Module: Adv Lab Techniques in Sport Science & Exercise

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Adv Lab Techniques in Sport Science & Exercise
Module Code	SS430 (ITS) / SPO1043 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Health & Human Performance
Module Co-ordinator	Sarahjane Cullen
Module Teachers	Brendan Egan
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Coursework Only

Description

This module builds upon prior modules covering the principles and practices of laboratory assessments relevant to exercise and sports science, but provides a greater depth of scholarly enquiry into these methods, and the opportunity for small group, hand-on practical experiences of these methods. Indicative content to be covered on the module both in the classroom and in the laboratory includes but is not limited to kinanthropometry and the assessment of body composition; applied sports science support and monitoring of athletes; physiological testing and training prescription in endurance athletes; metabolic flexibility, resting metabolic rate and substrate utilisation during exercise; assessment of physical and cognitive function in elderly; assessment of pulmonary function; assessment of markers of cardiovascular disease risk by ultrasound; analysis of cell populations in blood samples; and analysis of blood-based biomarkers.

Learning Outcomes

1. Perform a range of laboratory techniques for the assessment of individuals in various health and fitness contexts
2. Perform a range of laboratory techniques for the assessment of individuals in sporting contexts.
3. Critically appraise the value and application of laboratory techniques for the assessment of individuals in various health, fitness and sporting contexts
4. Perform a needs analysis of a client/population to inform the selection of assessments of health and fitness and appropriate monitoring of health and fitness changes over time
5. Communicate the findings of various health, fitness and sports assessments to a given client/population
6. Appraise the needs of a special population group from a multidisciplinary perspective

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	36	No Description
Independent Study	114	No Description
Assignment Completion	100	No Description
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Measurements of human subjects
Measurement, analysis and interpretation of body composition

Test design and interpretation
Design and implement a single test protocol which allows you to collect and analyse certain data sets.

Sport performance analysis
Analyse aspects such as running economy at 9 and 11km/h Lactate threshold Ventilatory threshold VO2 max vVO2 max Resting blood pressure Recovery blood pressure

Metabolic calculations
Calculate VE (ATPS) at rest and during the last minute of each exercise stage. The rate of energy expenditure and the percentage of fat and carbohydrate oxidised during each stage. Calculate VO2max manually and verify against the software generated value

Blood analysis
Undertake blood microparticle analysis will be carried out on blood samples taken before and after exercise. The technology used will be flow cytometry. Sample the blood as outlined in the protocol given during lectures.

Clinical exercise testing
Incremental maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test on a cycle ergometer in healthy subject and to understand exercise limitation in patients with lung disease.

Lung function
Pulmonary function test – spirometry Maximal VO2 max on cycle ergometer with healthy subject.

Blood handling
Basic phlebotomy, blood handling and processing.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Assignment	n/a	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

None