This module aims to provide opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of the principles and theories of strength and conditioning practice, and their application to a variety of sports and performance-based settings. The module content will be drawn from a broad base of research theory and applied methodologies that currently form the basis of contemporary strength and conditioning practice. Additional content will focus on developing proficiency in the fundamental performance aspects of strength training such as Olympic Weightlifting and aspects of complex training. This module will also provide video and notational analysis workshops, as well as coaching feedback methodologies, which will be delivered through lectures, lab sessions and student centred learning. Aspects of nutrition for elite performance in this field will also permeate throughout the module content. Ethical issues as they relate to the field of strength and conditioning training will also be addressed.

Principles and theories of strength/conditioning practice; application of this to a variety of sports and performance-based settings; muscle anatomy, group names and physiology; bone and connective tissue; research theory and applied methodologies in strength and conditioning practice; developing proficiency in the fundamental performance aspects of strength training; fundamental strength/conditioning training; stability and balance methods; complex strength conditioning training; Olympic Weightlifting; programme design and implementation; safety issues in strength/conditioning; testing protocols and administration; provision of video and notational analysis workshops; critical analysis of performance technique through video analysis; coaching feedback methodologies; nutrition for elite performance; current concepts in performance nutrition; nutritional requirements for strength sports.

Demonstrate an understanding of the key principles and theories of strength and conditioning practice Integrate their current knowledge and understanding of strength and conditioning practice with contemporary research theory and applied methodologies Recognise the importance of safety protocols and ethical considerations in the strength and conditioning environment 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 Demonstrate an understanding of the process of video notational analysis and its contribution to the field of strength and conditioning Identify the various video feedback methods and distinguish the most appropriate method in a variety of contexts Analyse various technical skills integral to strength training and provide appropriate feedback to subjects Provide a detailed analysis of the variety of food types and categories that play a significant role in strength training and general conditioning

Value the various contributions that strength and conditioning training methodologies offer to a variety of sports and physical challenges Demonstrate an appreciation of the need for confidentiality with regard to performance scores associated with the fields of strength/conditioning , video analysis and nutritional analysis 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 the 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 Operate all video notational analysis systems in a variety of strength and conditioning contexts Demonstrate the skills of utilising video notational analysis to provide feedback individuals participating in strength sports and/or in a strength training environment Differentiate between various key performance indicators in strength training, relative to programme design and implementation Devise a nutritional plan for elite performers in the various strength sports