Strength, Conditioning and Performance

This module will develop students' understanding of the research process, and prepare them to undertake and complete a successful research project. The module will cover all aspects of the research process and provide students with the opportunity to carry out a pilot study and receive staff and peer feedback before commencing their research project. Key stages of the module include applying for ethics approval, developing appropriate studies for hypotheses testing, research design, population sampling, data analysis (and associated software) and reporting findings.

This module provides you with knowledge and experience of working within a multidisciplinary team in order to provide the best support for the athlete. You will learn a range of concepts including injury screening and rehabilitation; monitoring load and fatigue; performance testing; the athletic diet. By developing an appreciation of these areas, you will be able to identify your roles and responsibilities in a wide range of settings. You will effectively take your 'case studies' through the process of training from screening and referral to monitoring of load and fatigue and performance testing.

Coaching and enhancing sports performance builds on the underpinning concepts of human performance and applies them to key areas relating to practical application. Students will look at a number of areas including effective coaching in S&C, training strength, power and endurance and working with team sports alongside nutrition for trainin g adaptation(s), enhanced performance and recovery. This module equips students for many aspects of their stepping into industry and applying the theory in a sports performance environment. Students will develop their practical coaching skills whilst learning methods to enhance sports performance. This module will allow students to gain competence across a range of equipment used in both laboratory and field-based settings.

The Experiential Learning module provides students with a vocational opportunity to develop their personal, transferable skills and work specific skills, therefore enhancing future employability. By gaining real world experience in the field of applied strength and conditioning, students will be challenged to link theory with practice. Students will be supported to find suitable vocational practice placements with which to hone their skills as well as building industry networks to support their future career aspirations. The module will also provide students with the opportunity to reflect on evidence-based practice and identify their own learning needs.

This module provides students with the underpinning mechanisms related to human movement and performance with a strong link to practical concepts. Students will look at neuromuscular structure and function, bioenergetics and metabolism, cardio-pulmonary function, endurance performance as well as strength and power. Much of this will take place in our brand new Human Performance Laboratory. Using a range of teaching methods, including podcasts, laboratory-based sessions, lectures and seminars, this module is designed link components of exercise science to the field of human performance.

The dissertation provides students with the opportunity to consolidate their learning and undertake a supervised research project, with the option to seek appropriate publication e.g., academic journal, conference etc. Students are able to specialise in an area of interest to them, which could be based out of the Human Performance Centre, Lab or in the field, potentially following on from their work on the Experiential Learning placement.

An effective Strength and Conditioning coach needs to go beyond understanding the science of performance. This module helps practitioners to develop a range of the softer skills required to work in the field of strength and conditioning, for example interpersonal skills, effective communication, empathy, conflict management and resolution. Furthermore, the module introduces the concept of reflective practice, an essential skill for the applied practitioner.