module specification

SP4061 - Physiological Principles of Training (2021/22)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2021/22
Module title Physiological Principles of Training
Module level Certificate (04)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Human Sciences
Total study hours 150
 
6 hours Assessment Preparation / Delivery
111 hours Guided independent study
33 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
In-Course Test 40%   Progress test (45 mins)
Group Coursework 60%   Group presentation
Running in 2021/22

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Spring semester North Friday All day

Module summary

In this module you will be provided with an introduction to the Physiology of exercise a sub-discipline of sport and exercise sciences. This is accompanied by the principles of training and athletic preparation which ensures a bias towards the specific interests of those studying for sports-related degrees.

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

You will gain a fundamental grounding in exercise physiology including physiology, biochemistry and cell biology as they relate to exercise performance and so develop knowledge of the immediate responses of the body to exercise and also the longer term adaptations to exercise stimulation

The module encourages an appreciation of the contribution of Physiological Science to sports performance and exercise delivering both theory (the muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems) and practical skills (scientific methods of testing and data collection). The training principles element addresses the scientific basis of Sport and exercise performer support, organisation of preparation and the basis of different approaches to training.

The knowledge gained is relevant for a variety of employment opportunities, particularly those within sports science, coaching, personal training and sports therapy. This knowledge transfers directly to Level 5 study in which there are advances in the level of interaction with applied and exercise and environmental physiology.

Prior learning requirements

Available for Study Abroad? No

Syllabus

Physiology
Fundamentals of adaptive exercise physiology associated with systems: muscle, cardiac, respiratory. Energy systems as related to muscle metabolism (LO1, LO3).

Physiological testing: Measurement of oxygen uptake kinetics at rest and during exercise. Threshold concept as a measure of performance. Anaerobic metabolism during exercise (LO2, LO3).

Training Principles
Focus on performance enhancement in resistance and endurance training including: components of fitness, periodization, principles of training, professionalism, nutrition and recovery (LO2, LO4).

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Lectures will be used as a starting point to initiate further engagement activites around a specific topic area. This will promote a variety of learning opportunities which should appeal to all students. Lectures will therefore form the core material from which to expand knowledge in a variety of directions.

Practical sessions will be used to initiate core skills of exercise testing with industry requirement basis and to demonstrate professional standards of lab work and comprehension of risk, infection control and health and safety. Students will be able to build skills on to the theoretical base, enabling both visual and verbal learners to progress. The holistic methods taught will ensure the devlopment of competent Exercise Physiologists.

Two summative assessments are dispersed evenly across the module enabling students to gain regular feedback as well as manage the workload.   These assessments involve an online test addressing the topics of exercise physiology involving energy systems, muscle function and anaerobic metabolism. Secondly a group presentation based on the practical provision of science support to an athlete or ‘Performer’ in the preparation for major competition. These encompass a range of learning elements and embed critical skills within this first year of study including multidisciplinary working and oral communication.

Key strategies:
Lectures; Lab practicals/Seminars/Revision seminars (discussion/interaction/experiential learning); WebLearn (blended learning/information point/discussion board); Self-directed learning.  

Tutorial sessions will be used to support the lecture material and allow the students to engage in the material using problem-solving skills and directed learning will be used to develop an understanding beyond the material given in lectures. This will include both exercises set within the lecture and independent tutorial sessions, as well as involving using the web and library resources.

Reflective practice will be heaviliy employed especially following the recceipt of feedback after assessments. Reflection also on personal experience to guide learning associated with applying knowledge to the activities fo athletes and performers.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
LO1: Understand general principles of exercise related and adaptive physiology.
LO2: Apply relevant tests to gather and interpret basic scientific data and provide coherent written reports
LO3: Have a factual knowledge of structure and function in various physiological systems, with an emphasis on those important to exercise and sports performance
LO4: Apply and communicate appropriate exercise training principles to specific sports and exercise goals.

Assessment strategy

Assessments have been designed to provide students with a diverse range of tasks that maintain interest and encourage engagement. This breadth also ensures the development of a greater number of key skills pertinent to employability.

The first assessment (001) will be an online progress test, in teaching week 6 which will cover physiological theory from the first part of the module, which was not covered in SP4051. This will give students the opportunity to review material which has built week on week and respond to questions posed regarding its detail and context. The exam will test students recall, but also the level of understanding behind some of the sports concepts that have been presented over the module so far. Feedback will be given in class and in writing and enable the reflective process.

The second assessment (002) will be a group presentation during the Spring assessment period in which groups will visually and verbally present a detailed analysis of an athlete / performer science support package in the run up to major competition. This will enable Students to demonstrate planning and preparation skills in constructing the format and the presentation itself. This all represents viable and demonstrable planning and communication skills related to industry. The marking basis of this assessment is a mixture of group mark and individual credit which encourages the concept of interdisciplinary working.

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