Module: Applied Studies in Aquatics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Applied Studies in Aquatics
Module Code	SPO1023 (ITS: SS223)
Faculty	Health & Human Performance	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module introduces students to aquatic activities, through theory and practice, to prepare students to teach aquatics at junior and senior cycle physical education. Students will explore appropriate strategies for teaching and coaching, thus preparing students for teaching practice and familiarising them with the post-primary physical education curriculum.

Learning Outcomes

1. • Understand the fundamentals of aquatics (buoyancy, propulsion and streamlining) and demonstrate how these concepts can be introduced to students within a post-primary physical education setting. • Plan safe, inclusive and educationally meaningful aquatic experiences for post-primary students using the knowledge gained during lectures and laboratory experiences • Identify and apply key characteristics of a selected Curriculum model, for example: HRA/TPSR, to deliver aquatics at junior and senior cycle. • Apply knowledge from other modules to assess learning and performance, setting appropriate practice goals, and creating an inclusive learning environment.
2. • Display an appreciation of the different levels of ability in a typical group of individuals (e.g. a typical P.E. class) by modifying activities and identifying progressions when necessary • Display an awareness of the benefits of aquatics as a lifetime physical activity and the opportunities and challenges associated with teaching aquatics in a school setting.
3. • Identify and correct basic technical faults within aquatics in a logical and progressive manner with reference to the biomechanical and physiological demands of aquatics. • Participate in various activities and experience concepts of aquatics associated with junior (JCPE; Short Course)and senior cycle (SCPE;LCPE) physical education curricula, including: swimming strokes; lifesaving; survival swimming; water-polo.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Online activity	12	No Description
Laboratory	24	Practical class in pool environment
Independent Study	89	Independent learning
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11580	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Nathan Gavigan	Module Teacher	Sarah Meegan

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	1. Development of Aquatics Resource Pack (Semester 1)	40%	Week 11
Project	2. Physical Activity Project	60%	Once per semester

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

Aquatics in physical education
Importance of aquatics within a balanced physical education curriculum

Aquatic activities
Swimming strokes, personal survival, rescue skills, water polo, aqua-fitness

Planning and evaluation
Lesson plans, stroke analysis, peer teaching observation

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Austin, G: 1994, Swimming for Fitness, 2, A&C Black, London,
Counsilman, J.E. and Counsilman, B.E.: 1994, The New Science of Swimming, Prentice Hall,
Hannula, D.: 2001, The Swim Coaching Bible, Human Kinetics,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None