Awards
Target Award
Award Description:Master of Science - MS
Alternative Exit
Alternative Exit
Programme Offerings
Full-Time
F2F-JMU-SEP
Educational Aims of the Course
The programme aims to deliver contemporary training for careers in sport and exercise physiology. Our philosophy is that completion of the MSc should be a tangible stepping stone bridging the gap between an undergraduate foundation in sports science and employment in principal onward careers in academic research and applied practice. Our aim is to develop confident independent-thinkers that are equipped with the knowledge and skills to drive the evolution of the exercise physiology sector through their contributions to impactful research and research-led practice. Our graduates will display mastery of complex knowledge in exercise physiology, including the theoretical underpinnings of human exercise performance and the application of advanced technical skills to enable research or professional activity in the field of exercise physiology. The MSc in Exercise Physiology also aims to develop high-level cognitive skills and personal skills that will enable graduates to continue their own development. We hope the content of this course will serve to stimulate interest, such that students are eager to delve deeper into the topics using an investigative mind and critical appraisal. Above all, we hope to engender a strong proactive approach to postgraduate learning and students should perceive this course as an opportunity to read widely, take advantage of the world-class facilities and expertise available to them, and invest heavily in self-learning to develop their career.
Learning Outcomes
1.
Critically evaluate the appropriateness of a research design
2.
Discuss the underpinning theory and critically evaluate the assumptions and limitations of a key physiological performance test
3.
Demonstrate fundamental laboratory competencies, including, formulating molar solutions and manual pipetting
4.
Critically appraise literature regarding the signal transduction hypothesis of adaptation
5.
Construct a detailed rationale for an experiment employing molecular techniques to test a hypothesis relevant to exercise physiology
6.
Critically evaluate the reliability of wearable technology methods used to prescribe, quantify or monitor exercise volume and intensity
7.
Critically evaluate and define the parameters of or limitations to the application of wearable technology to the assessment and monitoring of sport- and/or health-related activity
8.
Apply and critically evaluate the use of technology in the assessment, prescription and management of exercise training using traditional and /or technological solutions
9.
Demonstrate understanding of muscle substrate utilisation at different exercise intensities across different human populations, and integrate the molecular and endocrine regulatory mechanisms that control fuel selection as function of exercise intensity and duration
10.
Synthesise information to demonstrate understanding of the musculoskeletal adaptations to exercise training and critically evaluate the underlying molecular and metabolic mechanisms
11.
Appraise established state-of-the-art research methodologies used to measure the fuel mixture used during exercise and the impact of various training modes on major health and performance outcome measures
12.
Critically evaluate data analysis procedures
13.
Accurately communicate complex scientific information in a concise illustrative form (i.e. infographic)
14.
Evaluate scientific information and construct arguments that integrate and extend knowledge
15.
Critically evaluate appropriate literature relating to the contemporary research topics under consideration
16.
Apply, report and interpret a range of data analysis procedures
17.
Produce a piece of independent empirical research in journal article format.
18.
Critically evaluate the concepts, methodologies and associated literature underpinning the research.
19.
Assimilate, integrate and critically discuss empirical research findings
20.
Demonstrate competency in ethical principles of research and critically discuss the research and research process
21.
Conduct a key laboratory test of physiological performance encompassing either aerobic and anaerobic capacity or muscle strength and be able to produce a report and disseminate this to the client in a timely manner
22.
Assess the precision and validity of physiological measures and perform difference testing using appropriate within- and between-subject designs
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
The MSc in Exercise Physiology encompasses a broad selection of teaching, learning and assessment strategies. Overall our philosophy has been to maximise opportunities for students to gain practical experience and, secondly, to assist students in developing the skills required to continue their own academic and professional development. The taught modules of the programme provide opportunities for students to experience practical training in lab-based or field-based physiological techniques, wet-lab biochemistry, computer practicals in statistical analysis and interactive scientific debates. The remaining taught delivery consists of student-centred learning strategies, including task-based and problem-based learning either individually or in small groups, and interactive lectures. Timetabled taught provision is supplemented with directed studies and tutorial support, and the delivery of each module includes instances of diagnostic and formative feedback to help students prepare for summative assessments. Our approach to assessment is similarly diverse and encompasses practical assessment in exercise physiology and an array of written scientific essays, laboratory reports, an examination and assessments based on communication to lay and scientific audiences.
Programme Structure
Programme Structure Description
Students that gain 180 credits are eligible for the Master of Science (MSc) award, classified based on their average grade weighted by module credit rating.
All taught modules are mandatory to the MSc award. Modules 7108SPOSCI, 7161SPOSCI and 7162SPOSCI are delivered in Semester 1 only. Modules 7163SPOSCI, 7164SPOSCI and 7165SPOSCI … For more content click the Read More button below.
The Research Project 7109SPOSCI is year-long. Research Methods (7108SPOSCI) is prerequisite to completion of the Research Project.
Students that gain 120 credits are eligible for a Post-Graduate Diploma (PgDip) and those achieving 60 credits are eligible for a Post-graduate Certificate (PgCert).
There is no requirement for specific modules to be completed for either the PgDip or PgCert exit awards.
Structure
Level 7
Entry Requirements
IELTS
Other international requirements
RPL
Undergraduate degree
HECoS Code(s)
(CAH03-02) sport and exercise sciences