module specification

This module introduces the fundamental principles and practices of strength and conditioning, providing the scientific and practical foundations required for effective training design and delivery. The module aims to build on your knowledge of exercise physiology, relating more specifically to exercise performance and the immediate and long term adaptations of strength and conditioning. You will explore key concepts in exercise physiology and biomechanics, and learn how these inform the development of components such as strength, power, speed, and endurance. The module emphasises evidence-based practice and the application of safe, effective training methods with the aim of improving athletic performance and reducing the risk of injury. You will develop practical skills in the assessment and monitoring of different components of fitness using appropriate tools and techniques. Additionally, you will enhance your ability to design and evaluate scientific-based training programmes for a variety of athletes and performance goals.

This module contributes to equipping you with essential knowledge and practical skills that underpin advanced modules in applied strength and conditioning, applied coaching, and injury rehabilitation. This module supports pathways into careers in strength and conditioning, sport science, sports coaching and personal training.

N/A.
Available for Study Abroad? NO

Fundamentals of strength and conditioning components and the physiological adaptations that occur to improve athletic performance, focusing on strength, power, speed, and endurance development (LO1, LO3)
Design and development of strength and conditioning training to support specific athletic requirements including: components of fitness, periodisation, principles of training, professionalism, recovery, nutrition and hydration (LO2, LO4)
Physiological testing: Measurements of fitness and performance including aerobic, anaerobic, strength and power (LO2, LO3)

Learning on this module combines theoretical input with practical application to ensure the development of both knowledge and hands-on skills in strength and conditioning. Teaching will be delivered through a blend of lectures, practical laboratory sessions, and interactive tutorials. Lectures will introduce key scientific principles and evidence-based practices of strength and conditioning. Interactive tutorials will then supplement the lecture material by providing opportunities for group work to develop training programmes, enhance problem solving skills and critical thinking, and engage in peer feedback. Practical sessions will focus on the assessment and evaluation of fitness and performance components in both a laboratory and a field environment. Lab sessions will also provide an opportunity to demonstrate professional standards of lab work and comprehension of risk, infection control and health and safety.

The university’s virtual learning environment will be used extensively through the module with the use of online quizzes, interactive forums and additional videos.
Reflective practice will be heavily employed especially following the receipt of feedback after assessments. Students will also reflect on their work during tutorials through group work and peer feedback.

LO1: Understand general principles of strength and conditioning and training variables. 
LO2: Understand relevant physiological and performance tests to gather and interpret basic scientific data.
LO3: Have a factual knowledge of the various physiological and biomechanical systems important to exercise and sports performance. 
LO4: Design and communicate appropriate and effective strength and conditioning programmes for specific sports and exercise goals.

SP4061 Physiological Principles of Training | London Metropolitan University