Applied Strength And Conditioning

To underpin the theoretical and practical understanding of the principles of coaching and how to apply these to specific strength and conditioning training practices.  This will enable students to design training sessions which are based on scientific principles and be able to coach sessions designed to develop specific fitness capacities. This unit will provide the necessary information for students to take the thematically more advanced 2nd semester Strength & Conditioning unit, where the ability integrate information into a wider context will be challenged.
This unit is supported by strength and conditioning research published in a range of peer reviewed journals by staff in the ISPAR research institute. The units content is also supported by core competencies and published information provided by the UK Strength & Conditioning Association which has been written by ISPAR staff.

Principles Of Strength And Conditioning

To underpin the theoretical and practical understanding of the principles of strength and conditioning in relation to optimising physical capacities relevant to sporting performance. This will enable students to design training sessions which are based on the scientific principles which govern the development of specific fitness capacities best supported by resistance training. This unit will provide the necessary information for students to take the thematically more advanced 2nd semester Strength & Conditioning unit, where the ability integrate information into a wider context will be challenged.

This unit is supported by strength and conditioning research published in a range of peer reviewed journals by staff in the ISPAR research institute. The units content is also supported by core competencies and published information provided by the UK Strength & Conditioning Association which has been written by ISPAR staff.

Laboratory Skills

This unit aims to develop the skills required to utilise a variety of tools used in the physiological assessment of athletes and patients; to develop theoretical understanding and critical examination of the scientific underpinning of the rationale and methods of the physiological tests based on empirical research.  The practical element of this unit aims to enable competencies in preparing, performing and interpreting the results of a variety of physiological tests.

Students will be encouraged to experience testing with external clients alongside staff at the UoB Human Performance Centre.

Sport Science Support

The aim of this unit is to acquire a theoretical and practical understanding of support systems in relation to optimising sports performance in special populations, including the efficacy of traditional and evidence-based protocols and interventions for different populations competing in sport. This unit is supported by research from staff within the ISPAR research institute. This includes strength and conditioning and biomechanics related material in peer reviewed journals, book chapters and via the UK Strength & Conditioning Associations competencies and learning materials. It also includes research conducted by staff with specialisms in disability sport, children and older athletes. 

Research Methods

The purpose of this unit is to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to examine and conduct different types of research typically found in the broad area of sport and exercise science. The unit will facilitate your ability to understand published research in your chosen field and thus will underpin the study of other units on your course. In addition, this unit will provide you with practical experiences that will help you with the design and data analysis aspects of your own research including your MSc dissertation. It is assumed that you have a basic understanding of the research process and quantitative analyses as a result of completing undergraduate research design/methods.
Using current and relevant research, this unit aims to…
1. Develop your advanced knowledge and understanding of the research process including the utility, strengths and limitations of different types of designs and statistical analyses
2. Develop your advanced skills and confidence for selecting and conducting common statistical analyses and interpreting the output.
3. Facilitate your ability to read, understand and critically evaluate published research in your chosen field.
4. Equip you with the knowledge and skills to collect and analyse data for your own research projects

Advanced Strength And Conditioning

To acquire a theoretical and practical understanding of strength and conditioning in relation to optimising sports performance. Applying underpinning knowledge from introductory units to a more applied and problem solving base syllabus

This unit is supported by research from staff teaching on this unit within the ISPAR research institute.  This includes strength and conditioning related material in peer reviewed journals, book chapters and via the UK Strength & Conditioning Associations competencies and learning materials. 

Placement (Long)

The purpose of this unit is to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to in the application and undertaking of a work-based placement at a subject specific organisation. The unit will facilitate your awareness of the application processes and employability skills required during a postgraduate level work placement. In addition, this unit will promote the development of appropriate verbal and written communications skills with external organisations and/or potential employers. It is assumed that you will secure your own post-graduate level work placement and complete the required hours during the undertaking of this unit.

The unit aims to:

Develop your deep and systematic understanding of the job/placement application process, including your ability to critically evaluate job advertisements, presenting yourself in an appropriate manner for a post-graduate level work placement. 
Promote the development of appropriate verbal and written communications skills suitable for discussion with  placement organisations and/or potential employers.
Allow students to develop skills of reflective practice and critical evaluation.
Enhance awareness of the vocational opportunities available to students in their chosen subject discipline and the associated desirable skills.
Allow students to work autonomously within a professional placement environment, within both individual and team scenarios.

This unit will contribute a minimum of 60 hours of practice based learning.

Sport And Physical Activity Masters Dissertation

The dissertation unit is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a substantial research project on a topic of interest appropriate for your Master’s course.

The research project enables you to further analyse the issues covered through the course and to develop the theories, models and skills explored during in the taught units. It is by far the largest single piece of work undertaken during your Master’s programme and is seen as the clearest expression your ability to study at Master’s level. It is primarily an independent project supported by the advice of a faculty member.

The unit aims to provide you with the opportunity to develop and demonstrate both conceptual and practical research skills and gives you experience of the research process first-hand

This unit is closely linked to the work you have done in stage 1 of your course. In the Research Methods unit, you began your dissertation preparation. In  semester 2 you started on your ethical approval and literature review with your allocated supervisor so that you are well prepared to submit your first assessment by the beginning of semester 3.