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Click here to viewApplied Sports Science with Performance Technology - BSc
Course Code: US468
Level
6
Duration
2 Years
Department
Sport & Early Childhood Studies
CAO Points
N/A
Course Type
Direct Entry
Location
Thurles
The Higher Certificate 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.
Throughout the course, students will explore the exciting and dynamic sport science environment with performance technology as the main focus. Key sport science areas such as physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, strength & conditioning and psychology, will be studied each year. In addition to this, specific performance technology modules such as video analysis, data analytics, talent identification, pre-live-post analysis and data visualisation will be studied, giving you the knowledge and skills to be a formidable candidate for any career path you may choose to pursue in the area.
An inter-disciplinary approach is a must in today’s sporting environment and this course will prepare you for this through modules such as problem based learning and current concepts. Furthermore, 50% of each module is practical based, to ensure that you are developing the hands-on skills required to be an excellent performance technologist as you progress through each year of the programme. To further enhance your employability, there are opportunities to complete a number of additional accreditations such as internationally recognised gym-based certification and personal training certification through ITEC, the ISPAS performance analysis and the GAA performance analysis accreditations.
**Please note that Garda Vetting is a requirement for this course.**
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants must have 5 O6/H7 grades or higher at Ordinary Level in 5 Leaving Certificate subjects. Two of these subjects must include Mathematics and a Language (English or Irish).
Applicants presenting QQI FET/FETAC qualifications must hold a Full Level 5 Award totalling 120 Credits.
Applicants presenting qualifications other than those mentioned above will be assessed on an individual basis.
Mature Applicants (i.e. over 23) are exempt from the normal entry requirements.
Who can I contact?
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Dr Damien Young
What modules will I study?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Are there opportunities for further study?
Upon successful completion of this course graduates may progress to the third year of the level 7 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.
