Sports Science with Exercise Physiology

Program Overview

---

Sports Science with Exercise Physiology – BSc (Hons)

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 pursue further study or work in practice with individual athletes, sports teams, and general community and clinical groups to enhance participation, performance, and health in sport.

Contact Details

• Dr. Ciarán Ó Catháin
• Dr. Kris Beattie

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 applications 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.

Course Modules

• Year 1 – Semester 1
  • Science for Sport and Health (5 credits)
  • Human Physiology (5 credits)
  • Academic Skills for Sport and Health Sciences (5 credits)
  • Mathematics for Sport and Health (5 credits)
  • Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Science 1 (5 credits)
  • Motor Learning and Skill Development (5 credits)
• Year 1 – Semester 2
  • Human Physiology 2 (5 credits)
  • Fundamentals of Sport & Exercise Science 2 (5 credits)
  • Introduction to Biomechanics (5 credits)
  • Introduction to Coaching (5 credits)
  • Introduction to Sport & Exercise Psychology (5 credits)
  • Functional Anatomy for Sport Science (5 credits)
• Year 2 – Semester 1
  • Applied Coaching Science (5 credits)
  • Sports & Health Marketing and Entrepreneurship (5 credits)
  • Performance Testing for Sport and Exercise Science (5 credits)
  • Sports Nutrition (5 credits)
  • The Female Athlete (5 credits)
  • Performance Analysis (5 credits)
• Year 2 – Semester 2
  • Sports Biochemistry and Exercise Metabolism (5 credits)
  • Research Methods and Statistics 1 (5 credits)
  • Performance Biomechanics (5 credits)
  • Sport and Exercise Psychology (5 credits)
  • The Youth Athlete (5 credits)
  • Applied Exercise Physiology (5 credits)
• Year 3 – Semester 1
  • Exercise Prescription for Clinical Populations (5 credits)
  • Research Methods and Statistics 2 (5 credits)
  • Strength and Conditioning (5 credits)
  • Sport and Exercise Physiology (5 credits)
  • Clinical Biomechanics (5 credits)
  • Applied Sports Nutrition (5 credits)
• Year 3 – Semester 2
  • Professional Work Experience (30 credits)
• Year 4 – Semester 1
  • Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology (5 credits)
  • Applied Biomechanics & Data Visualisation (10 credits)
  • The Applied Sport Scientist (15 credits)
  • Research Project (20 credits)
  • Physiology of the High Performance Athlete (10 credits)
• Year 4 – Semester 2
  • The Applied Sport Scientist (15 credits)
  • Research Project (20 credits)
  • Physiology of the High Performance Athlete (10 credits)

What can you do after this programme?

• Career Opportunities: 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

• "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." - David Hughes

Additional Information

• How to Apply: [Removed]
• CAO FAQs: [Removed]
• Student Finance: [Removed]
• Other CAO information: [Removed]
• Athlone Campus CAO mailing list: [Removed]

Program Outline

---

Degree Overview:

This BSc (Hons) in Sports Science with Exercise Physiology is a four-year, full-time program designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of sports science. The program aims to develop graduates who can work as sports scientists in various settings, including professional sports teams, community organizations, and clinical environments. The program focuses on areas such as performance testing, nutrition, physiology, strength and conditioning, and biomechanics. Students will gain knowledge and skills to enhance participation, performance, and health in sport.

---

Outline:

The program is structured across four years, with each year divided into two semesters.

---

Year 1:

• Semester 1:
• Science for Sport and Health (5 credits)
• Human Physiology (5 credits)
• Academic Skills for Sport and Health Sciences (5 credits)
• Mathematics for Sport and Health (5 credits)
• Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Science 1 (5 credits)
• Motor Learning and Skill Development (5 credits)
• Semester 2:
• Human Physiology 2 (5 credits)
• Fundamentals of Sport & Exercise Science 2 (5 credits)
• Introduction to Biomechanics (5 credits)
• Introduction to Coaching (5 credits)
• Introduction to Sport & Exercise Psychology (5 credits)
• Functional Anatomy for Sport Science (5 credits)

---

Year 2:

• Semester 1:
• Applied Coaching Science (5 credits)
• Sports & Health Marketing and Entrepreneurship (5 credits)
• Performance Testing for Sport and Exercise Science (5 credits)
• Sports Nutrition (5 credits)
• The Female Athlete (5 credits)
• Performance Analysis (5 credits)
• Semester 2:
• Sports Biochemistry and Exercise Metabolism (5 credits)
• Research Methods and Statistics 1 (5 credits)
• Performance Biomechanics (5 credits)
• Sport and Exercise Psychology (5 credits)
• The Youth Athlete (5 credits)
• Applied Exercise Physiology (5 credits)

---

Year 3:

• Semester 1:
• Exercise Prescription for Clinical Populations (5 credits)
• Research Methods and Statistics 2 (5 credits)
• Strength and Conditioning (5 credits)
• Sport and Exercise Physiology (5 credits)
• Clinical Biomechanics (5 credits)
• Applied Sports Nutrition (5 credits)
• Semester 2:
• Professional Work Experience (30 credits)

---

Year 4:

• Semester 1:
• Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology (5 credits)
• Applied Biomechanics & Data Visualisation (10 credits)
• The Applied Sport Scientist (Year-Long) (15 credits)
• Research Project (Year-Long) (20 credits)
• Physiology of the High Performance Athlete (Year-Long) (10 credits)
• Semester 2:
• The Applied Sport Scientist (Year Long) (15 credits)
• Research Project (Year Long) (20 credits)
• Physiology of the High Performance Athlete (Year Long) (10 credits)

---

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Assignments: Students complete written assignments to demonstrate their ability to apply knowledge and critical thinking skills.
• Presentations: Oral presentations allow students to showcase their research and communication skills.
• Practical Assessments: Practical assessments are used to evaluate students' skills in areas such as performance testing, coaching, and biomechanics.
• Research Project: The final year research project provides students with an opportunity to conduct independent research and demonstrate their ability to design, execute, and analyze a research study.

---

Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Lectures provide students with a foundation in the theoretical aspects of sports science.
• Tutorials: Tutorials offer students the opportunity to engage in discussion and problem-solving activities.
• Practical Sessions: Practical sessions provide hands-on experience in areas such as performance testing, coaching, and biomechanics.
• Guest Speakers: Guest speakers from the sports industry provide students with insights into real-world applications of sports science.
• Work Placement: The work placement in the third year provides students with valuable practical experience in the field.

---

Careers:

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) in Sports Science with Exercise Physiology program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the sports industry, including:

• Applied Sports Scientist: Working with sports teams, clubs, or organizations to enhance performance and prevent injuries.
• Sport Promotion: Working in the marketing and promotion of sports events and activities.
• Research and Innovation: Conducting research in areas such as sports performance, injury prevention, and health promotion.

---

Other:

• The program emphasizes practical development and equipping students with the skills needed to enter sports science employment.
• The Athlone campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a Sports Science Lab, High Performance Gym, Biomechanics Lab, and the International Arena.
• The program includes modules on the Female Athlete, The Youth Athlete, and High Performance Athletes, ensuring students are in touch with relevant issues in sports science.
• The program places an emphasis on developing leadership skills and discipline-specific competencies.