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Analysis in Sport and Exercise

  • Module code: LS5015
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 5
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: LS4009 or 4700
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

This module is a core module in the Sports Science and Sports Analysis and Coaching fields. The module introduces technical and tactical analysis of sport performance. The technical aspect introduces the key mathematical and physical concepts underlying the biomechanical analysis of sport and exercise and provides students with an appreciation of how the application of biomechanics may be used to explain and enhance sporting and exercise movements, with practical analytical experience. The tactical aspect provides an appreciation of the application of notational analysis to enhance the coaching process. Students gain experience in various hand notation systems as well as using a computer based system.

Aims

  • To introduce the mathematical and physical concepts underlying the biomechanical analysis of sport and exercise to provide an appreciation of how application of biomechanics may be used to explain specific sport and exercise movements.
  • To introduce basic concepts of notational analysis and provide an appreciation of how the application of notational analysis may be used to enhance the coaching process.
  • To develop experience of using a video motion analysis system and both hand and computerised notation systems.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate application of the mathematical and physical concepts underlying biomechanical analysis of sport and exercise.
  • Evaluate and analyse both sporting and exercise movements through the application of biomechanical theory.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts underlying the notational analysis of sports behaviour and strategy and its role in the coaching process.
  • Explain and evaluate data collection systems in notational analysis and their use in different sports.
  • Demonstrate key skills of communication, numeracy, ICT, teamwork and develop independent skills.

Curriculum content

  • Kinematic analysis of motion - physical concepts and theory relating to linear and angular motion, the equations of motion and projectile motion with reference to application in analysis of sport and exercise
  • Kinetic analysis of motion - The effects of forces in sport and exercise, Newton's laws of motion, physical concepts and theory relating to linear and angular kinetics and conservation of momentum
  • Analysis of sport and exercise movements - practical measurement of movement using video analysis, including setting up, capture, use of software and application of theory
  • Theory and methods of manual sports notation for both team and individual sports, with practical application of notational skills
  • Theory and methods of automated sports notation for a range of sporting situations using computer based systems, with practical application of notational skills
  • Application of notational analysis to coaching theory - analysis of coaching behaviour and feedback
  • Interpretation of biomechanical and notational data, through collected data and review of scientific literature
  • Enhancement of practical research skills and interpersonal skills through group-based practical data collection and analysis

Teaching and learning strategy

The module will build on fundamentals of movement of the body in sport and exercise (LS4009 Functional Anatomy and Exercise Physiology) in order to consider scientific analysis of sport and exercise in both individual and team activities, introducing a range of relevant technologies for sport analysis. The teaching and learning strategy of the module will consist of lectures, tutorials, practical demonstrations and practical group work in order to introduce key theory, apply the theory in a relevant context and provide opportunity to gain relevant practical skills. Lectures will be used to provide background information and explain key theory of biomechanical and notational analysis. Tutorials will enable students to apply the mathematical and physical concepts in a supported environment, providing opportunity for instant feedback as well as guidance for further independent learning. Practical sessions will introduce scientific measurement and analytical procedures and will encourage students to apply these independently and in group work, encouraging engagement, independence and enhancement of key personal and employability skills. Practical sessions will also give students the opportunity to develop 'hands on' skills and an awareness of health and safety issues within the laboratory setting as well as ethical issues when working with human participants. The knowledge-based materials for the module are provided by the module team in StudySpace. These consist of (but are not limited to) notes, diagrams and tutorial questions and multimedia learning support. Supplementary materials are also available as core texts in multiple copies in the Learning Resource Centre.

In summary the module will be made up of keynote lectures, tutorials, practical sessions and independent guided study.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching Lectures (44 h), Tutorials (9 h), Practical sessions (17 h) 70
Guided independent study Consolidating content through reading, directed tasks, coursework projects 230
Study abroad / placement
Total (number of credits x 10) 300

Assessment strategy

Summative assessment will be used to assess the module learning outcomes, consisting of a written laboratory report, a group presentation and a written examination. Each of these assessments will result in detailed feedback for students to enhance future learning and aid self-evaluation. Formative feed-forward assessment will be provided through use of progress tests within lecture sessions, use of mathematical and problem solving questions in tutorial sessions and through peer-assessment of draft posters for presentation, providing students with the opportunity to assess and enhance their own learning and optimise their performance in the summative assessments. The use of both formative and summative assessments throughout the module allows students to develop a broad range of academic, key and professional skills.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
1) Demonstrate an understanding of the mathematical and physical concepts underlying biomechanical analysis of sport and exercise; Examination and written report coursework assignment (S). Progress tests and tutorial questions (F).
2) Evaluate and analyse both sporting and exercise movements through the application of biomechanical theory; Examination and written report coursework assignment (S). Progress tests (F).
3) Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts underlying the notational analysis of sports behaviour and strategy and its role in the coaching process Examination (S) and presentation coursework assignment (S and F).
4) Explain and evaluate data collection systems in notational analysis and their use in different sports Examination (S) and presentation coursework assignment (S and F).
5) Demonstrate the key skills of communication (read, select, extract and collate information; produce a written report incorporating tables, charts, graphs and diagrams), numeracy (collection of data; design recording formats; perform basic calculations), ICT (presentation of data: production of written report, search for and retrieve information), teamwork (data collection with others) and independent learning. Written report coursework (S). Presentation coursework assignment (F and S). Tutorial questions (F).

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
Formal Exam Written Exam 40%
Group presentation Practical Exam 30%
Laboratory report Coursework 30%
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It IS NOT a requirement that any major element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

Hall, S. J. (2007). Basic Biomechanics. McGraw-Hill, Boston.

Carling, C., Williams, M. & Reilly, T. (2005). Handbook of soccer match analysis: a systematic approach to improving performance. London: Routledge.

Hughes, M and Franks, I. (2003). Notational Analysis of Sport: Systems for Better Coaching and Performance. London: Routledge.

Bibliography recommended reading

Bartlett, R. (2006). Introduction to Sports Biomechanics. London: E and FN Spon.

Hamill, J. and Knutzen, K. M. (2007). Biomechanical Basis of Human Movement. USA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Hay, J. G. (1993). The Biomechanics of Sports Techniques. London: Prentice-Hall

Hughes, M. (ed) Notational Analysis of Sport I & 11. Cardiff: University of Wales Institute, Cardiff.

Morrow, J.R., Jackson, A.W., Disch, J.G., & Mood, D.P. (2000). Measurement and Evaluation in Human Performance. (2nd edition) Human Kinetics

Williams, A.M. & Reilly, T. (2006) Handbook of Soccer Match Analysis: A systematic approach to improving performance. London: Routledge

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