MSc Sports and Biomechanical Medicine

Semester/Part One

Exercise Physiology - Energy, Nutrition and Human Performance (20 credits). This module includes the following units and introduces the student to the programme's overall philosophy and framework:

1. Exercise Physiology; Nutrition and Exercise
2. Fitness Testing and Profile
3. Cardio-respiratory Assessment of High Risk or Diseased Populations
4. Environmental Considerations – heat and cold stressors
5. Drugs and Medications commonly used in Sport
6. The Immune Response to Exercise
7. Exercise and Fluid Balance

Biomechanics in Sport - Module 2 (20 credits). This module involves establishing and expanding on students' biomechanical knowledge and application with specific reference to sporting and athletic activities. It will introduce and extend their testing, evaluation and analysis knowledge and skills to undertake future practical testing as and when appropriate. Units included are:

1. Musculoskeletal Medicine; General Pathology of the Musculoskeletal System
2. Muscle Action – Locomotion - Jumping/Aerial Movement - throwing and hitting
3. Mechanisms of Injury
4. Para-Olympic Sports
5. Musculoskeletal Radiology
6. Advanced Methods of Analysis and Investigations (NCS and EMG) in Sports Biomechanics
7. Gait and Biomechanical Assessment

Among knowledge gained will be understanding factors involving pressure, electromyography [EMG], metabolic index, etc. Guided reading, SAQ and workshops will collectively help students to understand the theories and operations of the systems. Candidates studying by distance learning are encouraged to practice their measurement techniques by attending a local institute/hospital/laboratory, using case studies and practical workshops. This is a main requirement for those willing to achieve the MSc.

Exercise is Medicine – Module 3 (20 credits). This module includes units, which although varied in emphasis provide learning and understanding of different population groups, well and unwell.  They include the following:

1. Population Health; Primary Care, Population Health, Effect of illness on Exercise Capacity
2. Physical Activity in Special Groups;Women, Older Athletes, Children and Adolescents
3. General Conditioning Principles – Strength, Power, Muscular endurance, Aerobic/Anaerobic
4. Health Benefits of Physical Activity
5. Exercise Prescription and Management for Individuals with Chronic Diseases and Disabilities
6. Physical Activity Guidelines – awareness, promotion and maintenance.

Students will enhance their knowledge and understanding on exercise prescriptions and the safe and structured programmes applicable to different populations. The intervention strategies and the prescription of exercise will be illustrated by many of the latest longitudinal research projects and their economic benefits, reduced risk factors etc.

Research Project Design, and Medical Statistics (MSc) (15 credits). This module will be delivered alongside and during the first two modules to provide students the necessary skills and understanding to formulate their intended research project and ultimate dissertation.

Semester/Part Two (60 Credits)

Management of Soft Tissue and Sports Injuries, and Rehabilitation - Module 4 (20 credits). This module includes the following units:

1. Medical Emergencies; Head and Neck Injury and Concussion, Sudden Death in Sport, Resuscitation Training; Accident and Emergency
2. Spinal Injuries, Amputee Rehabilitation and Disability Sport
3. Sporting Injuries in Professional Sport and their Management
4. Medical Emergencies and Sudden Death in Sport
5. Investigations and Procedures in management of sports injuries
6. Injury Rehabilitation – general principles of therapeutic modalities, rehabilitation programmes

Their clinical or sports applications will be augmented by appropriate clinics and shadowing at sporting events. Students will be encouraged to select practical environments that are most relevant to their future career path. Students will eventually specialise in one of the offered areas and gain particular expertise while still retaining the integrated overview of all other clinical areas through continuing course work, joint module seminars and Video-CD.

"The Psychology of Sport and Exercise" – Module 5 (20 credits) alerts the student to a number of psychological principles which are critical to health behaviour change e.g. behaviour modification, reinforcement, goal-setting, social support and peer pressure:

1. Psychosocial Aspects of Sport and Exercise Medicine
2. Psychosocial Assessment – depression; anxiety; drug and alcohol abuse; stress
3. Disordered Eating – bulimia; anorexia
4. Ergogenic Aids – nutritional; supplements; equipment
5. Psychology of the Elite Athlete
6. Drugs in Sport

This will permit demonstration by the student of their knowledge of basic cognitive-behavioural intervention and their application to exercise prescription and promotion.

"Working within the Team Environment" - Module 6 (20 credits) This module introduces the student on how to work effectively within the multidisciplinary team to maximise athlete performance and the prevention of sports related injuries. Undertaking this module will increase and exercise the understanding of the use and limitations of pre-participation screening and the implications for the athlete and the communication skills to impart it. This by necessity and learning experience will develop an understanding of a range of team and individual sports, their needs, specific demands and injuries associated with those sports:

1. Role of Team Physician; Event Physician; Specific Sports
2. Role of Trainer/Coach
3. Role of Therapist
4. Ethical and Medico-Legal Aspects
5. Teaching and Presentation Skills
6. Sports Medicine Management

Among some of the other outcomes is the ability to carry out a full risk assessment of sports events and environments to ensure appropriate action plans for medical care and support comply with all necessary rules and guidelines.