This module examines a range of theoretical and conceptual frameworks that underpin physical literacy, participation in pedagogy, exercise and sport. Opportunities to explore unifying principles, themes and contemporary theories in sport and physical activity are aimed at deepening learners understanding and analysis of sport and exercise. Learners will gain a meaningful understanding of the long-term athlete/player development models, both nationally and internationally. The module also provides learners with the knowledge and skills to plan, develop and implement fundamental movement skills training in an optimum learning environment.

1. Describe both the Lifelong Involvement in Sport and Physical Activity (LISPA) and Long-TermAthlete/Player Development (LTAPD) models and their relevance to pedagogy, exercise and sport
2. Demonstrate the ability to find, interpret and assess contemporary literature relating to LTAPD models
3. Utilise frameworks for sport and physical activity participation as motivational tools for promoting life long participation and increasing physical activity adherence.
4. Integrate features of best practice in a range of coaching and teaching frameworks, in the planning and application phases of programme design
5. Practice and apply transferable skills in decision making, problem solving, group role management and organisation
6. Plan, deliver and evaluate lesson plans for multiple stages of the Long-Term Athlete/Player Development pathway

This module introduces the students to Motor Behaviour (Motor Control, Motor Development and Motor Learning). The module then concentrates on the modification of biomechanical technique to improve movement and athletic performance. Learners will develop a sound knowledge of the fundamentals of human movement and performance, screen and appraise the musculoskeletal system to identify strengths and areas of dysfunction and will use descriptive statistics for measurement and analysis of results. Learners will then apply this knowledge in a wide variety of sport and exercise situations.

1. Understand the development of Motor behaviour
2. Explain how the principles of biomechanics apply to human movement and how the musculoskeletal system creates forces and torque producing movement
3. Demonstrate the ability to screen and assess functional movement
4. Translate biomechanical functionality into numerical data for measurement and appraisal
5. Construct, create, compare and extract meaning from tables and graphs to interpret data and to calculate and compare mean, median, mode and standard deviations in data analysis
6. Design an individualised exercise programme for strengthening areas of dysfunction based on data analysis and screening

This module examines the key physiological responses to exercise stress. Learners explore changes which occur to physiological systems at rest and during various acute and chronic types of exercise and training. A range of assessment techniques will be employed to evaluate physiological responses to exercise and training, with an emphasis on aerobic and anaerobic system development.

1. Identify and evaluate the key physiological responses which occur to the relevant systems at rest and during exercise/training
2. Explain the key theoretical principles and physiological mechanisms which influence responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise
3. Explore general and ethical considerations associated with physiological assessments
4. Plan, deliver and interpret a range of laboratory and field-based assessments, gather and analyse data and communicate findings in a clear and concise manner
5. Apply knowledge to integrate assessment results and inform exercise and training programmes
6. Demonstrate the ability to work alone or with others to problem solve and complete various tasks

Learners will be able to apply practical knowledge and skills to assess physiological information relating to health, well-being, and sports performance. Learners will examine current and emerging technologies and techniques used to monitor and analyse external and internal training loads experienced by athletes during physical performances.

1. Evaluate key theoretical principles and physiological mechanisms which influence responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise
2. Describe the concept of athlete evaluation and load monitoring in the context of sports participation and high performance
3. Discuss new and emerging techniques used to assess training load in exercise and sport as outlined in recent literature
4. Apply statistical techniques to understand relationships within quantitative data
5. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to assess and evaluate training load and interpret results
6. Apply knowledge to integrate assessment results and inform exercise and training programmes

This aim of this module is to build and expand on prior knowledge gained from a range of previous modules (Biomechanics of Movement, Sports and Exercise Physiology, Programme Design and Periodisation). Students will have the opportunity to develop and apply a comprehensive knowledge of the planning, periodisation and evaluation of speed and agility training for individual athletes/teams. Students will also develop an in-depth understanding of contemporary speed and agility research and practices.

1. Demonstrate the application of contemporary research in speed and agility development practice
2. Display a practical understanding and awareness regarding the role of a conditioning coach
3. Explain the principles and components that underpin speed and agility training programs
4. Assess running mechanics and change of direction movement patterns and prescribe appropriate corrective strategies
5. Report the results of fitness assessments in the design of effective speed and agility and programming
6. Design, implement and evaluate sport specific speed and agility programmes

The aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge, competence, and skills to work with various special population athletes, specifically, females, children, and individuals with specific intellectual and physical needs.

1. Define the different physiological responses and adaptations in the pursuit of athletic development ofSpecial Populations
2. Identify the need for modified training programmes for Special Populations (adolescent, children, female, intellectual/physical disability)
3. Design and deliver a training programme for a special population (adolescent, children, female, intellectual/physical disability)
4. Demonstrate an ability to coach a special population (adolescent, children, female, intellectual/physical disability)
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of the training program, reflect on personal performance, and report your findings.
6. Review the literature pertaining to training special populations and demonstrate a critical understanding of the evidence.

The aim of this module is to develop the key skills required to work within the demanding sports performance setting with particular focus on their role as coaches working within a multi-disciplinary team. This module also introduces the learner to the range of ethical issues encountered within this environment. The learner will develop a reflective practice tool set and the skills required for professional development. Attention is paid to the planning and organisation phases of their work placement role.

1. Apply the necessary skills required to work within the sports performance environment
2. Evaluate personal performance and undertake appropriate reflective practice required for professional development
3. Apply skills in communicating information, advice and instruction to athletes and coaches
4. Review the role of the coach and reflect upon the ethical implications in a professional environment
5. Design, implement and evaluate an athlete self-evaluation/profiling process

This module provides learners with an opportunity to apply theory to practice and gain valuable practical experience in the sport and exercise sector.

1. Outline the nature and structure of the placement organisation and the skills set that such an organisation requires of its employee
2. Identify SMART personal and professional goals to be realised during placement
3. Develop the personal qualities and professional competencies necessary to integrate and contribute efficiently and effectively within a multidisciplinary team
4. Integrate employability skills during placement, including motivation to learn, critical thinking, teamwork, and career progression
5. Comply with relevant legislation and codes of ethical practice
6. Show a critical understanding of first aid training and administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation to an adult, including using an AED (External Certificate via ATU)
7. Reflect upon and critically evaluate performance during work placement (and in the light of previously stated goals) and consider future development in terms of career progression
8. Evaluate and critique a research article in an area relevant to the work placement sector

Learner's will develop a critical understanding of periodised programming. Learner's will apply the scientific principles and knowledge required to assess an athlete(s) needs and implement a periodised strength and conditioning programme.

1. Critically understand the principles of adaptations to strength training and conditioning
2. Effectively analyse the results of fitness tests in relation to performance-based training programme design
3. Apply the principles of periodisation to different phases of training cycles throughout a season
4. Critically discuss the importance of training load monitoring in relation to the health and performance of the athlete
5. Develop a critical understanding of the various approaches to training and the effects of theseapproaches have on athletic development throughout a season, including strength, speed/endurance, plyometrics and agility
6. Plan, prescribe and supervise a periodised program for a range of athletes and assess performance benefits against specified criteria
7. Examine the effectiveness of the training program on athletic performance and deliver feedback
8. Comply with ethical and professional standards while working as a part of a multidisciplinary team

The aim of this module is to advance upon the theoretical foundations of exercise physiology in relation to training for endurance. Learners will develop practical field/laboratory skills and techniques to assess, analyse and program for the development of endurance athletes.

1. Evaluate the application of contemporary research in the development of aerobic and anaerobic endurance
2. Critically analyse the theoretical background for athlete testing, training, and strategies for enhancing endurance
3. Examine the results of field and laboratory assessments in the design of effective aerobic and anaerobic endurance programming
4. Display a critical understanding of the principles and components that underpin aerobic and anaerobic endurance training programmes
5. Design, implement and evaluate sport specific aerobic and anaerobic endurance training programmes
6. Develop a range of practical understanding and awareness surrounding the role of a conditioning coach
7. Monitor training load and athlete well-being within a periodised endurance training programme
8. Employ evidence-based problem solving in current physiological topics using relevant scientific literature and communicate the findings

The module is designed to provide learners with an understanding and the initial skills to assess and critically analyse certain situations within sport and exercise settings from a psychological perspective. The student will also have the opportunity to explore the key theoretical issues in the field of sport psychology and ways in which sport psychology can be used to enhance performance.

1. Critically analyse key theories that underpin sports psychology
2. Evaluate the role of the coach and the athlete form a sports psychology perspective
3. Identify and utilise an appropriate psychological appraisal process
4. Develop an appropriate psychological intervention
5. Analyse and evaluate data by collecting and interpreting interview, questionnaire and/or observational data
6. Apply appropriate sports psychology approaches across a variety of participant settings
7. Practise and apply transferable skills in communications, decision making, self-reflection and analysis

The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of the unique physiological responses of children and adolescents to exercise and training. Students will have the opportunity to develop and apply a comprehensive knowledge of the planning, periodisation and evaluation of strength and conditioning training for children and adolescents in relation to age, sex and biological maturity. The module will also provide learners with the ability to introduce participants to weightlifting as a sport or as an exercise system in a safe, enjoyable and progressive way. Learners will develop specific coaching capacities and be able to provide specific assistance to athletes to improve performance. This module will be delivered in collaboration with Weightlifting Ireland and upon successful completion (60% grade or higher), learners will gain a Level 1 Weightlifting Coach certification (accredited by Sport Ireland).

1. Critically evaluate the physiological responses to exercise and training in relation to growth, maturation and gender
2. Demonstrate the application of contemporary research in youth strength and conditioning practice
3. Display a critical understanding of the principles and components that underpin youth strength and conditioning programmes
4. Assess and analyse the results of fitness assessments in the design of effective youth strength and conditioning programmes
5. Perform visual assessment, relate biomechanical principles to resistance training movements and identify typical faults and corrections
6. Design, implement and evaluate a sport specific periodised youth strength and conditioning programme and monitor training load throughout
7. Undertake coach instruction and cues for specified weightlifting movements and prepare and deliver a beginner level training programme for a youth athlete
8. Effectively communicate specialist knowledge to individuals such as athletes, coaches and parents/guardians

This module gives the learner an insight into the practical application of current Sport Nutrition guidelines in a Sport and Exercise setting. This module explores the key role and contemporary issues of nutrition in various aspects of Sport and Exercise e.g. fuelling, hydration, recovery, making weight, body composition, challenging environments, energy balance and dietary analysis. The module also introduces the learner to specialist nutritional and practitioner skills.

1. Analyse the current recommendations surrounding sports nutrition application in relation to performance and recovery
2. Assess an athletes current nutritional status, energy requirements and recovery needs for the physical demands of their sport
3. Demonstrate effective nutritional consultation techniques and prescribe effective nutrition strategies based on your findings
4. Analyse food diaries and produce detailed reports using the latest dietary analysis software
5. Evaluate the current evidence regarding the use of ergogenic aids in sport performance
6. Apply the concept of nutrition periodization to an athletes diet based on training load and phase of the season
7. Develop a critical understanding of the concepts and controversies in exercise and nutritional science and evaluate related research
8. Clearly and effectively communicate complex sports nutrition information to athletes and their peers

The aim of this module is to equip the learner with the basic knowledge, skill and competence in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of common training and performance injuries in sport, working under the supervision and direction of a suitably accredited professional. Learners will also gain a Certificate in Sports First Aid upon completion of the module.

1. Categorise and classify common sports injuries and recommend preventative strategies in training and recovery
2. Examine the key principles of health and safety, infection control and risk assessment
3. Discuss the importance of biomechanics in injury causation and prevention
4. Evaluate a variety of common injuries sustained by athletes and explain the different phases of healing and how this determines treatment and rehabilitation
5. Demonstrate a range of functional, proprioception, resistance and flexibility exercises used in prehabilitation and rehabilitation programmes
6. Examine the psychological factors associated with returning to sport following injury
7. Critically review relevant sports rehabilitation & athletic therapy literature, assess and analyse data and present current best practices

The aim of the module is to critically understand the issues related to the design, methodological and implementation issues relating to research in strength and conditioning, sport or performance. In particular, the course will: Familiarise learners with the methodologies and tools of research to enhance their capacity and confidence to undertake research into an appropriate topic that fits within the general philosophy of the programme Facilitate the evaluation and the design of a research plan

1. Apply appropriate qualitative and quantitative methodological techniques for their research
2. Write and present a research proposal and plan that clarifies their research topic, approach, strategy and research questions and ethical considerations
3. Construct a preliminary literature review in a specified sub-field of strength and conditioning, sport or performance and draw material into a collective whole
4. Source and evaluate multiple sources of relevant data and realise the limits and appropriate uses of such data
5. Write material that articulates ideas, insights, analysis, policy and best practice to peer and practitioner audiences

The Research Project provides learners with an opportunity to apply the concepts, methods and techniques which have been studied in the Research Methods module. The research project selected by the learner, in consultation with the research supervisor, will be on a topic that fits within the general philosophy of the programme. The project must show evidence of independent research and demonstrate that they critically understand the issues relating to the design, planning, writing and subsequent implementation of a level eight research project. The research project may take the form of either a systematic review or a data driven project totalling 3,000 words and project presentation.

1. Write, present, and defend a research design, analysis and conclusions/recommendations
2. Conduct a comprehensive and critical literature review in a specified field of relevant research
3. Consider ethical issues pertinent to research in this area
4. Collect and analyse relevant data
5. Evaluate and adopt appropriate methodology for their chosen research
6. Acquire and evaluate multiple sources of relevant data and realise the limits and the appropriate uses of such data
7. Write, present, and defend material that articulates ideas, insights, analysis, policy and best practice to peer and practitioner audiences