This module aims to introduce students to the concept of biomechanics. It will help develop knowledge and understanding of how to apply biomechanical factors and its effect on athletic performance, injury reduction and neuromuscular training. Learners will attain skills required to conduct qualitative and quantitive analysis of human movement.

1. Outline the role of Biomechanics in sport, exercise and injury
2. Identify the main principles of linear and angular kinetics and kinematics when applied to human movement
3. Explain the importance of biomechanics in injury causation and risk reduction of injury
4. Evaluate how abnormal biomechanics may predispose to injury during sport and exercise
5. Demonstrate the ability to conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis of human movement
6. Examine the use of technology and its application in the field of human movement analysis
7. Collect, analyse and interpret biomechanical data of a human movement and present the findings

This module explores the policy, strategy and structural methodology that underpins sport and physical activity in Ireland. The module applies a marketing perspective to sport and physical activity through which the options and actions of the coach and the participant are explored. This is achieved through the application of a range of frameworks that underpin sports and physical activity coaching and leadership.

These opportunities to explore unifying principles, themes and contemporary theories in sport and physical activity are aimed at expanding and deepening the learners understanding and analysis of the sport and physical activity industry.

1. Analyse the policy, strategy and organisational structures of sports and physical activity in Ireland.
2. Appreciate the concepts of a marketing perspective.
3. Distinguish a range of sports and physical activity participant segments.
4. Appraise the application of a range of frameworks to support engagement and participation in sport and physical activity across the life cycle.
5. Discriminate different coaching philosophies, styles and pedagogies to their coaching process.
6. Appraise transferable skills in decision making, problem solving, group role management and organisation

The aim of this module is to provide learners with a fundamental understanding of the key role played by nutrition in health, sport and exercise. Learners will develop an understanding of the components of a healthy, balanced diet and relevant current evidence-based sports nutrition guidelines in relation to a range of athletes.

1. Explain the fundamental principles of sports nutrition and the foundation of a healthy balanced diet.
2. Assess an athletes nutritional needs based on their individual needs and the demands of their sport.
3. Calculate an athletes basic energy needs based on the demands of their sport.
4. Apply current evidence-based sports nutrition guidelines and recommendations to an athletes diet based on phase of the season and current status, e.g. pre-season/competition/rehabilitation.
5. Differentiate at a fundamental level energy balance and energy imbalance and discuss the importance of energy balance in relation to sports performance.
6. Perform nutrition assessments and be able to calculate an athletes nutrition needs e.g. hydration, fu e ling , etc.
7. Compare the body composition needs of different athletes and understand body composition assessment techniques.
8. Summarise the current evidence and guidelines regarding the use of nutritional ergogenic aids.

Learners will develop an understanding of underpinning theories of performance analysis and technology used in sport. Students will develop the understanding of key performance indicators and gain knowledge on how to identify these through a range of sports. This module provides learners with an opportunity to develop computer software techniques and to apply notational and computer-based analysis skills through video feedback to assist the coaching process.

1. Explain the historical development of performance analysis in sport
2. Identify and explain relevant underpinning theories related to performance analysis
3. Identify key performance indicators related to sport and exercise performance
4. Demonstrate the ability to develop and employ appropriate notational systems for a range of sports
5. Analyse sporting performance using a variety of notational, video technological and computer-based methods within a range of sports
6. Demonstrate the ability to gather, process and interpret data and communicate findings in a clear and concise manner

This module examines key physiological reactions and adaptions in response to sport and exercise stress. Learners explore physiological changes at rest and during various acute and chronic types of exercise. A range of assessment techniques will be employed to evaluate physiological responses to exercise and training.

1. Identify fundamental responses of physiological systems at rest and during exercise
2. Explain the key theoretical principles and mechanisms responsible for physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise
3. Summarise relevant professional standards and ethical considerations
4. Administer a range of laboratory and field-based assessment techniques
5. Demonstrate the ability to interpret laboratory and field-based assessments
6. Interpret assessment results to inform exercise and training programmes
7. Develop good communication skills and the ability to work alone or as part of a multidisciplinary team
8. Demonstrate professional behaviour and adhere to principles of good practice

The aim of this module is to introduce the learner to the concept of Strength and Conditioning. Learners will be provided with the knowledge, skills and practical experience required to plan, prescribe and implement strength and conditioning programming to aid the development of the health and skill related components of fitness and performance.

1. Describe the underpinning concepts and principles of strength and conditioning
2. Discuss the performance benefits of strength and conditioning for general and athletic populations
3. Safely administer appropriate assessments to determine individual needs
4. Identify specific considerations for participants from a variety of backgrounds and sports and select exercises that are safe and appropriate for the populations
5. Demonstrate skills necessary to plan, prescribe, supervise and adapt specific strength and conditioning programs for the improvement of performance outcome measures
6. Explain the effectiveness of the exercise training program on performance against specifi c criteria and deliver feedback
7. Discuss the use of various innovative technologies within strength and conditioning practice
8. Demonstrate appropriate professional behaviour s and competencies required by strength and conditioning practicioners

This module provides the learner with the theory and tools to identify and evaluat e their own perspectives, motivations and skills as a sports and physical activity participant and as a coach via a range of theoretical and practical psychological approaches.

1. Contrast the different lenses of behaviourism, cognition and humanistic psychology.
2. Relate different psychological perspectives to theories of personality.
3. Evaluate different motivational approaches in sport and physical activity.
4. Relate to the concepts of arousal and anxiety in sports and physical activity settings.
5. Examine the practical application of psychological skills training on themselves.

This module explores physical activity and sport from a physical education and school-setting perspective. It takes a pedagogical and student-centred approach and explores a broad range of physical activity options to meet the needs, motivations and wellbeing of all participants. It aims to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to deliver lessons to all students, including those with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities.

* A minimum of 75% attendance (or equivalent engagement) is advised for Teaching Council Subject Declaration Approval for PE

1. Compare and contrast physical education practice and sports coaching approaches in learner engagement, health promotion and wellbeing.
2. Examine and discuss international research on physical education and trace the development of physical education in an Irish context
3. Engage with and practice utilising the hierarchical levels of learning incorporated within the domains of learning in the design and planning stages of units of learning and physical education lessons
4. Consider and review curricular models in education, and their application in a physical education setting and health and wellbeing context
5. Cope and improvise with scant resources to deliver quality physical education experiences
6. Discuss the social and physical barriers and benefits that people with disabilities experience in their participation in physical activity
7. Adapt teaching strategies, rules, equipment, rules and the environment to enable people with disabilities to participate in fully inclusive physical education lessons

This module introduces students to the creative aspects and aesthetic experience of movement in the form of gymnastics and dance. It focuses on teaching the fundamentals of body management, body form, precision, technique, rhythm, progressions and sequences with a view to building creative movement compositions. Learners will perform and microteach in inclusive peer group scenarios.

*A minimum of 75% attendance is advised for Teaching Council Approval for PE

1. Link aesthetic movement through the elements of travel, balance, weight transfer and rhythm in gymnastics and dance activities
2. Apply teaching cues for improving dance movement and gymnastic techniques
3. Choreograph and perform movement sequences in groups, pairs and individually in response to themes and other stimuli in gymnastics and dance
4. Observe the movement experience of others in terms of precision and aesthetic form
5. Teach a range of educational gymnastic activities using specific gymnastics apparatus and equipment with a focus on safety, inclusion and technique
6. Teach a range of inclusive dance forms including rhythmic activities and dances from a variety of traditions

This module focuses on the preparation of the learner for work experience and a future career in sport, including physical education, physical activity, wellbeing and performance. It presents a structured series of considerations, conditions and scenarios that are aimed at evoking a sense of the self as a developing professional and promoting a focus for their roles as practitioners, teachers, instructors, coaches or other. Particular attention is paid to the planning and organisation phases of their work placement role.

1. Appraise their developing professional selves as practitioners
2. Analyse the requirements of specific roles in the sports sector
3. Evidence their knowledge, experience and skills in relation to professional working environments
4. Approach their work placement with confidence and competence, including an understanding of disciplinary and safety issues related to the work placement setting
5. Create an action plan to support the fulfilment of their work placement responsibilities
6. Utilise models of self-reflection to structure and develop their reflective practice skills

The aim of this module is to provide learners with the opportunity to immerse into and gain quality work experience in the sport/leisure sector in areas such as physical education, physical activity, wellbeing and performance. The experience will provide learners with a supervised opportunity to apply their theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in a structured work environment. Learners will participate in the preparation, organisation and delivery phases of their practice and engage in a continuous cycle of reflection on their roles as developing educators and sports leaders.

1. Integrate into the working environment and communicate as an effective employee in the workplace
2. Assist in the delivery of specific sport/leisure activities and other relevant work in a supervised environment
3. Design units of learning and lesson plans in physical education and/or component specific, stage related programmes of physical activity, wellbeing and performance and other specific tasks relevant to the work placement culture and purpose
4. Cope with available resources to deliver quality work-related outcomes with maximum participant engagement and demonstrate initiative and leadership skills
5. Apply appropriate and standardised safety procedures and protocols in all aspects of work experience
6. Utilise the knowledge, skills and competencies acquired during the programme of study to date in meeting the challenges presented by work placement tasks
7. Reflect on the work experience on an ongoing basis, identifying areas for improvement and refining practice as a developing professional
8. Establish a gateway into the sport/leisure sector by networking and developing an awareness of supporting agencies and organisations

The aim of this module is to provide learners with the opportunity to gain quality international work experience in the sport/leisure sector in areas such as physical education, physical activity, wellbeing and performance in a partner Erasmus+ organisation in a European country. This international experience will provide learners with a supervised opportunity to apply their theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in a structured work environment, whilst immersing in the culture of their host country. Learners will participate in the preparation, organisation and delivery phases of their practice and engage in a continuous cycle of reflection on their roles as developing educators and sports leaders, whilst gaining intercultural awareness and understanding.

1. Immerse in the culture of the host country, integrate into the working environment and communicate as an effective employee in the international workplace
2. Assist in the delivery of specific sport/leisure activities and other relevant work in a supervised working environment
3. Design units of learning and lesson plans in physical education and/or component specific, stage related programmes of physical activity, wellbeing and performance and other specific tasks relevant to the work placement culture and purpose
4. Cope with available resources to deliver quality work-related outcomes with maximum participant engagement and demonstrate intercultural sensitivity, initiative and leadership skills when working in team situations and while working alone
5. Apply appropriate and standardised safety procedures and protocols in all aspects of work experience
6. Utilise the knowledge, skills and competencies acquired during the programme of study to date in meeting the challenges presented by work placement tasks
7. Reflect on the work experience on an ongoing basis, identifying areas for improvement and refining practice as a developing professional
8. Establish a gateway into the sport/leisure sector of the host country by networking and developing an awareness of supporting agencies and organisations

This module provides the learner with a range of theoretical and practical psychological approaches to sport and physical activity which will enhance their coaching role in individual and in team/group settings.

1. Analyise and appraise the rudimentary psychological componants within a sports and physical activity coaching environment.
2. Combine theoretical perspectives to inform and shape their coaching behaviour.
3. Assemble and introduce appropriate psychological skills training responses within sports and physical activity coaching environments.
4. Examine and demonstrate the practical application of psychological skills training in sports and physical activity settings.
5. Appraise the mental toughness challenges within sports settings and develop rudimentry supports and responses for participants.
6. Integrate psychological skills training within their coaching process.
7. Integrate relaxation and mindfulness techniques into their coaching process.

T his module provide s an insight into the application of current nutritional and physiological practices within sport and exercise setting s . The module explores contemporary issues and key roles of nutrition and physiology practitioners with in various performance environments. L earner s are introduced to innovative approaches and novel technological solutions used within applied practice.

1. Demonstrate a critical awareness of emerging theor ies and current guidelines within applied sport and exercise nutri ti on and physiology .
2. Evaluate the physiological demands of various sports and exercises.
3. Demonstrate the ability to plan and deliver appropriate physiological assessments .
4. Effectively assess athletes nutritional needs based on the physiological demands of their sport.
5. Prescribe appropriate nutrition interventions based on athletes training loads and nutritional goals.
6. Analyse food diaries and produce detailed reports using the latest dietary analysis software.
7. Apply the concept of nutrition periodi s ation to an athletes diet based on training load and phase of the season.
8. Develop the ability to effectively communicate complex sports nutrition and physiology information to athletes and their peers.

This module focuses on skills analysis, skills development and skills acquisition through a range of athletics disciplines and games types . It explores instructional models and teaching frameworks that focus on a child- centred and systematic approach to teaching and learning.

1. Plan and teach structured athletics training lessons, incorporating running, jumping and throwing disciplines
2. Analyse fundamental running, jumping and throwing skills and advise on methods for technique improvement
3. Incorporate skill progression Level 1 – 4 in athletics planning and teaching for run, throw and jumping disciplines
4. Plan and teach a range of structured field and netting games at an introductory level
5. Identify and utilise phases of game sense and skill acquisition in the development of knowledgeable and competent players
6. Introduce participants to a range of game types and associated skills through mini games and a tactics- to-skill acquisition approach
7. Develop transferable skills in group management, observation and evaluation that can be applied in a wider sport and physical activity setting, and in a broader social context.

This module focuses on research methods and statistical analysis techniques used within sport and exercise science and physical education. Knowledge and skills relating to planning, delivering , evaluating, and interpreting research are developed.

1. Appreciate the intricacies of the research process
2. D istinguish between a range of research types and research designs
3. Develop a search strategy and perform a search of existing literature
4. Collate search strategy findings in an appropriate l iterature review
5. Formulate a research propos al that clearly identif ies an existing problem or gap that requires further study
6. De sign a method ology that is reliable and valid to test a research hypothesis
7. Identify and consider relevant research guidelines and ethical considerations
8. Determine appropriate analysis and statistical techniques based on data type

This module provides learners with the opportunity to deliver their proposed research . Learners will manage all aspects of their research project from ethical application stages to recruiting participants, gathering and analysing data, to disseminating findings via a written research thesis and viva presentation.

1. Develop the project management and research skills necessary to complete an undergraduate research project
2. Appreciate the ethical approval process and adhere to current guidelines and regulations
3. Implement approved research methodologies within a planned time frame
4. Use appropriate data collection methods to gather research data
5. Employ relevant data management and storage considerations throughout the research process
6. Identify and apply appropriate data analysis techniques
7. Develop the ability to evaluate and summarise complex research findings in an appropriate manner
8. Act as an individual researcher and contribute to a research team

This module explores experiential learning through aquatics and adventure activities. Whilst presenting the learners with a range of outdoor and aquatics based opportunities, the module probes the personal, social and physical development potential of these forms of physical activity. It also focuses on the risk elements (perceived or real) of participating in these kinds of activities, and the development of appropriate safety measures to deliver safe and enjoyable learning experiences.

*A minimum of 75% attendance is advised for Teaching Council Approval for PE

1. Engage in a range of outdoor adventure and aquatics activities with confidence and competence, commensurate with individual experience
2. Plan, organise, lead and review a variety of simple outdoor adventure activities in peer group teaching scenarios with an emphasis on inclusive orienteering and team challenges
3. Plan, organise, lead and review a variety of aquatics based activities in a swimming pool setting in peer group teaching scenarios
4. Utilise theoretical models and frameworks of adventure, outdoor learning and aquatics to inform the planning, organisation, teaching and reviewing phases of practice
5. Assess risk and integrate features of best practice and safety during all participatory activities
6. Recognise the potential of outdoor adventure and aquatics activities in the personal, social and physical development and growth of learners