MED.112: Concepts in Sports and Exercise Psychology

• Terms Taught: Michaelmas Term (Weeks 6-10)
• US Credits: 2 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits: 4 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: A background in bioscience or sports science is recommended.

Course Description

How does a tennis player who is behind in a match keep focussed and fight back to win the match? Why do 100m sprinters visualise in their mind the race they are about to take part in? Why is breaking a bad habit, perhaps not taking exercise, so difficult?

These are important questions in Sports and Exercise Science and in this module you’ll get a chance to explore these topics as you examine theories of behaviour change along with studying motivation, visualisation and the effects of pressure on athletic performance.

Educational Aims

The aims of this module are to:

1. explore the relationship between physical activity and psychological wellbeing.
2. introduce psychological theories from different perspectives.
3. apply psychological theories of behaviour change.
4. explore the role of sport psychology in describing competitive behaviour.
5. enhance employability by developing a range of subject specific and general transferrable skills.
6. further enhance communication skills.

Outline Syllabus

Lectures will include biological, cognitive, social and personality and individual differences approaches in psychology. These approaches will be used to address various processes in sport and exercise such as sporting excellence and elite performance, the dynamics of relationships in sport, youth sports development and health behaviour change.

Workshops will include choking under pressure, resilience in elite sport, doping in sport and motivational interviewing for behaviour change.

Assessment Proportions

• Exam: 40%
• Presentation (Assessed): 50%
• Other: 10%

MED.113: Introduction to Nutrition

• Terms Taught: Lent Term (Weeks 11-15)
• US Credits: 2 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits: 4 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: A background in bioscience or sports science is recommended.

Course Description

This module will explore the foundations of general and sport nutrition, providing you with the knowledge and skills to analyse and review a diet diary and provide appropriate dietary advice to a self-selected case study.

Your learning will involve lectures, workshops examining dietary assessment methods, computer-based sessions using dietary analysis software and testing in the Human Performance Laboratory. You will learn how to calculate energy requirements for different activities and populations in both a sport and health context.

The assessment for this module includes the production of a dietary analysis report from a client diet diary. You will work with the client to capture the data and will analyse and interpret the data. You will draw on your knowledge to form recommendations and client goals.

You will complete a weekly online test ahead of an end of year exam.

Educational Aims

The aims of this module are to:

1. Develop student knowledge and understanding of the roles of key macronutrients and micronutrients in general health and when applied to sport/activity contexts.
2. Introduce and develop the practical and analytical skills associated with dietary analysis and nutrition-related laboratory testing.
3. Provide the foundations to prepare students for the nutritional content covered in year 2 and 3 modules.
4. Enhance scientific report writing skills using appropriate data presentation to aid transferability of information into lay language.
5. Encourage students to utilise scientific evidence to support recommendations rather than easy-to-access and potentially inaccurate media sources.

Outline Syllabus

Lectures will cover topics relating to the main macronutrient groups including carbohydrate, fats, and protein, and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). Lectures will cover nutritional terminology and guidelines and how these relate to weight management.

Workshops will cover skills necessary to analyse the diet of a member of the public or an athlete. They will explore how to use dietary analysis software, how to write a dietary analysis report, and how to provide advice. Other workshops might include how to determine the glycaemic index or glycaemic load of a range of foods.

Practicals will cover how to determine energy expenditure and determine oral glucose tolerance. Other topics include the measurement of fluid balance in a lab-based setting.

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 60%
• Exam: 30%
• Other: 10%

MED.114: Public Health Challenges

• Terms Taught: Lent Term (Weeks 16-20)
• US Credits: 2 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits: 4 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: A background in bioscience or sports science is recommended.

Course Description

This contemporary module will engage you in three public health challenges that directly relate to the sport and exercise sciences and complement modules in psychology, nutrition, exercise prescription and assessing technologies. You will gain an awareness and understanding of health inequalities, identifying the need to get people active, discussing the challenges faced by people living with obesity, and ensuring our ageing population live better for longer.

Taught sessions will consist of interactive lectures and classroom-based workshops where you will be creative and develop key skills to discuss current and future public health initiatives. You will also enhance your ability to understand epidemiology and interpret statistics, whilst effectively presenting complex information using simple to understand statements - essential for successful public engagement and a valuable employability skill.

You will be assessed by creatively designing material to inform the public about particular health challenges and solutions, as well as developing your group presentation skills. Throughout the module, you will complete a weekly online test, which will direct you to find information from key public health sources.

Educational Aims

The aims of this module are to:

1. Develop student awareness and knowledge of current public health challenges and potential solutions that are associated with exercise and/or sport.
2. Provide the opportunity to engage in and discuss “hot topics” that will prepare students for the Current Debates module in year 2.
3. Enhance understanding of scientific data and interpretations by familiarising students with epidemiological papers.
4. Develop digital skills to create resources to translate complex information into easy-to-understand statements, images and/or graphs within the area of public health engagement.

Outline Syllabus

Lectures will cover topics related to the epidemiology and current evidence base of a selection of key public health challenges. These challenges could include obesity, physical inactivity and aging but will adapt to align to challenges on the current public health agenda at a national and international level.

Seminars will primarily consist of group-based activities related to the topics covered in the lectures. Focus of seminars will explore and discuss current and future initiatives for tackling the selected public health challenges, whilst providing time for students to develop their own initiative.

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 40%
• Presentation (Assessed): 50%
• Other: 10%

MED.115: Assessing Technologies in Sports and Exercise Science

• Terms Taught: Summer Term Only
• US Credits: 2 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits: 4 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: A background in bioscience or sports science is recommended.

Course Description

Technology use in sport, exercise and health has steeply increased in the last few years, aided by technological advancements in software, hardware and data processing power. Indeed, the overall market for wearable technology is expected to grow from 113.2 million units sold in 2017, to 222.3 million in 2021 (IDC, 2017). The benefit such technology development brings can be very useful in providing support to athletes and clients, but it does not come without limitations or aspects that require a deeper understanding of ‘how it works’ to ensure accurate results.

This module will cover such technologies (e.g. wearables), what the data obtained can tell us and any caveats with it. It will afford students the opportunity to explore relevant technologies and develop an argument for their use.

Educational Aims

The aims of this module are to:

1. Make students aware of recent developments in technologies, their application and issues common in the Sports and Exercise Science field.
2. Develop students' understanding of the appropriate acquisition, curation, analysis and interpretation of data common in the Sports and exercise domains.
3. Enhance employability by developing a range of subject specific and general transferrable skills.
4. Introduce students to the concept of technology promotion.

Outline Syllabus

The lectures will cover topics on the development of digital technologies in sport, exercise and health and their application. These topics are likely to cover wearables, mobile devices applications and the issues around them with the specifics matching current trends.

The workshops will be hands-on and afford the opportunity to students to understand data issues, how data can help assist 'performance' as well as how apps can develop.

Assessment Proportions

• Presentation (Assessed): 90%
• Other: 10%

MED.121: Fundamental Anatomy

• Terms Taught: Michaelmas Term (Weeks 1-5)
• US Credits: 2 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits: 4 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: A background in bioscience or sports science is recommended.

Course Description

This module explores the science behind the structure and function of systems within the human body. Specifically, you will learn about the nervous, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems and discover their role in the contexts of sport, exercise and health. Taught sessions involve lectures that provide the fundamental principles, and interactive workshops and practicals that enable students to develop skills in problem solving and applied practice. This blend of theory and application will support learning on other modules across the programme.

The assessment comprises an applied movement analysis, requiring the use of information from a variety of resources. You will also complete weekly online tests, which will help you to consolidate learning, and an exam covering all aspects of the module at the end of the year.

Educational Aims

The aims of this module are to:

1. Introduce students to human anatomy and explore this in the context of sports and exercise.
2. Prepare students for further study of human anatomy and biomechanics in years 2 and 3 of their degree.
3. Enhance employability by developing a range of subject specific and general transferrable skills.
4. Enable students to be able to access and respond to information in a range of formats and from a variety of sources.

Outline Syllabus

Lectures will cover topics related to key anatomical systems, including the neuromuscular, musculo-skeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Workshops will cover more applied aspects of anatomy education. Students will most likely consider joint analysis, planes and patterns of movement, anatomical landmarks, regions and descriptive terminology. Students will often take an active and discursive role often in group based exercises.

Practical sessions will cover topics related to developing a greater depth of insight into anatomical structure and function and the more applied nature of anatomy when related to health or sport. Students will most likely consider the roles of the cardiac muscle, connective tissues and joint structure in an exploratory dissection format. Students may also engage in discursive practical sessions considering client examination and anthropometric assessment.

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 40%
• Exam: 50%
• Other: 10%

MED.122: Principles of Biomechanics

• Terms Taught: Michaelmas Term (Weeks 6-10)
• US Credits: 2 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits: 4 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: A background in bioscience or sports science is recommended.

Course Description

This captivating module provides you with a strong foundation of knowledge in biomechanics. You will learn underpinning theory, and how biomechanical assessments are used in sport and exercise. This module includes a combination lectures, workshops and practicals in which you will explore the science around how and why the human body moves as it does. You will learn about biomechanics from the perspectives of performance enhancement and injury reduction, drawing on an understanding of how human movement changes in response to the demands of exercise and sport.

To align with the applied skills you will learn, the assessment provides you with the opportunity to showcase your competency in conducting a biomechanical assessment with a client. You will also complete a written portfolio on biomechanical assessment, and weekly online tests to consolidate learning.

Educational Aims

The aims of this module are to:

1. Introduce the fundamental principles of Biomechanics with a focus on human movement and exercise.
2. Prepare students for the study of more advanced Biomechanics of sport and exercise in the later years of their studies.
3. Identify and apply subject-specific paradigms, concepts and principles to human sport and movement.
4. Enhance employability by developing a range of subject specific and general transferrable skills.
5. Gain experience in the application of subject knowledge and understanding to familiar and unfamiliar contexts.

Outline Syllabus

The lectures will cover topics around the fundamental principles of Biomechanics and their application to human movement in sports and exercise. These are likely to include linear and angular kinematics and kinetics, balance and stability, force application and others.

The workshops are designed to reinforce learning on the topics covered in the lecture, as well as develop the students' practical competence. Thus, experimental set-up and data collection and analysis will be the focus of the workshops, while affording the student the opportunity to prepare for their practical assessment.

Assessment Proportions

• Other: 10%
• Practical Exam: 90%
• Coursework (Formative)

MED.123: Essentials of Sports and Exercise Physiology

• Terms Taught: Lent Term (Weeks 11-15)
• US Credits: 2 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits: 4 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: A background in bioscience or sports science is recommended.

Course Description

This interactive and engaging module is your chance to get to grips with human physiology in the context of sports and exercise. Combining a lecture series with sessions in the Human Performance Lab, we will balance theory and practice to develop your understanding, and explore the integration of multiple physiological systems in response to exercise.

During your time in the Human Performance Lab, we will consider the ways in which physiological monitoring and analysis can be used to understand how these systems respond and adapt to the demands of different modes of exercise. You will carry out resting, submaximal and maximal tests using treadmills and static cycle ergometers. You will use heart rate monitors to evaluate workload, gas analysers to determine oxygen uptake, and blood sampling to assess changes in lactate levels to name a few. Your practical skills will be observed and you’ll complete a competency log ahead of a practical assessment.

By the end of the module you will also know what the requirements are for carrying out physiological measurements and tests, how to record data from those tests, and, how to analyse and present that data in a laboratory report.

Throughout the module you will complete a weekly online test, which will help you to spot any gaps in your learning and to feel good about the knowledge that you’ve already secured.

Educational Aims

The aims of this module are to:

1. Introduce students to the key human physiological systems that respond to exercise in sport and health contexts.
2. Engage students within a laboratory setting to select appropriate tests and build skills and competency in physiological testing.
3. Prepare students for further study of sport and exercise physiology.
4. Enhance employability by developing a range of subject-specific and general transferrable skills.
5. Encourage students to source academic material, utilise relevant information and develop scientific writing skills.

Assessment Proportions

• Other: 10%
• Coursework: 50%
• Practical Exam: 40%

MED.125: Exercise Prescription

• Terms Taught: Summer Term Only
• US Credits: 2 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits: 4 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: A background in bioscience or sports science is recommended.

Course Description

Driven by practical experience, this module provides an overview of how exercise science contributes to prescription in varying populations. Interactive and highly applied lectures will provide you with the opportunity to learn the underpinning theory and associated research surrounding the key components of exercise programming, training principles and techniques. Supported by practical workshops alongside qualified fitness professionals, your skills in instruction, delivery, adaptability and progression of a programme will increase. This gives you a genuine opportunity to put theory into practice.

The focus of assessment will be to consult with a client and deliver an appropriate individualised evidence-based exercise programme.

Educational Aims

The aims of this module are to:

1. Introduce students to the key principles of cardiovascular, resistance and flexibility training techniques for appropriate exercise programme design.
2. Demonstrate the skills required to monitor and evaluate human responses to exercise and adapt/modify a programme accordingly.
3. Prepare students for potential risk by raising awareness of exercise considerations, contraindications and referral of clients.
4. Enhance employability by developing key skills within an exercise/fitness environment.
5. Encourage students to support selected exercise prescription with current literature and be able to translate complex information to a client.

Outline Syllabus

Lectures will cover topics related to key exercise prescription principles, progression and monitoring based around F.I.T.T.-V.P. Students will most likely consider exercise prescription applied to cardiovascular, resistance and flexibility components with a focused health approach.

Workshops will cover topics related to working with clients safely and appropriately in a variety of environments to develop effective exercise prescriptive plans based on individual client needs. Students will most likely consider consultation and communication skills, condition specific considerations and contraindications to exercise and exercise adherence. Students will take an active and discursive role often in group based exercises.

Practical sessions will cover topics related to appropriately planning, progressing and implementing an exercise based programme. Students will most likely consider cardiovascular, resistance and flexibility components with a health focus. Students will take an active and discursive role often in group based exercises considering safe testing and training practices.

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 60%
• Practical: 30%
• Other: 10%

MED.211: Biomechanics II

• Terms Taught: Lent Term Only
• US Credits: 5 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits: 10 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: Equivalent to MED.121 Fundamental Anatomy and MED.122 Principles of Biomechanics

Course Description

Biomechanics II builds on previous knowledge and skills developed around the area of Biomechanics. Students will explore in more depth how muscle performance affects our day to day life, whether this is being able to walk to the shops or achieve a personal best in a competition, how to assess that performance in both laboratory and field settings, and how to interpret the data in a meaningful way. The work will be completed in the Human Performance Laboratory as well as in seminars and workshops, while students will get a flavour of how we conduct and present research in Biomechanics. The module provides the perfect stepping stone for getting more excited with Biomechanics and preparing students for further engagement with the area, should they wish to do so.

Educational Aims

The aims of this module are to:

1. Expand knowledge, understanding, skills and experience of biomechanics.
2. Explore biomechanics in the context of sports and exercise with a focus on specific anatomical regions.
3. Expose students to equipment and resources used to for biomechanical data capture, manipulation and interrogation.
4. Prepare students for further study of human anatomy and biomechanics in year 3 of their degree.
5. Enhance employability by developing a range of subject specific and general transferrable skills.
6. Enable students to be able to access and respond to information in a range of formats and from a variety of sources.
7. Develop oral communication and observation skills particularly in practical sessions.
8. Continue to support the development of analytical, problem-solving and report writing skills (including data presentation).

Outline Syllabus

This module will expand on the material examined in the Year 1 Anatomy module and the Year 1 Biomechanics module. The core of this Year 2 Biomechanics module will be a deeper study of the anatomy and structure of the human musculoskeletal system and a focused examination of the mechanical properties of the muscle-tendon unit. The students will have an opportunity to examine force production and its effect in a range of different sports and types of sporting activities, and, during normal human movement and exercise activities. They will also explore motor control including the role of sensory systems and the motor nervous system to gain an understanding of important sports and exercise aspects including postural control, initiation of movement and control of fast movements. Finally, students will discuss its relation to the causes of common injuries, a topic which will be examined in greater depth in Year 3 modules.

In practical classes, students will expand their explorations of biomechanical principles and will learn the safe and effective acquisition of biomechanical data, as well as capture, interrogate and interpret biomechanical data acquired.

Assessment Proportions

• Exam: 50%
• Coursework: 50%

MED.212: Sports and Exercise Psychology

• Terms Taught: Lent Term Only
• US Credits: 5 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits: 10 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: Equivalent to MED.112 Concepts in Sports and Exercise Psychology

Course Description

The module content will include social, cognitive, behavioural, and emotional processes that operate in sport and exercise environments. Indicative topics related to social processes include team and interpersonal dynamics. For cognitive processes, indicative topics include cognitive training and the relationships between sensory deprivation and participation in sport and exercise. For behavioural and emotional processes, indicative topics include body image, identity, exercise addiction, and eating disorders. The focus of the model is on applying course content to real world situations. For example, students will examine how social, cognitive, behavioural, and emotional processes interact to influence skill execution, performance, and wellbeing in athletes and exercise participants.

Educational Aims

The aims of this module are to:

1. To further explore the psychological approaches to supporting athletes.
2. To examine specific challenges faced by athletes and explore the psychological approaches to explaining, predicting and managing these challenges.
3. To become familiar with the necessity to balance the enhancement of sporting performance with athlete wellbeing.
4. To become familiar with the challenges and benefits associated with the development of habits and the underlying psychological theories defining the development of habit.
5. To understand the underpinning psychological theory of interventions in sport and exercise settings.
6. To enhance employability by developing a range of subject specific and general transferrable skills.
7. To further enhance communication skills.
8. To enable students to effectively locate, evaluate and use the Sports Psychology literature.

Outline Syllabus

The module content will include social, cognitive and emotional processes that are important in sport performance and exercise environments. Likely social processes will include the dynamics of relationships in teams, coach-athletes and within sport organisations. Selected individual differences such as a resilience, self-awareness and self-regulation and their importance in sporting and exercise contexts will likely be considered from a range of psychological perspectives. Students will likely explore the application of traditional psychological skills training such as imagery, self-talk and relaxation techniques. The more contemporary approaches to sport psychology that are likely to be included are mindfulness-acceptance-commitment approaches and EMDR training.

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 50%
• Presentation: 50%

MED.213: Physiology and Metabolism

• Terms Taught: Lent Term only
• US Credits: 5 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits: 10 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: Equivalent to MED.123 Essentials of Sports and Exercise Science Physiology

Course Description

Following year one modules in physiology and nutrition, this takes your knowledge and application of skills to the next level by focusing on the measurement and evaluation of physiological responses to exercise and related environments. The module will take you beyond stand-alone physiological tests and provide a more experimental approach to your learning and start to apply the content to real-world sport and health scenarios.

You will delve deeper into energy systems and metabolic processes, find out more about the determinants of exercise performance, fatigue and recover and have fully grasped the integrated nature of exercise physiology to suitably prepare you for final year modules. You will learn how to conduct tests that determine lactate threshold, as well as using multiple different protocols to determine VO2max and investigating the effect of commonly used nutritional supplements. The module will introduce you to a variety of both laboratory and field-based assessments.

You will further your year one practical skills by continuing to add to your competencies and practical workbook/portfolio and laboratory report writing will have a more experimental focus, showcasing your understanding of protocol selection. The nature of the module will have helped to further develop your ability to analyse data and interpretation, which will feature in the module examination.

Educational Aims

The aims of this module are to:

1. Gain a more detailed understanding of energy systems, which are the prime deliverers of ATP in a range of sporting and health exercise testing scenarios.
2. Increase knowledge and awareness of how multiple physiological systems integrate together, in both sport and health contexts.
3. Undertake a range of performance tests that will provide opportunities for students to gain further competencies for working in a physiology environment.
4. Encourage students to utilise material and skills from multiple sources, in order to enhance their scientific writing skills.
5. Ensure students add new skills to their competency workbook to aid future employment.

Outline Syllabus

Lectures will include topics such as metabolism during exercise, nutritional interventions to optimise performance, and applied sports science testing methods.

Labs will include topics such as lactate threshold testing, fatigue measurement, wingate testing for peak power and VO2max testing.

Journal clubs will be used to discuss key papers in the field of physiology and metabolism such as reviews on the cause of fatigue or seminal papers on the drivers of muscle protein synthesis.

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 50%
• Exam: 40%
• Other: 10%

MED.214: Research Methods and Statistics

• Terms Taught: Full Year Only
• US Credits: 4 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: Equivalent to BIOL132 Experimental Design and Data Analysis

Course Description

This module will examine how to identify different types of data, how to interpret experimental plans and approaches, to select an appropriate statistical approach to interrogate data. This is essential for a successful career in Sports Science and is relevant to any career in which data analysis is required.

Your learning will take place in lectures and computer lab. The lecture sessions are used to discuss approaches to data analysis and to introduce analytical concepts, while the computer lab sessions are used to practice the use of analytical software to use example data from the field of sport and exercise sciences. You’ll get experience of using several tools for data analysis, including packages which are freely available and which you can use following graduation in any role as there is no need to purchase or license specific software packages.

You will be assessed through a combination of weekly online tests, to check your knowledge, coursework for which you will complete statistical tests on model data and an end-of-year exam.

Educational Aims

The aims of this module are to:

1. Introduce students to different research methods and the key forms of data and methods of statistical analysis.
2. Engage students within a computer laboratory setting to select appropriate tests and build skills in data analysis using model data.
3. Prepare students for further study in years 2 and 3 by creating competence in research methods and statistics within the Sports and Exercise Sciences.
4. Enhance employability by developing a range of data analysis techniques that are highly translatable.
5. Encourage students to develop skills in data processing, analysis and interpretation.

Outline Syllabus

Lectures will broadly cover the identification of different types of data and how these should be handled depending upon whether they are parametric or non-parametric. Topics will include both repeated measures and between group ANOVA and qualitative in addition to quantitative statistical methodologies.

Workshops will be used to put theory into practice from the content delivered in lectures. Similarly, these will cover quantitative and qualitative statistical tests that are delivered through statistical software such as SPSS.

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 50%
• Exam: 40%
• Test: 10%

MED.215: Current Debates in Sports and Exercise Science

• Terms Taught: Michaelmas Term Only
• US Credits: 4 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: None

Course Description

This module allows the opportunity for students to engage with hot topics and current debates within sport and exercise science, across all the core disciplines of physiology, nutrition, psychology and biomechanics. You will develop the skills and confidence to review both sides of a number of controversial topics, build and defend a strong argument in a cohesive learning environment. This provides a dynamic approach to developing the ability read, listen, write and think critically, all of which are key skills for the final year of the degree.

You will be assessed via contributions to a collaborative learning environment, a short written critical review, and a live debate. A highly valuable and interactive approach that is intended to excite you to want to learn more.

Educational Aims

The aims of this module are to:

1. Discuss and debate current issues and “hot topics” in sports and exercise science using an evidence-based approach to building arguments.
2. Excite students to engage with in-depth reading and collaborative learning to enhance their specific knowledge across selected areas of sports and exercise science.
3. Implement collaborative and digital learning skills to create and contribute to resource portfolios that will house current evidence to support debates.
4. Develop student’s ability to become effective at critical thinking and writing, which will support them in level 6 modules.

Outline Syllabus

Lectures will cover topics key to the fundamentals of effective debate. Lectures will most likely include key principles such as how to prepare, creation of an argument, effective communication and the presenter and the audience.

Seminars will focus on various current debate topics adapted to the current climate surrounding module delivery. Up to date research will be dissected to create effective resources for debate. Topics may include DSD in Athletics, concussion in contact sports and exercise vs pharmacological intervention for disease.

Workshops will focus on the skills of effective debate. Students are likely to present arguments, challenge views and be encouraged to think critically.

Assessment Proportions

• Online Forum Contribution: 20%
• Presentation: 50%
• Written Assessment: 30%

MED.221: Sports Medicine

• Terms Taught: Summer Term Only
• US Credits: 4 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: Equivalent to MED.123 Essentials of Sports and Exercise Physiology

Course Description

This module will develop knowledge of the injuries and pathologies present within elite Sport and examine prevention and treatment strategies for these conditions.

This module will include the assessment of sports injuries and how to monitor athletes who may be at risk through overtraining or other underlying pathologies. We will examine the performance benefits, and long-term consequences, of ergogenic aids, and the growing use of therapeutic use exemptions (TUE’s) within Sport.

Your learning will take place in lectures, workshops, and in the Human Performance Lab. You will be assessed through a combination of weekly online multiple-choice tests, to check your knowledge, a written report in the style of a research paper, and an end-of-year exam.

Educational Aims

The aims of this module are to:

1. Develop an understanding of the physiological risks and benefits of ergogenic aids (both legal and illegal) in sport.
2. Increase the physiological understanding of legal medications in sport and examine the appropriateness of therapeutic exemptions for sport.
3. Summarise a range of methods to determine if athletes are overtraining or are otherwise at risk
4. Develop skills in constructing critical arguments to support or refute a particular standpoint
5. Increase the ability to assimilate polarising evidence to support or refute a particular standpoint.
6. Develop skills in assessing the risks and benefits when preparing athletes for competition.

Outline Syllabus

Lectures will cover topics such as sports injury and rehabilitation, monitoring risk in athletes, the physiology of doping athletes and the science behind therapeutic use exemptions.

Workshops will cover topics relating to the physiology behind sports injury, doping in sport, therapeutic use exemptions, and the ethical considerations around these areas.

Laboratory practical(s) will cover periodisation and stress monitoring including the use of isokinetic dynamometry.

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 40%
• Exam: 50%
• Other: 10%

MED.222: Exercise Medicine

• Terms Taught: Summer Term Only
• US Credits: 4 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: Equivalent to MED.123 Essentials of Sports and Exercise Physiology and MED.125 Exercise Prescription

Course Description

This exciting module applies exercise science and exercise prescription to health and medical conditions. With the growing public health challenge associated with physical inactivity, as well as the convincing evidence that exercise is an effective disease prevention and treatment strategy, this module will appropriately equip students with the knowledge and skills to work towards a career in the health domain. Lancaster Medical School has a focus on improving population health via innovative methods and this allows Sports and Exercise Science to align closely with the wider vision of the Medicine programme.

You will learn about the role exercise plays in the prevention of risk factors associated with heart disease, as well as the use of exercise to improve blood sugar control in diabetes. You will discover how exercise can delay issues with bone health such as the importance of load-bearing activities in people with osteoporosis. You will gain in-depth insights into the pathophysiology, medications and exercise prescription across a wide range of conditions that are high on the UK and Global public health agenda, developing an adapted physical activity programme and engaging with real-life patients to raise awareness of the real-life barriers, facilitators and approaches to exercise medicine.

You will be engaged in lectures, interactive workshops and several focus groups with patients living with the health conditions you will learn about. Your knowledge and skills will be assessed by online weekly tests, a real-life patient case study and an end of year exam.

Educational Aims

The aims of this module are to:

1. Develop students’ interest and scientific understanding of key diseases, which are high on the UK and Global public health agenda.
2. Examine the role, benefit and considerations for using exercise prescription as part of disease management or treatment.
3. Enhance employability and allow students to explore a potential career working with health and clinical populations.
4. Engage students with medical resources, clinical expertise within Lancaster Medical School/UHMBT and patients from within the local community.

Outline Syllabus

This module will focus on a select number of disease groups that could include cardio-metabolic diseases, respiratory disease, musculoskeletal conditions and mental and neurological health. Lectures are likely to cover epidemiology, pathophysiology and pharmaceutical content, whilst the workshops focus on exercise prescription and key contraindications. A number of patient engagement forums should provide students an opportunity to engage with patients and practitioners who potentially use exercise as part of their disease management.

Assessment Proportions

• Case Stuy: 50%
• Exam: 40%
• Other: 10%

MED.321: Maximising Elite Performance

• Terms Taught: Lent Term only
• US Credits: 5 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits: 10 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: MED.211: Biomechanics II (or equivalent) and MED.213: Physiology and Metabolism (or equivalent)  

Course Description

This module has a strong applied, sport performance-related focus. It will cover topics that require the input of multiple sports and exercise science disciplines and afford you the opportunity to obtain an understanding of how a team of professionals work together to achieve maximum performance. You will be assessed via a case study, which will allow you to explore the demands of the sport / position, design an appropriate sport science support plan which you will present to staff and peers. You will enjoy the applied focus of the module as well as the ability to gain an understanding of the more practical challenges facing the sports and exercise scientists working in the field, and will be introduced to innovative ways of communicating with colleagues and athletes.

Educational Aims

The aims of this module are to:1. Extend the students understanding of how the core disciplines can be applied to various sporting environments / situations to maximise performance.2. Evaluate the athletes needs and how to intervene appropriately.3. Design an evidenced-based training plan for an athlete / team, while understanding practical applications and limitations.

Outline Syllabus

This module allows students to specialise in maximising sporting performance and athlete support. It will provide an in-depth understanding of how fitness aspects develop and interact over time, how the sport scientist can assist with that through effective monitoring, data interpretation and intervention as well as individualised training. Indicative areas to be covered are concurrent application of fitness components, periodization, the integration of core Sports Science disciplines into assisting the athletes preparation and training, recovery and conditioning. The students will apply theory into practice through the design of a critically evaluated support plan for a case study (individual athlete or team).

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 60%
• Presentation: 40%

MED.322: Optimising Health Outcomes

• Terms Taught: Lent Term only
• US Credits: 5 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits: 10 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: None

Course Description

This insightful module provides you with the opportunity to continue on a health performance pathway. You will apply aspects of public health and exercise medicine to the design and evaluation of interventions for the general public and patient groups to promote positive changes. It is an applied and real-life module that equips you with the knowledge and skills required in an ever-growing employment field, to optimise health outcomes. Focus is likely to be on population groups where a public health concern exists such as weight management for obesity, and cardiac rehabilitation. Exciting insights will be shared by those engaged in intervention design and implementation so you will also learn from those "doing" it.

Taught sessions will consist of interactive lectures and classroom-based workshops where you will be putting tools and approaches used in real-life setting into action. The activities are authentic and applied to provide valuable insight as well as excite you about the prospect of working in this area. One example is the development of ideas for health interventions based from local community venues, discussing the need for prehabilitation services with a local surgeon, or a visit to a local cardiac care centre.

You will be assessed by evaluating an existing intervention, then working with a real-life scenario to design an intervention that utilises tools and approaches used in the field, as well as justifying this in a viva. An excellent set of learning and assessment methods that are transferable into the workplace.

Educational Aims

The aims of this module are to:

1. Develop familiarity with the approaches adopted to implement health-focused interventions within the real-life public health domain.
2. To examine current and/or existing interventions focused on optimising a range of health outcomes across various population groups.
3. To raise own awareness of the implementation, experiences and evaluation of current interventions.

Outline Syllabus

This module will enhance knowledge and skills in intervention design and evaluation to optimise health outcomes across several population groups. Examples could include weight management for obesity, physical activity for mental health, dementia and/or cancer. The module is likely to provide students with opportunities to engage with real-life tools and frameworks, whilst utilising the evidence base to justify their approach to optimising health outcomes. The module delivery will be varied and appropriate to the weekly activities and may include guest speakers from local or regional organisations to bring the module focus to life.

Assessment Proportions

• Presentation (Assessed) group: 25%
• Proposal: 50%
• Exam: 25%
• Reflective accounts: formative