vitamins and minerals together with recommended intakes will also be introduced, along with the role of hydration.

Title: Fundamentals of Human Anatomy

Credits: 5
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The aim of this module is for the student to gain a foundational knowledge of the human anatomical structures and systems.

Title: Introduction to Performance Analysis

Credits: 5
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Performance analysis is used to provide insight into an athlete's performance. The analyst's role is to translate objective data into learning opportunities to help improve future performance. Different professional athletic settings use performance analysis in different ways. Athletes, coaches, and exercise specialists can evaluate the performance traits and strategies of a sporting action or activity through the use of performance analysis. The analyst must be knowledgeable about the tactical and technical needs of that sport as well as the methods and instruments used to record, measure, and analyse performance in order to gain this important insight into the efficacy of sports performance.

Title: Physical Activity & Movement Development

Credits: 5
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The aim of this module is for the learner to understand the development of movement patterns through the life cycle and how these principles inform athletic development and planning.

Title: Principles of Resistance Training

Credits: 5
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To provide an insightful introduction to the principles surrounding resistance training as related to the planning, development and implementation of strength and conditioning programmes for the athlete population.
Year 1 - Semester 2

Title: Foundations in Biomechanics

Credits: 5
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The aim of this module is for the student to gain a foundational knowledge of the human biomechanics and responses as they relate to exercise and activity. The student will understand basic principles of human biomechanics as they apply to kinetic and kinematic movement.

Title: Fundamental Movement Skills

Credits: 5
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The aim of this module is for the learner to understand the principles and practices of fundamental movement skills and how these skills relate to athletic development.

Title: Fundamentals of Exercise Physiology

Credits: 5
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The aim of this module is to provide students with a basic understanding of human physiology and physiological responses to exercise.

Title: Philosophy & Ethics of Practice

Credits: 5
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To acquire the knowledge, skills and competence to establish his or her own personal philosophy and ethical framework within his or her role as a performance technologist.

Title: Resistance Training Methods

Credits: 5
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To enhance knowledge and competency of science and application of resistance training for the athlete population.

Title: Video Analysis

Credits: 5
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The aim of this module is to develop the student's technical skills in producing digital material for analysing individual and team-based technical, training and gameplay movements using a varied range of technology.
Year 2 - Semester 1

Title: Clinical Biomechanics

Credits: 5
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To develop a biomechanical knowledge within clinical populations through biomechanical and movement intervention strategies related to the field of strength and conditioning

Title: Introduction to Data Analytics

Credits: 5
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Sports technology produce large amounts of data. This module will introduce student to managing and interpreting this data. Students will learn skills in Microsoft Excel to help manage, store and interpret data from sports technology.

Title: Psychology for Sport

Credits: 5
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To examine the psychological skills and knowledge to enhance sporting performance.

Title: Speed & Agility for Sport

Credits: 5
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The aim of this module is for students to understand the key physical elements required for speed & agility for sport, Students will gain an understanding of the science and practise behind the methods of improving multidirectional speed and agility and its benefits towards sporting performance and will also gain an understanding of the mechanics behind speed.

Title: Sports Nutrition

Credits: 5
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This module will introduce the relationship between nutrition and exercise and sports performance. The effect of nutritional strategies on strength, power, speed and endurance performance will be discussed and assessed.

Title: Sports Profiling & Needs Analysis

Credits: 5
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Performance profiling is a technique that enables athletes to identify the characteristics required for success in their sport. Athletes can use this knowledge in particular to develop training regimens for the areas where they need to improve. Athletes can also use the performance profile in collaboration with their coaching staff to assist them perform better.
Year 2 - Semester 2

Title: Data Analytics in Sports Science and Performance Technology

Credits: 5
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The aim of this module is to enable the learner to use extensive data sets for data-driven sports and performance intelligence. Learners will acquire the skills necessary to collect, clean, interpret and challenge data whilst maintaining strong data governance and rooted in best data analysis practice.

Title: Endurance Development for Sport

Credits: 5
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The aim of this module is for students to understand the key physical elements required for aerobic development and energy system conditioning. Students will be able to plan and deliver aerobic and endurance development programmes for both teams and individuals.

Title: Injury Management & Return to Play

Credits: 5
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The aim of this module is to provide students with the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills to identify injuries, injury risks, implement prevention strategies and to perform return to play programmes.

Title: Performance Measurement & Testing

Credits: 5
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The aim of this module is for students to gain a thorough understanding and competencies in sports performance testing of athletes and how such methods are used to measure performance within Strength and Conditioning.

Title: Sport Statistics

Credits: 5
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Statistics for sport provides the student with an understanding of statistical concepts and computational skills, their practical application in relevant sporting situations, and develops a systematic approach to dealing with statistical data.

Title: Training for Power & Force Production

Credits: 5
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The aim of this module is for students to understand the force velocity science behind power development and its benefits to sporting performance. Students will gain an understanding of how strength and power training in the weight room will enhance sporting performance and the methods of increasing power. Students will also gain coaching skills in the area of Olympic lifts and how the Olympic lifts aid the development of power and force production.
Year 3 - Semester 1

Title: Current Concepts in Performance Technology

Credits: 5
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This module examines current and emerging trends, research tracks and contemporary issues within Performance Technology literature and evidence based practise. Participants will explore areas of interest to develop future research opportunities, critical thinking skills and the application of theory in practical settings.

Title: Pre, Live & Post Performance Analysis

Credits: 5
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The first element of the coaching process is where the athlete performs. A key role of the performance analyst is to prepare the player and coaching staff before, during, and after this performance. Therefore, this module will help students develop the skills to plan and execute a pre, live and post-performance workflow. In a sporting setting, analysts assist players and staff with thorough knowledge of the next opponent before an event so that pre-event planning and strategy can be carried out successfully. Coaches and staff can benefit from live analysis by getting contextual information to aid in-game decisions. While post-event analysis offers a comprehensive assessment of an individual or team's performance.

Title: Sports Technology Analytics

Credits: 5
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The aim of this module is to develop the student's technical skills in the use of sports technology to analyze individual and team-based technical, training and gameplay movements using a varied range of technology.

Title: Statistical Research Methods for Sport

Credits: 5
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Statistical Research Methods for Sport introduces students to the process of quantitative research in sport by developing a systematic approach to dealing with statistical data. It also equips students with the required IT skills to analyse and present data.

Title: Visualisation of Sports and Performance Technology Data

Credits: 5
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This module aims to provide an understanding of the theories and technologies underpinning data visualisation and story-telling of sports and health performance through data. In addition, the learners will develop the practical skills to create effective professional graphical representations of sports data.

Title: Youth Athletic Development

Credits: 5
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The aim of this module is for the learner to understand the nature of S&C needs through the youth and adolescent life cycle and how these principles inform exercise selection, programming and planning.
Year 3 - Semester 2

Title: Work Placement for Performance Technology

Credits: 30
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The aim of the work place learning module is for students to apply their formal academic education within an experiential learning environment. Students will log 600 hours within a sports based Performance Analysis environment allowing them to develop interpersonal skills in communication, team work and problem solving. It also affords each student the opportunity to gain insight into their own personal abilities and aptitudes and to reflect on their continuing need for both personal and professional development.

Are there opportunities for further study?

Upon successful completion of this course graduates may progress to the final year of the level course in Applied Sports Science with Performance Technology.

What are the career prospects?

On completion of the course, you will have developed a wide range of practical skills that are beneficial across various roles within a sporting organisation. Exposure to exercise science, performance analysis, coaching, and research environments will ensure you are ‘industry-ready.’ Graduates take up work in gyms, coaching, performance analysis or set up their own sport business. Graduates can also further their education in sports performance analysis, sports coaching or sports psychology.

Sports Science at TUS Thurles

More Information

Why take this course?

The role of a performance analyst in sports has grown in recent times. This course offers students an opportunity to gain a qualification in exercise science while specialising in performance analysis.

We place a significant emphasis on preparing students to assess sports performance, design interventions, and recommend strategies to improve performance. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to support the coaches and athletes in their performance improvements. In addition, we aim to prepare students to be industry-ready.