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Applied Sports Science with Sport & Exercise Nutrition – BSc

  • CAO Points: 218

  • Location: Thurles

  • years: 3


Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles and practical applications of nutrition and exercise in sports performance. Students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience during the course by working with populations of all ages, genders, and abilities through modules such as Nutrition Across the Lifecycle and The Female Athlete, as well as during work placement (or studying abroad) in the third year of the course. The key features of this four-year programme have been designed to reflect the dynamic global sporting environment in which sports nutrition, testing, analysis, and businesses operate.

A unique element of the course is the applied nature of study where most modules have significant practical elements that focus on developing the core knowledge and skills necessary to be industry ready upon graduation.

Contact Details

Theresa Norton

Email: Theresa.Norton@tus.ie

What are the entry requirements?

Leaving Certificate

A minimum of 5 O6/H7 grades in six Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish.

Mature Applicants

Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

Course Modules

  • IT and Communications Skills

    Credits: 5

    This module will develop learners personal and interpersonal communication skills for the sports and fitness industries and will also introduce important concepts for the development of independent and reflective learning skills.

  • Foundations of Nutrition

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces the fundamental aspects of human nutrition, including the sources, structure, functions and metabolism of macro and micronutrients, together with basic concepts of energy balance and the role of hydration.

  • Composition & Metabolism of Nutrition

    Credits: 5

    This module will further develop the fundamental aspects of human nutrition. Learners will be introduced to the metabolism of dietary macro and micro-nutrients, with a focus on energy metabolism and the structure and properties of the organic and inorganic compounds that food comprises and their recommended intakes.

  • Fundamentals of Anatomy

    Credits: 5

    Learners will gain a foundational knowledge of the human anatomical structures and systems.

  • Physical Activity Movement & Development

    Credits: 5

    Learners will understand the development of movement patterns through the life cycle and how these principles inform athletic development and planning.

  • Principles of Strength and Conditioning

    Credits: 5

    Learners will be provided with an insightful introduction to the principles surrounding resistance training as related to the planning, development and implementation of strength and conditioning programmes for the athlete population.

  • Foundations in Biomechanics

    Credits: 5

    Learners will gain a foundational knowledge of the human biomechanics and responses as they relate to exercise and activity and will also understand basic principles of human biomechanics as they apply to kinetic and kinematic movement.

  • Fundamental Movement Skills

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is for the learner to understand the principles and practices of fundamental movement skills and how these skills relate to athletic development.

  • Fundamentals of Exercise Physiology

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to provide learners with a basic understanding of human physiology and physiological responses to exercise.

  • Nutrition For The Lifecycle

    Credits: 5

    Learners will be introduced to the key physiological and biological changes occurring from conception to old age, with an emphasis on the importance of nutrition during these different life stages.

  • Philosophy & Ethics of Practice

    Credits: 5

    This module identifies the knowledge and skills related to the development and practice of an ethical framework and philosophy of practice.

  • Strength and Conditioning Methods

    Credits: 5

    This module will enhance knowledge and competency of science and application of strength and conditioning for the athlete population.

  • Nutritional Assessment

    Credits: 5

    Learners will develop an understanding of the concepts and techniques of nutritional assessment to determine the nutritional status of individuals, explore topics such as dietary intake assessment methodology, body composition techniques and biochemical analysis assessment.

  • Psychology for Sport

    Credits: 5

    This module examines the science and application of psychological skills to enhance sporting performance.

  • Public Health Nutrition

    Credits: 5

    Learners will gain an understanding of the core concepts of nutritional epidemiology and the impact of nutrition and health policy at global, national and local level and the theory and implementation of nutrition health education and promotion to improve public health.

  • Speed & Agility Development

    Credits: 5

    Learners will gain an understanding of the key physical elements required for speed & agility for sport, and the science and practise behind the methods of improving multidirectional speed and agility and its benefits towards sporting performance.

  • Sports Nutrition

    Credits: 5

    This module will introduce the relationship between nutrition and exercise and sports performance, as well as the effect of nutritional strategies on strength, power, speed and endurance.

  • Sports Profiling & Needs Analysis

    Credits: 5

    Performance profiling is a technique that enables athletes to identify the characteristics required for success in their sport. Athletes can use this knowledge to develop training regimens for the areas where they need to improve. Athletes can also use the performance profile in collaboration with their coaching staff to assist them perform better.

  • Behaviour Management

    Credits: 5

    Learners will be introduced to exercise and health psychology theories and models that facilitate understanding of nutrition and behaviour change. The module examines the interrelationships between nutrition and behaviour and their implications for health and psychological well-being.

  • Endurance Development for Sport

    Credits: 5

    Learners will gain an understanding of the key physical elements required for aerobic development and energy system conditioning and will also be able to plan and deliver aerobic and endurance training and development programmes for both teams and individuals.

  • Injury Management & Return to Play

    Credits: 5

    Learners will be provided with the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills to identify injuries, injury risks, implementation of prevention strategies and to perform return to play programmes.

  • Performance Measurement & Testing

    Credits: 5

    Learners will gain a thorough understanding and competencies in sports performance testing of athletes and how such methods are used to measure performance within Strength and Conditioning.

  • Sports Statistics

    Credits: 5

    The learner will gain an understanding of statistical concepts and computational skills, their practical application in relevant sporting situations, and develops a systematic approach to dealing with statistical data

  • Power & Force Production

    Credits: 5

    Learners will gain an understanding of the force velocity science behind power development and its benefits to sporting performance, as well as how strength and power training in the weight room will enhance sporting performance and the methods of increasing power.

    Learners will also gain coaching skills in Olympic lifts and how the Olympic lifts aid the development of power and force production. As part of this module, learners will be prepared for the UKSCA coaching accreditation.

  • Ergogenic Aids & Nutritional Supplements

    Credits: 5

    Learners will develop a critical awareness of the ergogenic aids and nutritional supplements used in exercise and sports performance.

  • Food Safety & Technology

    Credits: 5

    Learners will gain an understanding of the general principles and methods associated with determining the efficacy ,health attributes, health claims, safety, and legal aspects of foods, feeds, drinks.

  • Nutrition for Health & Disease

    Credits: 5

    Learners will understand the role of nutrition in all aspects of health and the relationship between diet and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, obesity, cancer and diabetes.

  • Professional Practice & Content Creation

    Credits: 5

    Learners will develop an understanding of the professional environment for nutritionists, and further their communication, interpersonal, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The module also places focus on content creation and using social media for promoting their business and brand by create engaging content that resonates with their audience, showcases their expertise and builds their brand. The module also covers the basics of social media marketing, including how to create a social media strategy, how to use different platforms, and how to measure success.

  • Sports Technology Analytics

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to develop the learners’ technical skills in the use of sports technology to analyse individual and team-based technical, training and gameplay movements using a varied range of technology.

  • Statistical Research Methods

    Credits: 5

    Learners will be introduced to the process of quantitative research in sport by developing a systematic approach to dealing with statistical data, and the required IT skills to analyse and present data.

  • Work Placement for Sport & Exercise Nutrition

    Credits: 30

    The aim of the work placement module is for learners to apply their formal academic education within an experiential learning environment. They will log 600 hours within a health, sport or exercise nutrition environment where they will build upon interpersonal skills in communication, teamwork and problem solving. It affords the opportunity to gain insight into their own personal abilities and aptitudes and to reflect on their continuing need for both personal and professional development.

What can you do after this programme?

The course reflects the dynamic global sporting environment in which sports nutrition, testing, analysis, and businesses operate and prepares students for entry into employment in the private and public sector including National Governing Bodies for Sport, Elite Sport Teams, High Performance Centres, Gyms, Local Authority Organisations such as Sport Partnerships, Community groups, and Local Sport Clubs.

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere. Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration on the Sport & Exercise Nutrition register (SENr) and the Association for Nutritionists (AfN) and will have a solid basis for further study at postgraduate and professional levels.

Additional Information

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