SP4008 - Introduction to Coaching Science

The taught content will be delivered and provided in a variety of formats, using a combination of lectures, seminars and practical workshops. You will be able to access additional materials on the eLP. The aim of the seminar sessions will be to consolidate learning and extend understanding of the lecture information through tasks, group interaction and discussion. The practical sessions will be used to develop students understanding of sports science in practice. Both seminar and practical sessions will enable students to link theory to coaching practice. There will be the opportunity to work in smaller groups with discipline specific members of staff who will facilitate context driven discussion and learning. You will also be set independent tasks informed by key literature to complete outside of class time to further develop your understanding of the taught content.

Module information, assessment requirements and expectations, and important module announcements will be made through the eLP. Material to support your learning will be uploaded in advance of sessions. Practical sessions will aid with the application of theory, with seminars further cementing the knowledge and understanding of both lecture and practical content. You will be provided with content verbally and guided through tasks during timetabled sessions. A dedicated assessment session will afford you the opportunity to ask assessment related questions in class. The Module Leader is there to support you with any queries that you may have about the module content, and all staff members provide tutorial time outside of class time. Module tutors will provide you with the necessary information on how to arrange a tutorial. You will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on your development during the module, and you will receive feedback on summative work to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial. There is also further academic skills support available from the University Library services.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Students will identify and explain basic biomechanical, physiological, psychological and nutritional structures and function

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Students will apply selected principles of biomechanics, physiology, psychology and nutrition to a range of sporting contexts

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
3. Students will demonstrate the application of the scientific theory to the coaching process at both participation and performance level.

Case study (2500 words - 100%): Students will be required to consider the role that physiological, psychological, nutritional and biomechanical factors play in optimising sports performance and coaching practice. (MLO 1,2 & 3)

Formative Assessment - Formative feedback will be provided on an on-going basis during practical sessions and seminars. Students will have the opportunity during seminars to research, evaluate and discuss the key areas of the module. Directed tasks will require students to engage in the module content to demonstrate their understanding of the application of this information. Support and feedback will be provided by module staff and peers.

You will receive written or audio feedback on your summative assessment to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial.

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The nature of sport coaching is changing and current coaches are required to possess a holistic understanding all elements which impact on performance. Students will study the four main disciplines of physiology, psychology, biomechanics and nutrition in order to appreciate the role that science has on current practices in sport. It is imperative that students are developing evidence-based practices and this module provides students with the knowledge to create a rationale for their coaching methods. Students will develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts within the four main disciplines, whilst the application of these concepts to sport will be outlined to illustrate the interdisciplinary nature of the sports coaching process.