(MSc) Exercise Physiology and its Application in Therapy
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
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Masters in Exercise Physiology - Course Video
Masters in Exercise Physiology - Student Testimonials
Mark O' Donovan, World Rowing Champion. MSc in Exercise Physiology
Course Overview
Graduates of this course will also be eligible for accreditation and registration offered by REPs Ireland and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
This unique course will enable students to:
exercise physiology
andevaluation of fitness
.exercise programme
to healthy clients and astherapy
in certain clinical settings.professional recognition
from REPs Ireland/ACSM.exercise specialist/therapist
.In this course, students will develop an advanced knowledge of exercise physiology including a full understanding of physiological processes and changes that occur during different types of exercise. Students will understand how these changes are beneficial to general health and fitness. Students will have a clear understanding of exercise testing and prescription in health and in certain chronic disease settings. Topics featured in the lecture series include nerve-muscle physiology, cardiorespiratory physiology, kinesiology, integrated physiological responses to exercise and methods of evaluation, metabolism and nutrition in exercise, scientific principles of exercise prescription, methods of physiological assessment during exercise in healthy and clinical populations. Students will gain hands on experience in conducting exercise tests and physiological assessment of fitness. Semester 1–2 will be taught through lectures.
Blended learning:
All modules (1–6) will also be available online via podcasts and will be delivered via the medium of blackboard collaborate ultra virtual classrooms. (This will ensure that international students need to travel to University of Galway only for four months Mid May-August. They can then be accommodated in the empty student houses in the Corrib Village at a reduced cost.) Online students will engage with pre-recorded lectures on blackboard weekly. To support engagement, discussion and interraction, these lectures will be followed by a online meeting with the course director via ultracollaborate.All students will engage with continuous assessments. Students will be assessed during each semester by continuous assessments and end of semester exams. In module 7 in semester 2, students will attend a three week long hands-on training workshop to gain practical experience in exercise testing and physiological methods of evaluating performance and exercise prescription and application of their knowledge. Students will also attend a two-day workshop on professionalism and learn about the roles and responsibilities of an exercise specialist.
On successful completion of Semester 1—2 students will be eligible for a
Postgraduate Diploma (as an exit route).
Accreditation opportunities
Students will also be eligible for accreditation and registration offered by REPs Ireland and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
In Semester 3, students will complete a research project on a related topic under the supervision of a member of faculty. At the beginning of Semester 3, students will attend a research methods workshop in which they will learn the basic principles of conducting scientific research, data collection, data management and analysis and presentation of scientific data. Students will be made aware of bioethical issues involved in research. At the end of the workshop, the students will prepare and present a plan for their proposed research project. Ethical approval will be obtained in advance from the College of Medicine Research Ethics Committee for each project offered. The students will have 8 weeks to complete their project. During this time they will interact closely with their supervisor. They will also be in contact with the course director for help and guidance whenever necessary. The students will submit a dissertation or thesis report of their project, which will be presented to staff followed by an interview. Student will receive a
Masters degree
on successful completion of all three semesters and successful defense of their project dissertation.
Conference
At the end of Semester 3 there will be a one-day
conference
organised by the course director where students will have an opportunity to showcase their work.
Students will also be eligible for accreditation and registration offered by REPs Ireland and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
Why Choose This Course...
In this course, students will develop an advanced knowledge of exercise physiology including a full and in-depth understanding of physiological processes and changes that occur during routine exercise and during training. Students will understand how these changes are beneficial to general health and fitness. Students will have a clear understanding of the methods of evaluation that can be used to assess these changes, to evaluate the fitness level and to plan and prescribe an exercise program that will be beneficial to the individual's health.
This unique course will enable students to:
- Develop knowledge of EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY and EVALUATION OF FITNESS
- Learn to prescribe an EXERCISE PROGRAM to healthy clients and as THERAPY in certain CLINICAL settings
- Obtain PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION from REPs Ireland/ACSM
- Pursue a career as an EXERCISE SPECIALIST/THERAPIST
Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System.
Who Teaches this Course
Discipline of Physiology Exercise Laboratory and Teaching Facility
Students will attend lectures and laboratory sessions in the state-of-the-art teaching facility equipped with modern audiovisual and laboratory equipment in the Human Biology Building, School of Medicine, University of Galway.
1. Physiology Teaching Labs, Discipline of Physiology, HBB Building, University of Galway
2. Physiology Exercise Suite, Discipline of Physiology, HBB Building, University of Galway
3. Human Performance and Locomotion Laboratory, Discipline of Engineering, University of Galway
Dr Ananya Gupta Ph.D
Lecturer Above the Bar
Human Biology Building
NUI Galway
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Dr Brendan Higgins B.Sc, Ph.D View Profile
PROF GARRY DUFFY BSc (Hons) View Profile
Dr Nicole Burns BA,MSc,PhD
Lecturer
T: Ext. 4460
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Dr Micheál Newell BA, HDip, MSc., PhD View Profile
Professor Antony Wheatley BSc (Hons), PhD, Habil View Profile
Dr Brian McDonagh BSc., MSc., PhD View Profile
Dr. Louise Horrigan BSC, MSC, PHD
Lecturer Above The Bar
Dept. of Physiology
NUI, Galway
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Dr Karen Doyle B.Sc., Ph.D.
Professor
Dept. of Physiology
Human Biology Building
NUI Galway
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Dr Michelle Roche BSc., MSc., PhD.
Senior Lecturer
Physiology
Rm2010 Human Biology Building
University of Galway
University Road
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Prof David Finn B.Sc. (Hons)., Ph.D. View Profile
Dr Amir Shafat B.Sc, Ph.D View Profile
Program Outline
Course Outline
Course learning outcomes
Course learning outcomes
(CLO) are grouped into three levels, knowledge-based outcomes, intellectual advancement, as well as transferable and professional skill acquisition. At the completion of the one-year full time program, it is expected that students will be able to:
Knowledge-based o
utcomes
- Discuss functional musculoskeletal anatomy and kinesiology its role in movement and exercise
- Describe the individual and integrated physiological responses to different types of exercise.
- Explain the importance of metabolism and nutrition in maintaining an effective exercise program
Intellectual outcomes
- Assess the physiological responses of an individual during exercise and apply this information to the design of a suitable and relevant exercise programme.
- Apply knowledge of the adaptations to chronic exercise to provide a rationale for the provision of exercise programmes to improve and maintain specific aspects of health and fitness.
- Design an exercise program that meets the needs of individuals in consideration of current, best-practice guidelines, risk category and the exercise capacity, tolerance and motivation of the individual.
- Evaluate the role of exercise training/rehabilitation in patients with chronic disease and recommend appropriate strategies to implement exercise as a therapeutic tool.
Transferable knowledge and professional outcomes
- Plan and perform a research project based on evaluation of fitness, exercise testing and prescrition
- Outline occupational roles and responsibillities as an exercise specialist and personal trainer.
- Recognise and describe the professional issues associated with the provision of exercise physiology services.
Curriculum Information
Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Glossary of Terms
Credits
You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
Module
An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
Optional
A module you may choose to study.
Required
A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
Semester
Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.
Year 1 (90 Credits)
Required
ET1500:
Introduction to Exercise Physiology
ET1500: Introduction to Exercise Physiology
Semester 1 | Credits: 10
In this module the student will obtain a clear and comprehensive understanding of applied / functional anatomy, including relevant important surface anatomy and normal / abnormal patterns of range of movement of joints. Student will learn about the structure function relationship of nerves, muscles, joints and connective tissue and its relevance to movement and exercise. The student will also gain an understanding of the basic principles of biomechanics pertinent to movement and exercise, injury and rehabilitation.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Discuss the general anatomy of the human body
- Outline musculo-skeletal anatomy - structure of bones, muscles and ligaments
- Explain the biomechanical principles of movement
- Discuss the function of 3 types of muscle in the human body (skeletal, smooth, cardiac)
- Explain the principles of kinesiology: the joint actions as a result of muscular action.
- Outline functional contributions of different types of muscles to movement and exercise.
- Discuss the short and long term effects of exercise on bone and muscles.
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
Module Director
Research Profile
| EmailLecturers / Tutors
Reading List
-
"Essentials of Exercise Physiology" by William D. McArdle, Frank I. Katch, Victor L. Katch.
ISBN: 978-149630209.
Publisher: Wolters Kluwer Publisher
-
"Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology" by Elaine N. Marieb
ISBN: 9780321919007.
Publisher: Pearson
-
"Vander's Human Physiology" by Eric Widmaier, Hershel Raff, Kevin Strang
ISBN: 9780077255497.
Publisher: Mcgraw Hill Learning Solutions
The above information outlines module ET1500: "Introduction to Exercise Physiology" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required
ET1501:
Integrated Physiological Responses to Exercise
ET1501: Integrated Physiological Responses to Exercise
Semester 1 | Credits: 10
In this module the student will learn about the normal functions of the various physiological systems, the individual and integrated responses that occur during exercise and adaptation to exercise, training and detraining.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the Gross anatomy of the heart
- Outline the cardiac cycle and and flow of blood through the heart, regulation of stroke volume, heart rate and cardiac output, regulation of blood pressure.
- Discuss the effect of physical activity on the cardiovascular system
- Describe the structure and function of the respiratory system
- Explain the relationship between the cardiovascular system and respiratory system and how regular physical activity impacts them
- Discuss short and long term effects of exercise on the cardio-respiratory system
- Outline the main role and responsibilities of the nervous system
- Explain the effect of exercise and training on the nervous system, improving motor fitness
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
Module Director
Research Profile
| EmailLecturers / Tutors
Reading List
-
"Vander's Human Physiology" by n/a
ISBN: 9780077255497.
Publisher: Mcgraw Hill Learning Solutions
-
"Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology" by n/a
ISBN: 9780321919007.
Publisher: Pearson
-
"Essentials of Exercise Physiology" by n/a
ISBN: 978-149630209.
Publisher: Wolters Kluwer
The above information outlines module ET1501: "Integrated Physiological Responses to Exercise" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required
ET1502:
Metabolism and Nutrition in Exercise, Endocrinology and Toxicology
ET1502: Metabolism and Nutrition in Exercise, Endocrinology and Toxicology
Semester 1 | Credits: 10
To understand the importance of metabolism and nutrition in complementing effective exercise programs designed to improve and maintain specific aspects of health and fitness.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the application of the energy systems in correlation to exercise goal
- Outline the dietary role and common dietary sources for each of the six main nutrients (carbohydrate, fat, protein, vitamins, minerals, water). Examples of food items in each of the four basic food groups, vitamins and minerals
- Discuss the components of energy balance and basal metabolic rate
- Apply various methods to estimate calorie requirements
- Explain how to develop a healthy, balanced way of eating and healthy eating patterns
- Discuss the energy needs for different activities/sports/fitness plans. The role of carbohydrate, fat and protein as fuels for aerobic and anaerobic exercise
- Give description of hormonal response to exercise and their catabolic and anabolic role. Role of cortisol and side effects
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
Module Director
Research Profile
| EmailLecturers / Tutors
Reading List
-
"Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition and Human Performance" by William D. McArdle, Frank I. Katch, Victor L. Katch
ISBN: 978-145119155.
Publisher: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
-
"Sports and Exercise Nutrition" by William D. McArdle,Frank I. Katch,Victor L. Katch
ISBN: 9781451175738.
Publisher: LWW
The above information outlines module ET1502: "Metabolism and Nutrition in Exercise, Endocrinology and Toxicology" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required
ET1505:
Laboratory Methods in Exercise Physiology
ET1505: Laboratory Methods in Exercise Physiology
Trimester 3 | Credits: 10
The aim of this module is to introduce the student to a variety of laboratory techniques used in exercise physiology, exercise testing and physiology research laboratories. The module focuses on the generic topics of ethics and safety, and on the reliability and validity of laboratory techniques used for the assessment of the physiological responses to exercise. The student will be able to obtain hands-on experience in use and application of various exercise testing techniques and gain knowledge and understanding of their practical applications. Students will learn about the roles and responsibillities of a personal trainer, ethics and code of conduct. Students will also learn about the Psycho-Social aspects of exercise and fitness. Students will also learn about the current ACSM guidelines for exercise prescription.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary for measuring various physiological responses during rest and during exercise.
- Perform various experimental procedures involved in the assessment of body composition, fitness and exercise performance
- Demonstrate the use, application and safety measures involved in the use of various exercise and exercise testing equipment.
- Identify appropriate exercise testing procedures specific for various populations encountered in the field (Case Based study).
- Obtain experience in aerobic and anaerobic exercise testing protocols.
- Perform fluently all metabolic and power calculations involved in aerobic and anaerobic exercise testing.
- Outline the roles and responsibilities of a exercise professional
- Discuss the Code of Ethics and Conduct as prescribed by REPs Ireland and ACSM.
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
Module Director
Research Profile
| EmailLecturers / Tutors
Reading List
-
"Exercise Physiology Laboratory Manual" by William Beam and Gene Adams,
ISBN: 978-007802265.
Publisher: McGrawhill publisher.
-
"Exercise Testing and Interpretation: a Practical Approach" by Cooper and Storer.
ISBN: 9780521648424.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
-
"Physiological Assessment of Human Fitness" by By Peter Maud, Carl Foster
ISBN: 978-073604633.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
The above information outlines module ET1505: "Laboratory Methods in Exercise Physiology " and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required
ET1503:
Physiologic Evaluation of Exercise and Fitness
ET1503: Physiologic Evaluation of Exercise and Fitness
Semester 2 | Credits: 10
In this module the student will learn about the physiological basis for assessment of fitness and responses to exercise and training. The candidate will be expected to understand the physiological principles underlying different types of training and to be familiar with current trends in training techniques and practically useful fitness assessment.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Apply correct methods for assessing health and fitness
- Demonstrate clear understanding of risk categories and methods of risk assessment.
- Outline the current ACSM or other recognized International guidelines for developing the different components of fitness
- Outline various physiological methods of assessment of fitness and effects of exercise and exercise programming.
- Explain the basic principles of training.
- Demonstrate understanding of safe and effective use of various equipment
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
Module Director
Research Profile
| EmailLecturers / Tutors
Reading List
-
"Physiological Assessment of Human Fitness" by By Peter J. Maud, Carl Foster
ISBN: 978-073604633.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
-
"ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription" by By American College of Sports Medicine
ISBN: 978-160913955.
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Publisher/Wolters Kluwer
-
"Exercise testing and interpretation" by Christopher B. Cooper, Thomas W. Storer
ISBN: 9780521648424.
Publisher: Cambridge, UK ; Cambridge University Press, 2001.
The above information outlines module ET1503: "Physiologic Evaluation of Exercise and Fitness" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required
ET1504:
Exercise in Population Health and Exercise as Therapy
ET1504: Exercise in Population Health and Exercise as Therapy
Semester 2 | Credits: 10
The candidate will be expected to be familiar with the case for and against exercise in relation to disease prevention and treatment of disease and disability. In addition the candidate should understand the mechanisms of benefit, the guidelines and safety considerations for exercise prescription. The candidate will be expected to understand the physical and physiological differences between males and females and client specific differences in relation to exercise performance and injury / illness profiles.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the physiological principles associated with chronic conditions and physical inactivity.
- Evaluate precautions needed and safety issues prior to beginning a programme of exercise
- Apply risk assesment criteria for each disease setting as laid out by the ACSM
- Evaluate the physiological, psychological and sociological factors associated with participation and compliance for exercise intervention.
- Demonstrate application of exercise as therapy in various chronic disease settings
- Apply the principles of exercise prescription to case studies.
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
Module Director
Research Profile
| EmailLecturers / Tutors
Reading List
-
"Exercise testing and interpretation" by Christopher B. Cooper, Thomas W. Storer
ISBN: 9780521648424.
Publisher: Cambridge, UK ; Cambridge University Press, 2001.
-
"ACSM’s Exercise in Medicine: A Clinician’s Guide to Exercise Prescription" by Steven Jonas, Edward M. Phillips
ISBN: 978-158255739.
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Publisher
-
"Clinical Exercise: A Case-based Approach." by By Melainie Cameron, Steve Selig, Dennis Hemphill
ISBN: 978-072953941.
Publisher: Elsevier
-
"Exercise Prescription - A Case Study Approach to the ACSM Guidelines" by David Swain, Brian Leutholtz
ISBN: 978-073606680.
The above information outlines module ET1504: "Exercise in Population Health and Exercise as Therapy" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional
RPL030:
Recognised Prior Learning
RPL030: Recognised Prior Learning
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 30
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
Module Director
Research Profile
| EmailThe above information outlines module RPL030: "Recognised Prior Learning " and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional
RPL025:
Recognised Prior Learning
RPL025: Recognised Prior Learning
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 25
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
Module Director
Research Profile
| EmailThe above information outlines module RPL025: "Recognised Prior Learning " and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional
RPL020:
Recognised Prior Learning
RPL020: Recognised Prior Learning
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 20
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
Module Director
Research Profile
| EmailThe above information outlines module RPL020: "Recognised Prior Learning " and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional
RPL010:
Recognised Prior Learning
RPL010: Recognised Prior Learning
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
Module Director
Research Profile
| EmailThe above information outlines module RPL010: "Recognised Prior Learning " and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional
RPL005:
Recognised Prior Learning
RPL005: Recognised Prior Learning
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
Module Director
Research Profile
| EmailThe above information outlines module RPL005: "Recognised Prior Learning " and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional
ET1510:
Clinical Placement and Case Study
ET1510: Clinical Placement and Case Study
15 months long | Credits: 25
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Assess the physiological responses of an individual during exercise and apply this information to the design of a suitable and relevant exercise programme.
- Apply knowledge of the adaptations to chronic exercise to provide a rationale for the provision of exercise programmes to improve and maintain specific aspects of health and fitness
- Design an exercise program that meets the needs of individuals in consideration of current, best-practice guidelines, risk category and the exercise capacity, tolerance and motivation of the individual. Develop a comprehensive knowledge of international recommendations and guidelines for exercise prescription
- Evaluate the role of exercise interventions in rehabilitation of patients with chronic disease and recommend appropriate strategies to implement exercise as a therapeutic tool. Apply specialist knowledge and understanding of movement and movement dysfunction to clinical practice. Demonstrate the use of an evidence-based approach in practice which integrates research findings into patient assessment and management.
- Apply knowledge and skills acquired in a clinical setting. Obtain clinical skills through work-place experience. Outline occupational roles and responsibilities as a physiotherapist.</spa
