Applied Sports Science with Strength and Conditioning - BSc (Hons)

Course Code: US958

Level

Duration

4 Years

Department

Sport & Early Childhood Studies

CAO Points

New course 2023

Course Type

Undergraduate - CAO

Location

Thurles

The BSc (Hons) Applied Sports Science with Strength and Conditioning prepares students to work with children, youths, and adults in various sporting environments. This course focuses on the applied nature of exercise science.

The course content will be delivered through theory and practical classes. We place a significant emphasis on preparing students to be able to deliver the knowledge through practical coaching sessions. Over the four years, students will study the components of fitness, the principles of training, sports nutrition, sports psychology, learn how to analyse biomechanical movements and the science of sport.

Students who choose this course will specialise in strength and conditioning. Some modules include; resistance training, weightlifting, injury prevention, and periodisation. Covering the course content will allow students to take the ITEC gym instruction qualification exam.

This course is recognised the the National Strength & Conditioning Association.

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

What are the entry requirements?

Leaving Cert

A minimum of 2 H5 & 4 O6/H7 grades in six Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish.

Mature Applicants

Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.

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 4 year honours degree will allow students to study resistance training, weightlifting, programme planning, sports psychology, and injury and rehabilitation. A core element of this course is the applied nature of the study. Consequently, the modules that students will study have significant practical elements that focus on developing coaching competencies necessary to improve the athletes in their chosen sport.

Year 1 - Semester 1

Title: Coaching Skills & Athlete Preparation

Credits: 5
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The aim of this module is to introduce students to the concepts of coaching and the principles of training and how this knowledge can be utilised practically to develop athletes and/or general population.

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 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: 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: 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: S&C Across the Lifecycle

Credits: 5
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To examine the physiology of the ageing process and the importance of a maintenance of strength and conditioning and physical activity processes across the lifecycle through to the designing of appropriate exercise programmes
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: 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: Sport 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:
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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.

Title: Weightlifting Techniques And Practices

Credits: 5
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The aim of this module is for students to understand the science behind weightlifting for strength, power and conditioning. To develop a basic level of competency and coaching in the classic lifts, barbell weight training and its accessory movements. The student will be able to devise and implement a training plan. The student will be able to understand the coaching concepts behind powerlifting and the implementation of those lifts into programming
Year 2 - Semester 2

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: Special Populations Interventions

Credits: 5
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The aim of this module is to provide students with a multi-disciplinary approach to dealing with the various needs of special population groups and how it applies to physical activity, exercise and sports participation. Students will develop the skills necessary to adapt various exercise programmes and sports to meet the needs of specific special population groups.

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

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: Advanced Sports Conditioning

Credits: 5
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To analyse the underpinning scientific basis and practical implementation for the enhancement of speed, agility and endurance capacities of athletes for sports performance

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 strength and conditioning literature and evidence based practice. Participants will explore areas of interest to develop future research opportunities, critical thinking skills and the application of theory in practical settings.

Title: Para Sport

Credits: 5
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The aim of this module is to provide students with a multi-disciplinary approach to working with various disabilities in a paralympian sports. The student will develop the knowledge and skills to adapt exercise programmes to the different needs to the para athlete.

Title: Sport 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: 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 Strength & Conditioning

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 S&C industry context 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.
Year 4 - Semester 1

Title: Adv Resistance Training

Credits: 5
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The aim of this module is to provide students with the scientific knowledge to formulate and critically analyse different training methods and technologies used when working with athletes. At the end of this module, students will be proficient in the use of technologies and training equipment used and also be able to plan, produce and coach training plans that will aim to optimise performance in elite athletes.

Title: Applied Exercise A&P Assessment

Credits: 5
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The aim of this module is for students to deepen their understanding of anatomy and physiology as it relates to sport, exercise and physical activity. The students will practically apply the theory of anatomy and physiology as it pertains to exercise performance and monitor and evaluate its effects.

Title: Coaching Competencies & Behaviours

Credits: 5
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To acquire the knowledge, know-how, skill and competence to analyse the theoretical constructs involved in the behavioural aspects of coaching within a sports performance environment.

Title: Periodisation

Credits: 5
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To analyse the principles of training science and application into the development of appropriate periodised programmes in sports performance.

Title: Sports Innovation & Professional Development

Credits: 5
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This module builds students understanding of innovation and their own professional development by applying that learning to new venture creation and career planning. This module will provide the student with a grounding in innovative sports enterprise development. It will guide the student through modelling a new venture proposal, feasibility study and the design of a business plan for the potential start up.

Title: The Female Athlete

Credits: 5
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The aim of this module is to provide students with the scientific theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to work with female athletes of all ages. It will equip students to enable these athletes to perform and recover optimally throughout the lifecycle.
Year 4 - Semester 2

Title: Final Year Project Strength & Conditioning

Credits: 15
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This module aims to assist the student to identify, understand and prepare to S&C research to further their understanding of research methods and tools. This module focuses on the planning and preparation of a research and also on the identification and analysis of contemporary S&C issues as potential areas of research and the use of scientific research as a problem solving tool. This encompasses the understanding and application of appropriate research designs, research statistics, data analysis techniques, report writing and presentation.

Title: Leadership and Management

Credits: 5
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The module focuses on the knowledge and skills required for effective leadership management of elite teams and high performance athletes as well as in an organisational setting and in addition focus's on the changing context in which organisations operate. The module examines the current models and approaches to leadership, organisational change and individual behavioural change which inform our understanding of best practise in leading and managing elite athletes and teams.

Title: Monitoring & Recovery

Credits: 5
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To analyse and assess the scientific basis and practical application of appropriate monitoring and recovery strategies, protocols and procedures for the athlete population.

Title: Problem Based Learning

Credits: 5
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This module examines the current trends in performance technologies in evidence based practise. Students will be tasked with problem based learning criteria in multi-disciplinary manner where they will need to research, critically assess and collaborate on formulating strategies.

Are there opportunities for further study?

Graduates of this course may pursue further study at level 9 masters in a similar subject area.

What are the career prospects?

Graduates with sports science with strength and conditioning degrees can take up work in gyms, sports teams or set up their own sport business. Graduates can also further their education in sports performance, sports coaching, sports psychology and physiotherapy.

Graduates are expected to gain employment in sports organisations, sports’ national governing bodies, sporting clubs and colleges, health and fitness industry, community activity programmes and private enterprise.

Sports Science at TUS Thurles

More Information

Why take this course?

Strength and conditioning coaches are in demand right across the lifecycle from designing programmes and coaching children, youth, adults, or older adults. This course offers students an opportunity to gain a qualification in the area of exercise science.

We place a significant emphasis on preparing students to be able to deliver the knowledge through practical coaching sessions. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to undertake conditioning programmes to support coaches and athletes in their performance improvements. In addition, we aim to prepare students to be industry-ready.