Exercise Physiology and its Application in Therapy (MSc)

Program Overview

This MSc program in Exercise Physiology and its Application in Therapy equips students with advanced knowledge in exercise physiology, enabling them to plan and deliver exercise programs for healthy individuals and as therapy in clinical settings. Graduates can pursue careers as exercise specialists/therapists, personal trainers, exercise physiologists, or researchers, with the opportunity to obtain professional recognition from REPs Ireland and ACSM.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc program in Exercise Physiology and its Application in Therapy is a unique course designed to equip students with advanced knowledge of exercise physiology and its application in both health and clinical settings.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Equip students with the skills to plan and deliver exercise programs for healthy individuals and as therapy in specific clinical settings.
• Provide students with the opportunity to obtain professional recognition from REPs Ireland and ACSM.
• Prepare students for a career as an exercise specialist or therapist.

Program Description:

The program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Nerve-muscle physiology
• Cardiorespiratory physiology
• Kinesiology
• Integrated physiological responses to exercise
• 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 assessments of fitness. The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, blended learning, and practical workshops.

Outline:

Year 1 (90 Credits)

Required Modules:

• ET1506: Research Project and Dissertation (15 months long, 25 Credits): This module introduces students to scientific research methodologies commonly used in exercise physiology research.
Students will undertake an independent research project under the supervision of a mentor. The module emphasizes project design and execution, including the application of exercise physiology laboratory techniques, participant selection and recruitment, research ethics, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• ET1515: Neurophysiology and Exercise (Semester 1, 5 Credits): This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the function of the brain and spinal cord.
Topics covered include the organization and function of cells in the central nervous system, motor and somatosensory processing, and the physiology underlying vision, hearing, sleep, learning, emotion, language, hunger, and thermoregulation.
• ET1516: Metabolism and Nutrition in Exercise (Semester 1, 5 Credits): This module explores the importance of metabolism and nutrition in complementing effective exercise programs designed to improve and maintain specific aspects of health and fitness.
• ET1500: Introduction to Exercise Physiology (Semester 1, 10 Credits): This module provides a comprehensive understanding of applied/functional anatomy, including relevant surface anatomy and normal/abnormal patterns of joint range of motion.
• ET1501: Integrated Physiological Responses to Exercise (Semester 1, 10 Credits): This module focuses on the normal functions of various physiological systems, the individual and integrated responses that occur during exercise, and adaptation to exercise, training, and detraining.
• ET1505: Laboratory Methods in Exercise Physiology (Trimester 3, 10 Credits): This module introduces students to a variety of laboratory techniques used in exercise physiology, exercise testing, and physiology research laboratories.
Students will gain hands-on experience in using and applying various exercise testing techniques. Students will learn about the physiological principles underlying different types of training and current trends in training techniques and practical fitness assessment.
• ET1504: Exercise in Population Health and Exercise as Therapy (Semester 2, 10 Credits): This module examines the case for and against exercise in relation to disease prevention and treatment of disease and disability.

Optional Modules:

• RPL030, RPL025, RPL020, RPL010, RPL005: Recognised Prior Learning (Semester 1 and Semester 2, 30, 25, 20, 10, and 5 Credits respectively): These modules allow students to receive credit for prior learning and experience.
• ET1507: Personal Training and Gym Instruction (Trimester 3, 5 Credits): This module focuses on preparing and implementing training programs in gym-based settings and non-traditional training environments for a wide range of athletes, including sports-specific and health and wellbeing clientele.
• ET1511: Research Methods for Physiotherapists and Healthcare Professionals (Semester 2, 5 Credits): This module explores various methodologies involved in conducting research in the healthcare setting.
Topics covered include academic writing, research findings presentation, systematic research appraisal, hypothesis development, research design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, ethical principles in healthcare research, and research proposal development.
• ET1512: Community Engaged Learning and Outreach (Trimester 3, 5 Credits): This module provides students with the opportunity to work collaboratively with community organizations and service providers.
The aim is to engage students with the needs of various community-based organizations and to propose and plan interventions to meet those needs.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module but generally include:

• Continuous Assessment: This may include assignments, quizzes, presentations, and participation in class discussions.
• Department-based Assessment: This may include exams, essays, and research papers.
• Research: This involves the completion of an independent research project, culminating in a dissertation.

Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members with expertise in exercise physiology, sports science, and related fields. Teaching methods include:

• Lectures: These provide students with a theoretical foundation in exercise physiology.
• Blended Learning: This combines online learning resources with in-person lectures and workshops.
• Practical Workshops: These provide students with hands-on experience in conducting exercise tests, physiological assessments, and applying their knowledge in real-world settings.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the health and fitness industry, including:

• Exercise Specialist/Therapist: Working in health clubs, sports and recreation facilities, public health authorities, schools, and higher education institutions.
• Personal Trainer: Providing individualized exercise programs to clients.
• Exercise Physiologist: Working in clinical settings to help patients with chronic conditions improve their health and fitness.
• Research: Pursuing a PhD in Sport and Exercise Science or related fields.

Other:

• The program is designed to fulfill the requirements for EHFA and REPs Ireland accreditation.
• Students will be assisted in their application for registration with REPS Ireland and the American College of Sports Medicine.
• The program is eligible under the Sports Scholarship scheme.

| ----------- | ----------- | | Tuition Fees | EU€9,140 full-time; €4,855 part-time p.a. 2024/25
Tuition€9,000 full-time; €4,750 part-time p.a. 2024/25
Student levy€140 full-time; €105 part-time p.a. 2024/25
Non EU€18,000 p.a. (€18,140 p.a. including levy) 2024/25 |