This module will provide the opportunity to attain a professional qualification in strength and conditioning through lectures, lab / practical workshops and student centred learning including problem-based learning. Students will draw on foundation knowledge attained in years 1 & 2 to develop more specialist knowledge and understanding of advanced practices in strength and conditioning. The module will emphasise the practical application of knowledge in areas related to exercise science, nutrition, exercise technique, program design, organisation and administration and testing and evaluation. The module will also examine strength and conditioning practices applied to both specific sporting scenarios and special populations (e.g. youth, elderly, and populations with musculoskeletal, metabolic, cardiovascular, neuromuscular & psychological disorders or conditions). Students will have the opportunity to apply for and attain the NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist Qualification following completion of this module.

• Exercise Science: Anatomy and physiology (muscular, neuromuscular, bone and connective tissue, cardiopulmonary); Biomechanics; Bioenergetics and metabolism, Neuroendocrine physiology; Physiological adaptations; Anatomical, physiological and biomechanical differences of athletes & Psychological techniques applied to advanced practices in strength and conditioning. • Nutrition: Nutritional factors applied to strength and conditioning practices, health and performance; Food choices and training methods to maximize performance; Signs, symptoms and behaviors associated with eating disorders; Effects, risks and alternatives of common performance-enhancing substances. • Exercise Technique: Resistance training; Plyometric exercise; Sprint/speed technique; Agility; metabolic conditioning/energy systems development; Flexibility; Spotting procedures and techniques applied to various populations. • Program Design: Training methods and modes; Exercise selection; Exercise order; Exercise intensities; Training volumes; Work/rest periods, recovery and unloading; Exercise progression; Periodization; Reconditioning applied to various populations. • Organization and Administration: Design, layout, and organization; Duties and responsibilities; Policies and procedures; Safe training environment. • Testing and Evaluation: Selecting and administering tests; Testing protocols and procedures; Evaluate and interpret test results applied to various populations.

On completion of this modules students will be able to; 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the key principles associated with advanced strength & conditioning practices applied to various populations. 2. Recognise the importance of training safety and administration in strength & conditioning practice. 3. Justify the importance of biomechanical and physiological knowledge and application in the development of advanced strength & conditioning programmes across different populations. 4. Critique a battery of field measures which may be used to measure strength & conditioning performance in a variety of contexts, justifying all comments with a clear and appropriate rationale. 5. Evaluate the importance and relevance of the theoretical concepts associated with strength & conditioning in various applied settings. 6. Integrate all relevant skills and knowledge already acquired in the undergraduate degree programme with new skills and dispositions applied to advanced strength & conditioning.

On completion of this modules students will be able to; 1. Demonstrate an appreciation of the need for confidentiality with regard to performance scores associated with strength & conditioning testing in specific contexts. 2. Display an awareness of the value and importance attached to ethical considerations and effective research practice in the measurement of strength & conditioning variables across different populations.

On completion of this modules students will be able to; 1. Demonstrate correct technique in performing a variety of fundamental and complex lifts across the various modes of strength & conditioning practice. 2. Deliver accurate and appropriate feedback to different populations immediately following performance in a variety of strength & conditioning contexts. 3. Design strength & conditioning programmes for a variety of populations based on an initial needs analysis and all associated variables. 4. Differentiate between various key performance indicators in strength training, relative to programme design and implementation.

The module will be taught through a combination of lectures, lab sessions, practical workshops & student centred learning including problem-based learning. Guest lectures/workshops by leaders in the field of strength and conditioning will also form a key element of the module delivery. The module will emphasise the application of this knowledge practically but students will also have the opportunity to apply for and attain the NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist qualification following completion this module.