DN425 Health & Performance Science (MDS8)
School:
Public Hlth Physio & Sport Sc
This programme is aimed at students who want to study the scientific foundations of sport and exercise across the lifespan, with a view to applying this knowledge in the fields of health science and/or sports performance. We strive to deliver an intellectually stimulating learning experience through excellence and innovation in teaching and learning methodologies. We aim to equip our students with critical and creative thinking skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving that will enhance the work places and communities they connect with as graduates. We provide a rich learning environment where students have access to exercise physiology and biomechanics laboratories of the highest professional standards, in addition to high performance sports facilities. These resources are used for both teaching and student-led research projects throughout the course. Experiential learning with UCD Sport and the wider community, group project work, reflective learning, critical reading and writing and oral presentation are the key learning and assessment approaches of the programme.
- Apply ethical standards in the evaluation and implementation of sport and exercise science and practice
- Collaborate respectfully and effectively within peer groups, with members of other professions, and with athletes/coaches/clients
- Communicate scientific concepts, experimental results and analytical arguments clearly and concisely, in verbal, written and digital formats
- Critically evaluate, interpret, and use information from the scientific literature in an applied setting
- Demonstrate an understanding of the societal and individual importance of a healthy, active lifestyle and adopt values that can build healthy communities at local, national, and global levels
- Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in exercise physiology and nutrition, biomechanics, sport and health psychology, and strength and conditioning
- Design and deliver a tailored training programme in the domain of sport and/or health that adheres to professional standards of safety and established principles of training
- Develop a meaningful professional direction for life after graduation through personal professional development activity that can be tracked & assessed throughout the programme.
- Engage in innovative and integrative thinking and problem solving across various disciplines, both within and outside of health and performance science
- Monitor and evaluate sport and exercise performance in laboratory and field settings with due regard of safety and risk assessment
- Plan, design, execute and report a piece of independent research of high scientific merit
This new programme aims to provide a foundation of scientific and evidence-based knowledge and skills in the assessment, promotion and enhancement of human performance in health and sport.
This three-year full-time programme has been developed by the UCD School of Physiotherapy & Performance Science in conjunction with the National Institute of Sport and Health and provides a foundation in the scientific principles underlying human performance in everyday life and in sporting activities.
The development of this programme is a reflection of the growing importance of exercise science and therapy in modern society.
STAGE 1
During Stage 1, you will study basic, applied and social sciences as they relate to human function in sport and health and will be introduced to concepts of physical fitness and exercise physiology.
STAGE 2
In Stage 2 you will continue to study social and applied sciences and will build upon your knowledge of exercise science and training and evaluation of human performance.
STAGE 3
In Stage 3 you will complete a research dissertation as well as studying more specialised areas of exercise and sport science (such as injury management, sport nutrition and molecular exercise science).
You may apply to study abroad for either a semester or a year through the Erasmus programme or on a non-EU exchange. UCD has over 200 Erasmus partners in Europe and an increasing number of non-EU exchange agreements with universities in the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan and elsewhere.
Please visit the Erasmus section by clicking on the International Office link at the top of this page.
Upon graduation you will be skilled in prescription and management of therapeutic exercise interventions in healthcare and sporting settings as well as being expert in the evaluation of human performance.
Successful completion of this BSc degree programme will provide you with a core set of skills that are readily applicable in the employment market as well as providing a solid foundation for further professional education.
