Module: Introduction to Exercise Science

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Introduction to Exercise Science
Module Code	SPO1006 (ITS: SS102)
Faculty	Health & Human Performance	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

The module will introduce students to the pillars of sports and exercise science including anatomy and physiology, strength and conditioning, biomechanics, psychology, motor learning, sports coaching, health promotion, physical literacy, nutrition, exercise as medicine, components of fitness, and exercise testing and prescription. In each area the students will be introduced to the basic concepts and their application to the sport, health and fitness industries. In the latter part of the module, students will be introduced to the concepts of learning to learn, critical thinking and evidence-based practice, which will underpin their learning principles throughout their degree programmes.

Learning Outcomes

1. describe the main pillars of sport and exercise science, and their respective relevance to health and fitness concepts
2. explain the concepts of health- and skill-related components of physical fitness, how these are assessed and how they are trained
3. summarise the basic principles of exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, and their application in sport, health and fitness
4. recognise and apply rudimentary features of the concepts of learning to learn, critical thinking and evidence-based practice

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	36	No Description
Directed learning	72	No Description
Independent Study	80	No Description
Total Workload: 188

Section Breakdown
CRN	11570	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Brendan Egan	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Short Answer Questions	In-class test 1 (45 minutes)	30%	Week 5
Short Answer Questions	In-class test 2 (45 minutes)	30%	Week 9
Assignment	Evaluation of a scientific paper	40%	Sem 1 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Syllabus
Introduction to sport and exercise science; Components of fitness; Physical activity, inactivity and health; Introduction to sports and exercise physiology; Exercise and sports-related fitness testing; Principles of exercise training and prescription; Introduction to nutrition for sport and health; Learning to learn, the research process, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice; In addition to these topics, guest lecturers from the School of Health and Human Performance will provide lectures at various times throughout the semester, which will provide introductions to other pillars in sport and exercise science including biomechanics, coaching, health promotion, behaviour change, chronic illness rehabilitation, sports psychology, motor learning, and youth physical activity and physical literacy.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None