This module will take students through a detailed examination of the nutrients required by humans throughout the life cycle, and nutrient sources in food in Ireland and worldwide. Students will be expected to critically assess dietary requirements and nutrient intake and to utilise food composition databases. The module will take a comprehensive look at the nutritional needs and problems throughout the life cycle.

In full-time delivery, this module is completed via 1.5hrs/wk lectures in the first semester of first year. In part-time delivery, this module is delivered via 1.5hrs/wk lectures in the first semester of second year.

1. Critically discuss and evaluate the scientific principles, procedures and methods underlying the nutritional requirements of humans throughout their life cycle.

2. Provide a detailed scientific explanation of a variety of different nutritional problems seen during human life ages and stages.
3. Synthesise the range of information to discuss the biochemical function of nutrients and their distribution in food systems.
4. Demonstrate the appropriate practical use of energy expenditure calculations, nutrient content calculations of diet via food table databases, both manually and using computer software packages and various anthropometric procedures.

An introductory module to sport and exercise physiology is designed to bring graduates from other disciplines rapidly to Masters level with respect to the fundamental concepts in the physiological responses to sport and exercise.

In full-time delivery, this module is delivered via 1.5hrs/wk lectures and supporting practicals in the first semester of first year. In part-time delivery, this module is delivered via 1.5hrs/wk lectures and supporting practicals in the first semester of first year.

1. Demonstrate and apply the principles of energy expenditure measurement techniques.
2. Differentiate between acute responses and chronic adaptations to sport and exercise training.
3. Critically analyse different techniques and methods to calculate energy expenditure.
4. Competently and confidently collect reliable data during a range of exercise tests with human volunteers.
5. Synthesise and present experimental data in a logical and cohesive manner.

Using case studies, applied examples, up-to-date scientific literature, and labs, this module teaches students the applied skills required to work in the field of sport and exercise nutrition. This module assesses competencies required to progress and work with a team/club in the practice module Sport and Exercise Nutrition in Practice 2.

In full-time delivery, the lectures on this module run 3hrs/wk. In part-time delivery, the lectures on this module also run 3hrs/wk in first semester of first year.

1. Critically evaluate relevant scientific evidence, communicate and apply findings to practice.
2. Comprehensively analyse diets using computer software and food composition tables.

3. Integrate the underlying nutritional principles with sports performance in a variety of sports, age-groups, and settings.

4. Identify the major sources of scientific literature in a systematic way in order to collect information on a selected topic.

5. Apply practical and theoretical knowledge ofthe main biochemical, nutritional and physiological measurements to assess the nutritional status of athletes.

6. Exhibit problem-based learning skills and behaviour change skills in the ability to apply scientific knowledge to nutrition-related scenarios.

This module increases student knowledge of advanced sports nutrition and supplement strategies to optimise performance for individual athletes and team sports.

In full time delivery, this module is delivered via 3hrs/wk lectures and supporting labs in the first semester of first year. In part-time deliver, this module is delivered via 3hrs/wk lectures and supporting labs in the first semester of second year.

1. Formulate an evidence-based opinion based on a critical review of the existing evidence for individual sports foods, nutritional supplements, and ergogenic aids, to enhance sports and exercise performance.

2. Critically interpret the physiology, safety, and efficacy of sports foods, nutritional supplements and ergogenic aids, and competently communicate scientific knowledge and understanding in oral, visual and written formats.

3. Critically evaluate research papers, their merits, disadvantages as well as foreseeing where the research area needs to progress to in the future.
4. Evaluate the scientific literature to develop and implement safe, effective and practical supplement and nutritional strategies for athletes and exercising individuals.

5. Reflect on learnings, practical skills and knowledge gained from trialling sports and exercise supplement strategies, and their implications for future personal and professional use.

6. Apply evidence-based supplement programmes to improve sports and exercise performance.

Research methodology is an integral part of any Masters course. The aim of this module is to ensure that students will be fully competent to devise, run and present research in a professional manner.

In full-time delivery, this module runs via 3hrs of lectures/wk in the second semester of first year. In part-time delivery, this module runs via 3hrs of lectures/wk in the second semester of first year.

1. Systematically review and evaluate current literature, using appropriate tools and techniques.
2. Identify, analyse and evaluate appropriate research methods for research project proposal development.
3. Demonstrate the synthesis and integration of knowledge.
4. Communicate research in various formats including written and oral presentation methods.

This module involves Sport and Exercise Nutrition practice with a local team or sports club. Students will implement the skills and knowledge learned in Sport & Exercise Nutrition Research in Practice 1, and Advanced Sport & Exercise Nutrition. There is a strong emphasis on reflective practice throughout this practice module.

In full-time delivery, this module runs in second semester of first year. In part-time delivery, this module runs in second semester of second year.

1. Apply the theoretical and practicalconcepts of Sports Nutrition in Practice in a professional setting.

2. Critically evaluate relevant scientific evidence, communicate and apply findings to practice. Adopt a questioning and critical approach in all aspects of placement and evaluate placement on an ongoing basis.
3. Adopt effective project management, teamwork, negotiation, problem-solving, behaviour change and communication skills and work effectively within the placement organisation and in the multi-disciplinary sports team.

4. Organise, establish and document data, process and communication to an acceptable professional standard.
5. Critically evaluate and reflect on learning, skills, and knowledge gained in the sports club/placement setting and their implications for future personal and professional development.
6. Articulate the role of nutrition in sports performance at an individual and group level.

This module is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to work in a Sport and Exercise Nutrition laboratory, industry or research setting. Students will gain practical experience as well as investigating sources of measurement error and understanding the importance of ethics and data protection in a laboratory context.

In full-time delivery, this module is delivered via 2hrs of lectures/wk and 24hrs of practicals/semester in the second semester of first year. In part-time delivery, this module is delivered via 2hrs of lectures/wk and 24hrs of practicals/semester in the second semester of the first year.

1. Demonstrate the ability to adopt safe, professional and ethical principles in the testing and assessment of human subjects.
2. Critically analyse the benefits and limitations of a variety of procedures and measurement techniques.
3. Identify and apply appropriate assessment protocols in the context of sport and exercise nutrition and identify correct measurement errors.
4. Utilise different practical techniques to measure a range of anthropometric, physiological and metabolic variables during rest and exercise in human volunteers.

5. Synthesise the range of concepts and methods available to interpret and evaluate normal and abnormal exercise responses and the effects of a variety of dietary interventions.