Sport Physiology
Credit points
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Prerequisites
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
In this unit students will understand the importance of exercise physiology in a sport performance context, known as sport physiology. This unit focuses on: the physiological requirements of sport, including body composition considerations, the importance of physiological systems in athlete performance; and the principles underlying physiological sport testing from both a theoretical and practical perspective. Practical sessions require students to perform, analyse and interpret data from common sport physiological tests including: agility, speed and power testing. Students will gain an understanding of how sport training is monitored, including practical experience using common technologies to monitor athletes. This unit discusses the importance of quality data collection, analysis and interpretation, alongside how to communicate this information to coaching staff and athletes.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Critically review current topics in the sport physiology scientific literature and communicate findings;
- Evaluate the physiological requirements of a sport, including the impact of body composition on performance; and
- Reflect on the principles of sport testing, including the importance of quality data collection for interpretation.
Assessment
For Melbourne campuses
Assessment type: Poster | Grade: 20%
A scoping of the sport physiology literature to critically review recent trends in a sport of choice
Assessment type: Report | Grade: 40%
Report on sport physiology testing (1200 words)
Assessment type: Presentation | Grade: 40%
Group oral presentation (20 to 30 mins, each student must speak individually for 5 to 7 minutes)
Poster – A scoping of the sport physiology scientific literature to identify and critically review recent trends, in a sport of choice, findings presented via an e-poster.
Report - Students will evaluate a sport physiological test evaluate how data quality can impact analysis and decision making, including challenges and opportunities for future testing.
Presentation – In groups of up to 4, students will together evaluate a case study. Students will present as a group, but each student is also required to speak for 5 to 7 minutes critically evaluating the physiological requirements of a selected sport, including the subsequent impact of body composition on performance and testing procedures. Case study presentation, from each student, must include evidence-based strategies for either coaches, support staff or athletes.
Required reading
Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.
As part of a course
This unit is not compulsory for any specific course. Depending on the course you study, this unit may be taken as an elective.