Program Overview

Applied Sports Science with Sport & Exercise Nutrition – BSc (Hons)

Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles and practical applications of nutrition and exercise in sports performance. Students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience during the course by working with populations of all ages, genders, and abilities through modules such as Nutrition Across the Lifecycle and The Female Athlete, as well as during work placement (or studying abroad) in the third year of the course. The key features of this four-year programme have been designed to reflect the dynamic global sporting environment in which sports nutrition, testing, analysis, and businesses operate.

A unique element of the course is the applied nature of study where most modules have significant practical elements that focus on developing the core knowledge and skills necessary to be industry ready upon graduation.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of 2 H5 & 4 O6/H7 grades in six Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish.
• Mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.
• International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process.

Course Modules

Year 1 – Semester 1

• IT and Communications Skills (5 credits)
• Foundations of Nutrition (5 credits)
• Composition & Metabolism of Nutrition (5 credits)
• Fundamentals of Anatomy (5 credits)
• Physical Activity Movement & Development (5 credits)
• Principles of Strength and Conditioning (5 credits)

Year 1 – Semester 2

• Foundations in Biomechanics (5 credits)
• Fundamental Movement Skills (5 credits)
• Fundamentals of Exercise Physiology (5 credits)
• Nutrition For The Lifecycle (5 credits)
• Philosophy & Ethics of Practice (5 credits)
• Strength and Conditioning Methods (5 credits)

Year 2 – Semester 1

• Nutritional Assessment (5 credits)
• Psychology for Sport (5 credits)
• Public Health Nutrition (5 credits)
• Speed & Agility Development (5 credits)
• Sports Nutrition (5 credits)
• Sports Profiling & Needs Analysis (5 credits)

Year 2 – Semester 2

• Behaviour Management (5 credits)
• Endurance Development for Sport (5 credits)
• Injury Management & Return to Play (5 credits)
• Performance Measurement & Testing (5 credits)
• Sports Statistics (5 credits)
• Power & Force Production (5 credits)

Year 3 – Semester 1

• Ergogenic Aids & Nutritional Supplements (5 credits)
• Food Safety & Technology (5 credits)
• Nutrition for Health & Disease (5 credits)
• Professional Practice & Content Creation (5 credits)
• Sports Technology Analytics (5 credits)
• Statistical Research Methods (5 credits)

Year 3 – Semester 2

• Work Placement for Sport & Exercise Nutrition (30 credits)

Year 4 – Semester 1

• Applied Exercise Physiology And Anatomical Assessment (5 credits)
• Applied Performance Nutrition (5 credits)
• Food Sustainability (5 credits)
• Periodisation (5 credits)
• Sports Innovation & Professional Development (5 credits)
• The Female Athlete (5 credits)

Year 4 – Semester 2

• FYP for Sport & Exercise Nutrition (Year-Long) (15 credits)
• Leadership & Management (5 credits)
• Monitoring & Recovery (5 credits)
• Problem Based Learning (5 credits)

Career Opportunities

The course reflects the dynamic global sporting environment in which sports nutrition, testing, analysis, and businesses operate and prepares students for entry into employment in the private and public sector including National Governing Bodies for Sport, Elite Sport Teams, High Performance Centres, Gyms, Local Authority Organisations such as Sport Partnerships, Community groups, and Local Sport Clubs.

Further Study

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere. Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration on the Sport & Exercise Nutrition register (SENr) and the Association for Nutritionists (AfN) and will have a solid basis for further study at postgraduate and professional levels.