Sports Science with Exercise Physiology – BSc (Hons)

CAO Points: 339
Campus: Athlone
years: 4

Course Code US951
Level 8
Course Type Undergraduate – CAO
Study Mode Full Time
Department Sport & Health Sciences

Course Overview

This degree combines areas such as performance testing, nutrition, physiology, strength and conditioning and biomechanics. Over the course of four years, students will learn the underpinnings and applied disciplines of sports science, positioning graduates as a sports scientist who can pursuefurther study or work in practice with individual athletes, sports teams and general community and clinical groups to enhance participation, performance and health in sport. This exciting programme ensures students are in touch with relevant issues in sports science with modules on the Female Athlete, The Youth Athlete and High Performance Athletes. A unique part of this course is the semester long work placement undertaken in the summer of third year. This will provide students with valuable experience of the working environment in the sports science and exercise physiology field. In Year 4, students undertake their own bespoke research project and also take part in a newly developed capstone project, which will provide applied field experience while also enhancing student employability in relation to developing leadership skills and discipline specific competencies. In addition, lecturers and the programme design places an emphasis on practical development and equipping students with the skills to enter sports science employment once they complete this degree course. Finally, the Athlone campus has one of the leading facility provisions for sports science on the island with modern, state-of-the art equipment and teaching spaces including a Sports Science Lab, High Performance Gym, Biomechanics Lab and the International Arena.

Contact Details

Dr. Ciarán Ó Catháin

Email: Ciaran.OCathain@tus.ie

Dr. Kris Beattie

Email: Kris.Beattie@tus.ie

What are the entry requirements?

Leaving Certificate

Minimum of Grade H5 at higher level in two subjects plus a minimum of grade O6/H7 at ordinary level in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination. Two of these six subjects must be Mathematics and a language (English or Irish).

Elite Sportsperson Entry Scheme:

Up to five places will be reserved each year for outstanding candidates who have reached a very high standard of sporting achievement, through performance or coaching and who are committed to further developing their sporting and academic careers. Applicants must satisfy the minimum entry requirements for Level 8 degrees. In addition, applicants must have reached a specified sports standard to be eligible for this very competitive scheme and selection of successful candidates will be based on a range of criteria, including sporting achievements and evidence of a commitment to a career in sports science.

Mature Applicants

The Department welcomes application from mature students. Such applicants may not be required to have the minimum entry requirements. However, the Institute will look for satisfactory evidence of the applicant’s ability to pursue and benefit from the course. Knowledge and skills gained through experiential learning will be taken into account. Mature applicants may be required to attend for interview at TUS as part of the selection process.

QQI

Places will be reserved for QQI applicants. Any major QQI award with three distinctions and a pass in 5N1833 or 5N0556 or Leaving Certificate Maths at O6/H7.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

All students on the BSc (Hons) in Sports Science with Exercise Physiology programme are required to obtain Garda clearance through the Garda Central Vetting Unit (TGVCU).

Course Modules

Year 1 – Semester 1

Science for Sport and Health

Credits: 5

This module aims to introduce students to the fundamental principles of biology and chemistry required for the sport and health sciences.
Human Physiology

Credits: 5

Human Physiology 1 aims to introduce and provide students with an in-depth understanding of the structure and function of four physiological systems in the human body: the cardiovascular system, the musculoskeletal system, the respiratory system and the nervous system.
Academic Skills for Sport and Health Sciences

Credits: 5

The aim of the module is to equip students with the key academic and research skills needed to succeed at university.
Mathematics for Sport and Health

Credits: 5

Mathematics for Sport and Health Science introduces students to the basic mathematical principles underpinning sport and health science. This module will provide the learner with the necessary tools to deal with the quantitative aspects of the discipline. Examples relevant to Biomechanics and the research stream will be used to engage students, provide context, and highlight the importance of mathematics across the discipline of sport and exercise sciences.
Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Science 1

Credits: 5

This module, through a multidisciplinary approach, introduces students to the basic theory and principles of sport and exercise science and will equip students with the basic skills needed to assess an individual/group/team and subsequently write a training/ exercise plan to improve sporting performance and/or health.
Motor Learning and Skill Development

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the major principles underlying the acquisition of motor skills; how control of skilled movements is gained, maintained and adapted; and how the principles of motor learning and skill development can be applied in the context of coaching, teaching and learning environments.

Year 1 – Semester 2

Human Physiology 2

Credits: 5

Human Physiology 2 aims to introduce and provide students with knowledge of the digestive system, metabolism and energy systems, fuel utilisation, endocrine system, and immune system.
Fundamentals of Sport & Exercise Science 2

Credits: 5

Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Science 2 aims to outline the implications and practical applications of the theoretical content outlined in fundamentals of sport and exercise science 1, and will examine how the basic principles of sport and exercise science are employed in a practical setting, and how these can be manipulated to improve performance related variables, reduce injury, or improve general health.
Introduction to Biomechanics

Credits: 5

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the concepts of biomechanics and their application to (i) sports performance, (ii) injury prevention and (iii) neuromuscular training.
Introduction to Coaching

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to introduce the students to the basic principles of sports coaching by investigating the roles of the coach, characteristics of leadership, the coaching process, skill development, and the components of effective coaching.
Introduction to Sport & Exercise Psychology

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the fundamental theoretical and applied concepts of sport and exercise psychology.
Functional Anatomy for Sport Science

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to develop the student’s knowledge of the anatomy and functioning of the musculoskeletal system with specific focus on the role, structure, and location of muscle, tendons, ligaments, and bones responsible for both every day and sports related movements.

Year 2 – Semester 1

Applied Coaching Science

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to further develop students applied coaching knowledge and ability to deliver coaching sessions to athletes (i.e. the components of effective coaching, including planning and periodisation, reflective practice, the coach-athlete relationship, communication, the coaching process).
Sports & Health Marketing and Entrepreneurship

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to provide students with an introduction to business, business modelling with particular emphasis on marketing and entrepreneurial skills.
Performance Testing for Sport and Exercise Science

Credit: 5

The aim of this module is to investigate the scientific theory and physiological concepts underpinning performance testing within sport and exercise and introduce students to assessment methods of anthropometry, muscular strength, power and endurance in field and laboratory based settings.
Sports Nutrition

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to develop the student’s comprehension of the principles of nutrition as they relate to sporting performance, training, and recovery.The aim of this module is to develop the student’s comprehension of the principles of nutrition as they relate to sporting performance, training, and recovery.
The Female Athlete

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the key differences between males and females in the context of sport and exercise science and to identify unique, female specific considerations when working with, and supporting female athletes.
Performance Analysis

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the history and development of performance analysis in sport and to provide students with the basic technical skills and practical competencies to assess sporting performance.

Year 2 – Semester 2

Sports Biochemistry and Exercise Metabolism

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to give the students knowledge of the functions and metabolism of macromolecules, and how metabolic energy is utilised during exercise.
Research Methods and Statistics 1

Credits: 5

The purpose of this module is to provide students with a formal introduction to scientific research methods; the critical analysis of research; and the use of statistics in sports, exercise, and health science from factors related to designing a study through to the formal analysis of the data and the presentation of results.
Performance Biomechanics

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to provide the student with an understanding of the key factors that govern the biomechanics of sports performance, how to apply these principles to assess athletes qualitatively and quantitatively, and use this information to inform biomechanical interventions to improve sporting performance.
Sport and Exercise Psychology

Credits: 5

This module aims to examine the application of psychology to understanding health, performance, and the complexity of the relationship between physical and psychological well-being.
The Youth Athlete

Credits: 5

This module aims to provide students with the underpinning knowledge and practical application of youth athletic development, from the development of the child through to later adolescence, the principles and models of long-term athletic development will be explored.
Applied Exercise Physiology

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the scientific principles that underpin the design of training programmes, and the physiological adaptations that occur in response to aerobic training, anaerobic training and resistance training, in the context of both sport and health.

Year 3 – Semester 1

Exercise Prescription for Clinical Populations

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to prescribe and deliver safe and effective exercise for clinical populations
Research Methods and Statistics 2

Credits: 5

The purpose of this module is to address a range of research methodologies relevant to the analysis, critique and understanding of the research process and to subsequently apply these methodologies to sport and health science related issues.
Strength and Conditioning

Credits : 5

Strength and Conditioning aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of how resistance and conditioning training can be implemented and structured to target various sports specific adaptations such as strength, power, speed, repeated sprint ability, and aerobic and anaerobic endurance.
Sport and Exercise Physiology

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to investigate the physiology of sprint, endurance, and intermittent sports and exercise (i.e. metabolic regulation, metabolic adaptations to training & metabolic factors of fatigue).
Clinical Biomechanics

Credits: 5

This module will explore the biomechanical causes of injury, how the body responds to load, and how training, equipment, and movement technique can modify therisk of injury development.
Applied Sports Nutrition

Credits: 5

This module examines the principles of nutrition for improving sports and exercise performance, and preventing injury and how nutritional periodisation for athletic populations may change depending on environmental factors, and for specific populations.

Year 3 – Semester 2

Professional Work Experience

Credits: 30

The aim of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to participate in a full-time work-place environment in the fields of Physical Activity and Health/Sport Science/Nutrition and Health Science and to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical, real-word setting while experiencing the culture, nature and structure of employment.

Year 4 – Semester 1

Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology

Credits: 5

The module aims to provide students with an opportunity to engage in sport psychology practice by conducting an evidence-based, ethical, applied sport psychology case study.
Applied Biomechanics & Data Visualisation

Credits: 10

The purpose of this module is to teach students how to apply the principles of quantitative biomechanics in relation to both improving performance and injury prevention using strength diagnostics, gait analysis, and data visualisation techniques.
The Applied Sport Scientist (Year-Long)

Credits: 15

This capstone module aims to provide students with an opportunity to learn in a multidisciplinary environment, where they can integrate learning and experience to solve problems in the field of sport science, and develop appropriate refection skills to become a better practitioner.
Research Project (Year-Long)

Credits: 20

The purpose of this module is to engage students in formal scientific research as a means to develop skills in project management, data acquisition, evaluation and communication of scientific information.
Physiology of the High Performance Athlete (Year-Long)

Credits: 10

The aim of this module is to provide students with a thorough understanding of the physiology of the elite athlete and to critically appraise key training and recovery concepts and strategies commonly implemented in a high performance environment.

Year 4 – Semester 2

The Applied Sport Scientist (Year Long)

Credits: 15

This capstone module aims to provide students with an opportunity to learn in a multidisciplinary environment, where they can integrate learning and experience to solve problems in the field of sport science, and develop appropriate refection skills to become a better practitioner.
Research Project (Year Long)

Credits: 20

The purpose of this module is to engage students in formal scientific research as a means to develop skills in project management, data acquisition, evaluation and communication of scientific information.
Physiology of the High Performance Athlete (Year Long)

Credits: 10

The aim of this module is to provide students with a thorough understanding of the physiology of the elite athlete and to critically appraise key training and recovery concepts and strategies commonly implemented in a high performance environment.

What can you do after this programme?

Career Opportunities

More than 38,000 people are employed in the sports industry in Ireland, with 270,000 volunteers active across all sporting codes. Graduates will be eligible to pursue employment in areas such as working as an applied sports scientist within sports teams/clubs/organisations, in coach development, sport promotion, in research and innovation, and as an exercise is medicine practitioner.

Further Study

Many students progress to further study in areas such as physiotherapy, nutrition, psychology, coaching, strength and conditioning, physiology, performance analysis through taught/research programmes. Students also successfully progress to doctoral level research undertaking PhDs in TUS and other Universities across Ireland and internationally.

Student Testimonials

David Hughes

I chose to study Sport Science with Exercise Physiology as I have always had a passion for sport and exercise, while also being driven to constantly improve my own performance. TUS Athlone also has a wide range of elite-level sporting facilities that are openly available to students and used on a weekly basis on the sport and health course programs.