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Exercise Physiology and its Application in Therapy (MSc)

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Course Overview

Graduates of this course will also be eligible for accreditation and registration offered by REPs Ireland and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

Exercise Physiology Graphic 1

This unique course will enable students to:

  • Develop knowledge of exercise physiology and evaluation of fitness.
  • Learn to plan and provide an exercise programme to healthy clients and as therapy in certain clinical settings.
  • Obtain professional recognition from REPs Ireland/ACSM.
  • Pursue a career as an exercise specialist/therapist.

In this course, students will develop an advanced knowledge of exercise physiology including a full understanding of physiological processes and changes that occur during different types of exercise. Students will understand how these changes are beneficial to general health and fitness. Students will have a clear understanding of exercise testing and prescription in health and in certain chronic disease settings. Topics featured in the lecture series include nerve-muscle physiology, cardiorespiratory physiology, kinesiology, integrated physiological responses to exercise and methods of evaluation, metabolism and nutrition in exercise, scientific principles of exercise prescription, methods of physiological assessment during exercise in healthy and clinical populations. Students will gain hands on experience in conducting exercise tests and physiological assessment of fitness. Semester 1–2 will be taught through lectures. Blended learning: All modules (1–6) will also be available online via podcasts and will be delivered via the medium of blackboard collaborate ultra virtual classrooms. (This will ensure that international students need to travel to NUI Galway only for four months Mid May-August. They can then be accommodated in the empty student houses in the Corrib Village at a reduced cost.) Online students will engage with pre-recorded lectures on blackboard weekly. To support engagement, discussion and interraction, these lectures will be followed by a online meeting with the course director via ultracollaborate. 

All students will engage with continuous assessments. Students will be assessed during each semester by continuous assessments and end of semester exams. In module 7 in semester 2, students will attend a three week long hands-on training workshop to gain practical experience in exercise testing and physiological methods of evaluating performance and exercise prescription and application of their knowledge. Students will also attend a two-day workshop on professionalism and learn about the roles and responsibilities of an exercise specialist.

On successful completion of Semester 1—2 student will be eligible for a Postgraduate Diploma (as an exit route).

Accreditation opportunities

Students will also be eligible for accreditation and registration offered by REPs Ireland and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

In Semester 3, students will complete a research project on a related topic under the supervision of a member of faculty. At the beginning of Semester 3, students will attend a research methods workshop in which they will learn the basic principles of conducting scientific research, data collection, data management and analysis and presentation of scientific data. Students will be made aware of bioethical issues involved in research. At the end of the workshop, the students will prepare and present a plan for their proposed research project. Ethical approval will be obtained in advance from the College of Medicine Research Ethics Committee for each project offered. The students will have 8 weeks to complete their project. During this time they will interact closely with their supervisor. They will also be in contact with the course director for help and guidance whenever necessary. The students will submit a dissertation or thesis report of their project, which will be presented to staff followed by an interview. Student will receive a Masters degree on successful completion of all three semesters and successful defense of their project dissertation.

Conference

At the end of Semester 3 there will be a one-day conference organized by the course director where students will have an opportunity to showcase their work.

Students will also be eligible for accreditation and registration offered by REPs Ireland and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). 

Applications and Selections

Who Teaches this Course

Dr. Ananya Gupta 
Ananya is a Lecturer (Above the Bar) in the Discipline of Physiology.

Prof. Antony Wheatley, Head of Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, NUI Galway

Dr. Michael Newell
Michael is a Lecturer in the Discipline of Medical Informatics and Medical Education.

Dr. Nicole Burns
Nicole is a lecturer in the Discipline of Physiology at NUI Galway.

Other contributing lecturers (NUI Galway):

  • Prof. Garry Duffy—Professor in Anatomy, School of Medicine
  • Dr. Brendan Higgins—Lecturer in Physiology, School of Medicine
  • Dr. Karl McCullagh—Lecturer in Physiology, School of Medicine
  • Dr. Brian McDonagh—Lecturer in Physiology, School of Medicine
  • Dr. Louise Horrigan—Lecturer in Physiology, School of Medicine
  • Dr. Karen Doyle—Senior Lecturer in Physiology, School of Medicine
  • Dr. Michelle Roche—Lecturer in Physiology, School of Medicine
  • Dr. Louise Cambell—Lecturer in General Practice, School of Medicine
  • Prof. David Finn—Professor in Pharmacology, School of Medicine
  • Dr. Eva Szegezdi—Lecturer in Biochemistry, College of Science
  • Dr. Amir Shafat—Senior Lecturer in Physiology, School of Medicine 

Discipline of Physiology Exercise Laboratory and Teaching Facility

 Students will attend lectures and laboratory sessions in the state-of-the-art teaching facility equipped with modern audiovisual and laboratory equipment in the Human Biology Building, School of Medicine, NUI Galway.

1. Physiology Teaching Labs, Discipline of Physiology, HBB Building, NUI Galway
2. Physiology Exercise Suite, Discipline of Physiology, HBB Building, NUI Galway
3. Human Performance and Locomotion Laboratory, Discipline of Engineering, NUI Galway

Requirements and Assessment

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Students must have completed BSc (NFQ Level 7) in Physiology, Biomedical Science, Exercise Science, Nursing and Health Science, Physiotherapy, Podiatry or any other relevant biology or medical science area with at least a 2nd class. (Students who have received a BSc Honors qualification or equivalent will be given preference in the shortlisting process.) Adult learners seeking additional qualifications are also welcome. Work experience in the relevant area will be an advantage. 

This course is suitable for students interested in a career in exercise prescription and graduates upon completion of this course will be eligible to register with REPs Ireland and American Association of Personal Trainers (AAPT). 

For applicants where English is a second language, we will adhere to NUIG guidelines of requiring IELTS scores of 6.5, TOEFL scores of 88 and/or Pearson PTE scores of 61 with no less than 6.5 in any component.

 Selection criteria:

Initially a shortlisting procedure will be applied to prioritize applicants. Those who do not meet the primary entry criteria as described above will be declined entry into the program. The remaining applicants will be reviewed in closer detail. Significant weight will be placed on A) the applicant’s essay describing their motivation for applying for this course and their career aspirations following the successful completion of the MSc, B) the applicant’s referee’s comments and C) the applicant’s previous academic performance.


Additional Requirements

Duration

1 year

Next start date

September 2018

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

35

Closing Date

See www.nuigalway.ie/postgrad/closingdates for offer rounds information.

Next start date

September 2018

NFQ level

Mode of study

Blended learning

ECTS weighting

Award

Masters (or exit route available: PDip)

CAO

PAC code

GYM92: www.nuigalway.ie/pac

Course Outline

Exercise Physiology Graphic 2

Course Learning Outcomes

Course learning outcomes (CLO) are grouped into three levels, knowledge-based outcomes, intellectual advancement, as well as transferable and professional skill acquisition. At the completion of the one-year full time program, it is expected that students will be able to:

 Knowledge-based outcomes

  1. Discuss functional musculoskeletal anatomy and kinesiology its role in movement and exercise
  2. Describe the individual and integrated physiological responses to different types of exercise.
  3. Explain the importance of metabolism and nutrition in maintaining an effective exercise program

 

Intellectual outcomes

  1. Assess the physiological responses of an individual during exercise and apply this information to the design of a suitable and relevant exercise programme.
  2. Apply knowledge of the adaptations to chronic exercise to provide a rationale for the provision of exercise programmes to improve and maintain specific aspects of health and fitness.
  3. Design an exercise program that meets the needs of individuals in consideration of current, best-practice guidelines, risk category and the exercise capacity, tolerance and motivation of the individual.
  4. Evaluate the role of exercise training/rehabilitation in patients with chronic disease and recommend appropriate strategies to implement exercise as a therapeutic tool.

 

Transferable knowledge and professional outcomes

  1. Plan and perform a research project based on evaluation of fitness, exercise testing and prescrition
  2. Outline occupational roles and responsibillities as an exercise specialist and personal trainer.
  3. Recognise and describe the professional issues associated with the provision of exercise physiology services.

 

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Glossary of Terms

Credits
You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
Module
An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
Optional
A module you may choose to study.
Required
A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
Semester
Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.

Year 1 (90 Credits)

Required ET1500: Introduction to Exercise Physiology


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

In this module the student will obtain a clear and comprehensive understanding of applied / functional anatomy, including relevant important surface anatomy and normal / abnormal patterns of range of movement of joints. Student will learn about the structure function relationship of nerves, muscles, joints and connective tissue and its relevance to movement and exercise. The student will also gain an understanding of the basic principles of biomechanics pertinent to movement and exercise, injury and rehabilitation.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Discuss the general anatomy of the human body
  2. Outline musculo-skeletal anatomy - structure of bones, muscles and ligaments
  3. Explain the biomechanical principles of movement
  4. Discuss the function of 3 types of muscle in the human body (skeletal, smooth, cardiac)
  5. Explain the principles of kinesiology: the joint actions as a result of muscular action.
  6. Outline functional contributions of different types of muscles to movement and exercise.
  7. Discuss the short and long term effects of exercise on bone and muscles.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (40%)
  • Department-based Assessment (60%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Essentials of Exercise Physiology" by William D. McArdle, Frank I. Katch, Victor L. Katch.
    ISBN: 978-149630209.
    Publisher: Wolters Kluwer Publisher
  2. "Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology" by Elaine N. Marieb
    ISBN: 9780321919007.
    Publisher: Pearson
  3. "Vander's Human Physiology" by Eric Widmaier, Hershel Raff, Kevin Strang
    ISBN: 9780077255497.
    Publisher: Mcgraw Hill Learning Solutions
The above information outlines module ET1500: "Introduction to Exercise Physiology" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required ET1501: Integrated Physiological Responses to Exercise


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

In this module the student will learn about the normal functions of the various physiological systems, the individual and integrated responses that occur during exercise and adaptation to exercise, training and detraining.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Explain the Gross anatomy of the heart
  2. Outline the cardiac cycle and and flow of blood through the heart, regulation of stroke volume, heart rate and cardiac output, regulation of blood pressure.
  3. Discuss the effect of physical activity on the cardiovascular system
  4. Describe the structure and function of the respiratory system
  5. Explain the relationship between the cardiovascular system and respiratory system and how regular physical activity impacts them
  6. Discuss short and long term effects of exercise on the cardio-respiratory system
  7. Outline the main role and responsibilities of the nervous system
  8. Explain the effect of exercise and training on the nervous system, improving motor fitness
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (40%)
  • Department-based Assessment (60%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Vander's Human Physiology" by n/a
    ISBN: 9780077255497.
    Publisher: Mcgraw Hill Learning Solutions
  2. "Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology" by n/a
    ISBN: 9780321919007.
    Publisher: Pearson
  3. "Essentials of Exercise Physiology" by n/a
    ISBN: 978-149630209.
    Publisher: Wolters Kluwer
The above information outlines module ET1501: "Integrated Physiological Responses to Exercise" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required ET1502: Metabolism and Nutrition in Exercise, Endocrinology and Toxicology


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

To understand the importance of metabolism and nutrition in complementing effective exercise programs designed to improve and maintain specific aspects of health and fitness.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Explain the application of the energy systems in correlation to exercise goal
  2. Outline the dietary role and common dietary sources for each of the six main nutrients (carbohydrate, fat, protein, vitamins, minerals, water). Examples of food items in each of the four basic food groups, vitamins and minerals
  3. Discuss the components of energy balance and basal metabolic rate
  4. Apply various methods to estimate calorie requirements
  5. Explain how to develop a healthy, balanced way of eating and healthy eating patterns
  6. Discuss the energy needs for different activities/sports/fitness plans. The role of carbohydrate, fat and protein as fuels for aerobic and anaerobic exercise
  7. Give description of hormonal response to exercise and their catabolic and anabolic role. Role of cortisol and side effects
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (40%)
  • Department-based Assessment (60%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition and Human Performance" by William D. McArdle, Frank I. Katch, Victor L. Katch
    ISBN: 978-145119155.
    Publisher: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
  2. "Sports and Exercise Nutrition" by William D. McArdle,Frank I. Katch,Victor L. Katch
    ISBN: 9781451175738.
    Publisher: LWW
The above information outlines module ET1502: "Metabolism and Nutrition in Exercise, Endocrinology and Toxicology" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required ET1506: Research Project and Dissertation


15 months long | Credits: 25

This module serves as an introduction to scientific research and research methodologies that are commonly used in exercise physiology research. In this module learners are introduced to the key components of research and the steps needed to formulate a research question. The students then undertake an independent research project under the supervision of a mentor. Particular emphasis is given on project design and execution, specifically on the application of exercise physiology laboratory techniques, selection and recruitment of participants to the study, research ethics and obtaining ethical approval from the research ethics committee, data collection and subsequent analysis and interpretation of data. The topic of the research project will be decided upon by the student in collaboration with a primary supervisor and approved by the programme director. Potential projects will be offered to the students at the end of Semester 1. Students will be required to submit their choices at the beginning of Semester 2. The chosen research project will be planned and proposed by the student at a workshop prior to the commencement of research work. The student will work closely with and under the supervision of his or her mentor to carry out the study. The student will have 8 weeks for collecting and analyzing data and 2 weeks for writing his/her thesis. The thesis will consist of an introduction comprising of up-to-date literature review on the topic, methodology used, process of selecting and enlisting study volunteers and inclusion criteria, rationale, planned activities, data collection, analysis and conclusion. The student will also be required to present his or her work to members of staff and undertake an oral exam on his or her presentation.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Design and plan experimental procedures including appropriate research procedures applied to the acquisition of knowledge and solution of problems in exercise physiology. Design and conduct experiments to investigate aspects of human physiological responses to exercise both in the laboratory and in the field.
  2. Demonstrate the use of appropriate methodologies in the analysis and interpretation of data obtained in laboratory.
  3. Demonstrate awareness of the moral, ethical and legal issues that underpin best practice in dealing with human participants in research studies.
  4. Discuss the results obtained as part of their research project, interpretation of data and its relevance to published work. Research and assess evidence obtained and how this is related to concepts and hypotheses in exercise physiology.
  5. Demonstrate competence in scientific communication. Students will present the aims, methods and results obtained as an outcome of their research project as a written thesis and an oral presentation.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (30%)
  • Research (70%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "RESEARCH METHODS IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY." by n/a
    ISBN: 9781450470445.
    Publisher: Champaign, IL; Human Kinetics
  2. "ESSA's student manual for health, exercise & sport assessment" by Jeff Coombes, Tina Skinner ; cover and internal design by Stan Lamond.
    ISBN: 9780729541428.
    Publisher: St. Louis; Mosby
The above information outlines module ET1506: "Research Project and Dissertation" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required ET1505: Laboratory Methods in Exercise Physiology


Trimester 3 | Credits: 10

The aim of this module is to introduce the student to a variety of laboratory techniques used in exercise physiology, exercise testing and physiology research laboratories. The module focuses on the generic topics of ethics and safety, and on the reliability and validity of laboratory techniques used for the assessment of the physiological responses to exercise. The student will be able to obtain hands-on experience in use and application of various exercise testing techniques and gain knowledge and understanding of their practical applications. Students will learn about the roles and responsibillities of a personal trainer, ethics and code of conduct. Students will also learn about the Psycho-Social aspects of exercise and fitness. Students will also learn about the current ACSM guidelines for exercise prescription.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary for measuring various physiological responses during rest and during exercise.
  2. Perform various experimental procedures involved in the assessment of body composition, fitness and exercise performance
  3. Demonstrate the use, application and safety measures involved in the use of various exercise and exercise testing equipment.
  4. Identify appropriate exercise testing procedures specific for various populations encountered in the field (Case Based study).
  5. Obtain experience in aerobic and anaerobic exercise testing protocols.
  6. Perform fluently all metabolic and power calculations involved in aerobic and anaerobic exercise testing.
  7. Outline the roles and responsibilities of a exercise professional
  8. Discuss the Code of Ethics and Conduct as prescribed by REPs Ireland and ACSM.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (20%)
  • Department-based Assessment (80%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Exercise Physiology Laboratory Manual" by William Beam and Gene Adams,
    ISBN: 978-007802265.
    Publisher: McGrawhill publisher.
  2. "Exercise Testing and Interpretation: a Practical Approach" by Cooper and Storer.
    ISBN: 9780521648424.
    Publisher: Cambridge University Press
  3. "Physiological Assessment of Human Fitness" by By Peter Maud, Carl Foster
    ISBN: 978-073604633.
    Publisher: Human Kinetics
The above information outlines module ET1505: "Laboratory Methods in Exercise Physiology " and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required ET1503: Physiologic Evaluation of Exercise and Fitness


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

In this module the student will learn about the physiological basis for assessment of fitness and responses to exercise and training. The candidate will be expected to understand the physiological principles underlying different types of training and to be familiar with current trends in training techniques and practically useful fitness assessment.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Apply correct methods for assessing health and fitness
  2. Demonstrate clear understanding of risk categories and methods of risk assessment.
  3. Outline the current ACSM or other recognized International guidelines for developing the different components of fitness
  4. Outline various physiological methods of assessment of fitness and effects of exercise and exercise programming.
  5. Explain the basic principles of training.
  6. Demonstrate understanding of safe and effective use of various equipment
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (40%)
  • Department-based Assessment (60%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Physiological Assessment of Human Fitness" by By Peter J. Maud, Carl Foster
    ISBN: 978-073604633.
    Publisher: Human Kinetics
  2. "ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription" by By American College of Sports Medicine
    ISBN: 978-160913955.
    Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Publisher/Wolters Kluwer
  3. "Exercise testing and interpretation" by Christopher B. Cooper, Thomas W. Storer
    ISBN: 9780521648424.
    Publisher: Cambridge, UK ; Cambridge University Press, 2001.
The above information outlines module ET1503: "Physiologic Evaluation of Exercise and Fitness" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required ET1504: Exercise in Population Health and Exercise as Therapy


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

The candidate will be expected to be familiar with the case for and against exercise in relation to disease prevention and treatment of disease and disability. In addition the candidate should understand the mechanisms of benefit, the guidelines and safety considerations for exercise prescription. The candidate will be expected to understand the physical and physiological differences between males and females and client specific differences in relation to exercise performance and injury / illness profiles.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Explain the physiological principles associated with chronic conditions and physical inactivity.
  2. Evaluate precautions needed and safety issues prior to beginning a programme of exercise
  3. Apply risk assesment criteria for each disease setting as laid out by the ACSM
  4. Evaluate the physiological, psychological and sociological factors associated with participation and compliance for exercise intervention.
  5. Demonstrate application of exercise as therapy in various chronic disease settings
  6. Apply the principles of exercise prescription to case studies.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (40%)
  • Department-based Assessment (60%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Exercise testing and interpretation" by Christopher B. Cooper, Thomas W. Storer
    ISBN: 9780521648424.
    Publisher: Cambridge, UK ; Cambridge University Press, 2001.
  2. "ACSM’s Exercise in Medicine: A Clinician’s Guide to Exercise Prescription" by Steven Jonas, Edward M. Phillips
    ISBN: 978-158255739.
    Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Publisher
  3. "Clinical Exercise: A Case-based Approach." by By Melainie Cameron, Steve Selig, Dennis Hemphill
    ISBN: 978-072953941.
    Publisher: Elsevier
  4. "Exercise Prescription - A Case Study Approach to the ACSM Guidelines" by David Swain, Brian Leutholtz
    ISBN: 978-073606680.
The above information outlines module ET1504: "Exercise in Population Health and Exercise as Therapy" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional BME505: Introduction to Biomechanics


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

The mechanical behaviour of biological tissues and systems will be explained in terms of the principles of solid and fluid mechanics. In particular, the way in which the properties of elasticity and visco-elasticity are incorporated into the mechanical characterisation of tissue, will be explained.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of how the laws of solid and fluid mechanics can be applied to describe the mechanical behaviour of biological tissues and systems.
  2. Demonstrate an appreciation of how the properties of elasticity and viscoelasticity are incorporated into the mechanical characterisation of tissues.
  3. Demonstrate a comprehension of the application of force and stress analyses on anatomical structures including limbs and joints.
  4. Demonstrate an ability to biomechancially differentiate between various tissues of the body, including blood vessels, muscles, ligaments, cartilage and bone.
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module BME505: "Introduction to Biomechanics" and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional MA324: Introduction to Bioinformatics (Honours)


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

The course will give students an appreciation of the application of computers and algorithms in molecular biology. This includes foundation knowledge of bioinformatics; the ability to perform basic bioinformatic tasks; and to discuss current bioinformatic research with respect to human health.

Learning Outcomes
  1. outline key bioinformatics principles and approaches
  2. discuss the relevance of bioinformatics to medicine
  3. obtain molecular sequence data from public repositories
  4. implement key bioinformatics algorithms by hand on toy datasets
  5. use bioinformatics software tools, including tools for sequence alignment, homology searching, phylogenetic inference and promoter analysis;
  6. describe key high throughput data generation technologies and the steps involved in data pre-processing and basic analysis of these data.
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (70%)
  • Continuous Assessment (30%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Bioinformatics ; Sequence and Genome Analysis" by David W Mount
    ISBN: 9788123909981.
    Publisher: CBS Publishers & Distributors
  2. "INTRODUCTION TO BIOINFORMATICS." by Arthur M. Lesk
    ISBN: 9780195685251.
    Publisher: OUP
  3. "Bioinformatics" by [edited by] Andreas D. Baxevanis, B. F. Francis Ouellette
    ISBN: 9780471383901.
    Publisher: Wiley-Interscience
The above information outlines module MA324: "Introduction to Bioinformatics (Honours)" and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional ET1507: Personal Training and Gym Instruction


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

In this module the student will understand how to prepare and implement training programmes in a gym based setting and non traditional training environments for a wide range of athletes including sports specific and health and wellbeing clientele.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Construct personal training programmes according to individual needs
  2. Explain the importance of long term behavioural change for personal training.
  3. Demonstrate clear understand and application of the principles of collecting information to plan a personal training programme
  4. Design assessment for screening of clients prior to personal training programme.
  5. Develop and adapt personal training programs for clients thus illustrating an ability to move from traditional to non traditional environments
Assessments
  • Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (40%)
  • Department-based Assessment (60%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "ACSM's Resources for the Personal Trainer" by Barbara Ann Bushman,Rebecca Battista,American College of Sports Medicine
    ISBN: 9781451108590.
    Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
  2. "NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training 2nd Edition" by Jared W. Coburn,Moh H. Malek,National Strength & Conditioning Association (U.S.)
    ISBN: 9780736084154.
    Publisher: Human Kinetics
  3. "The Fitness Instructor's Handbook: A Complete Guide to Health and Fitness" by Morc Coulson
    ISBN: 1408178265.
The above information outlines module ET1507: "Personal Training and Gym Instruction" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

With the increasing number of people living with chronic illnesses the demand for exercise physiologists capable of giving personal exercise advice that can improve the living standards of an individual is growing.  Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to work in areas such as:

  • Health clubs and related organizations
  • Public sports and recreation facilities
  • Local public health authorities
  • Schools, further education, and higher education institutions

The course is designed to fulfill all the requirements for the EHFA and REPs Ireland accreditation. Students will be assisted in their application for registration with REPS Ireland and American College of Sports Medicine.

Graduates will also be eligible to pursue research PhD programmes in Sport and Exercise Science and related areas in the Discipline of Physiology, NUI Galway.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

 

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€8,500 p.a. 2018/19

Fees: Tuition

€8,276 p.a. 2018/19

Fees: Student levy

€224 p.a. 2018/19

Fees: Non EU

€17,000 p.a. 2018/19

Scholarship information links:
www.nuigalway.ie/postgraduate_scholarships 
www.nuigalway.ie/international-students/feesfinance/internationalscholarships/

This course is also eligible under the Sports Scholarship scheme: email ananya.gupta@nuigalway.ie for details.

Find out More

Dr. Ananya Gupta,
Dept. of Physiology, NUI Galway.
T: +353 91 492 358 | +353 85 102 6457
E: ananya.gupta@nuigalway.ie
Mike

Mike Heskin |   Director of Sports & Physical Activity, NUI Galway

This course is endorsed by Mike Heskin, Dir. of Sport, NUI Galway. Sports scholarships are available. Contact ananya.gupta@nuigalway.ie for details.
in Connect with Mike

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