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PERS20170

Academic Year 2025/2026

Optimisation of Human Performance (PERS20170)

Subject:
Performance Science
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Public Hlth, Phys & Sports Sci
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Sinead Holden
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This applied exercise physiology module is designed to expand on the knowledge and skills developed in introductory physiology modules. Students will have the opportunity to explore topics including exercise in extreme environments, exercise during growth and development, the use of ergogenic aids in high performance sports, doping, overtraining, recovery and well-being. Students will learn to apply information through evidence-based interventions to improve sports performance. There will be an emphasis on bridging the gap between research and practice for applied scenarios and evidence based practice.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Understand the acute and chronic effects of exercise in extreme environments, such as heat and altitude.
2. Understand the key physiological changes associated with detraining and overtraining.
3. Explain how factors such as growth and development and ergogenic aids influence physiological function and performance in different sports.
4. Critically analyse and interpret evidence based strategies to enhance sports performance.
5. Plan an appropriate physiological support strategy for a specific performance context.

Indicative Module Content:

Altitude
Thermoregulation/ Exercise in the heat
Detraining and Overtraining
Monitoring health, recovery and well-being in athletes
Exercise during growth and maturation
Ergogenic aids & doping in Sport
Physical preparation for high performance sports
Applying evidence into practice

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

16

Autonomous Student Learning

80

Lectures

12

Tutorial

12

Total

120


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module content will be delivered through a combination of lectures, and tutorials for case studies and problem based learning. Students will also engage in self directed learning through resources provided during the module. Interactive lectures will be used to provide an overview of key concepts and principles. Lectures will emphasise research led teaching and case studies to illustrate how concepts and principles apply in real-world settings. Tutorials will provide the opportunity for small group work and problem based learning to help students think critically, work collaboratively and share with their peers through group discussions.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

co-requisite:
PERS10060 (Introduction to Exercise Science)


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Co-requisite:
PERS10060 - Intro to Exercise Science, PHTY10140 - Applied Exercise Physiology

Equivalents:
Optimisation of Human Perf (PHTY20170)


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Participation in Learning Activities: Two in class activities surrounding evidence based practice - critical appraisal and a case study. Week 4 Standard conversion grade scale 40% Yes
20
Yes
Practical Skills Assessment: Data collection and visualisation skills Week 10 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
30
No
Report(s): Physiological support plan Week 14 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
50
No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will receive individual feedback in class prior to submission of the in-class activities. Students will receive feedback post-assessment through the VLE for all assessments. Students will review group/class feedback post - assessment.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 14:00 - 15:50