This module will provide the opportunity to attain a professional qualification in strength and conditioning through lectures, lab sessions and student centred learning. Students will draw on module SS6042 'Strength Sports' which taught the specialist background to strength and conditioning fundamentals and advanced practice. The emphasis of this module will be on applying this knowledge practically to attain certified accreditation in strength and conditioning.

Scientific foundation of strength & conditioning; muscle anatomy, group names and physiology; bone and connective tissue; health and performance nutrition, strategies and behaviours; effects risks and alternatives of common performance-enhancing substances; resistance techniques, biomechanical principles of exercise selection; free weight training, resistance machines, stability and balance methods, plyometrics, agility, flexibility; program design for flexibility, speed, strength, balance, intensity and periodisation; gym safety; testing protocols and administration.

Demonstrate an understanding of the key principles associated with strength & conditioning practice. Recognise the importance of training safety and administration in strength & conditioning practice. Justify the importance of biomechanical and physiological knowledge and application in the development of strength & conditioning programmes 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 Evaluate the importance and relevance of the theoretical concepts associated with strength & conditioning in an applied setting. Integrate all relevant skills and knowledge already acquired in an undergraduate degree programme with all new skills and dispositions acquired in this subject area

Demonstrate an appreciation of the need for confidentiality with regard to performance scores associated with strength & conditioning testing in specific contexts Display an awareness of the value and importance attached to ethical considerations and effective research practice in the measurement of strength & conditioning variables at both maximal and sub-maximal levels

Demonstrate correct technique in performing a variety of fundamental and complex lifts across the various modes of strength & conditioning practice Deliver accurate and appropriate feedback to subjects immediately following performance in a variety of strength & conditioning contexts Design strength & conditioning programmes for a variety of populations based on an initial needs analysis and all associated variables Differentiate between various key performance indicators in strength training, relative to programme design and implementation

Location Delivered at the University of Limerick in the Physical Education & Sports Sciences (PESS) building. Delivery time and mode No change to delivery mode. SS6073 is a Summer semester module delivered over three weeks using a combination of classroom theoretical lectures and laboratory based practical sessions. Classes will be held Monday to Friday, between 0900 and 1800. Classes will be delivered by existing PESS department lecturers. International Accreditation Accreditation by an external body provides added value to the MSc in Sports Performance, attracting students to the course, and further developing their CV after graduation. Graduate Attributes This Continuing & Professional Education (CPE) module will develop strength and conditioning KNOWLEDGE in its students, permitting CREATIVE, ARTICULATE and RESPONSIBLE sports performance professionals to develop this support area for their athletes and players. Strength and conditioning is a key aspect of all levels of sports from beginner to elite. The students graduating from this module will allow better COLLABORATION of this discipline within Irish sport.