MSc Exercise Physiology and its Application in Therapy

Course learning outcomes
 

Course learning outcomes (CLO) are grouped into three levels, knowledge-based outcomes, intellectual advancement, as well as transferable and professional skill acquisition. At the completion of the one-year full time program, it is expected that students will be able to:
 

 Knowledge-based outcomes

1. Discuss functional musculoskeletal anatomy and kinesiology its role in movement and exercise

2. Describe the individual and integrated physiological responses to different types of exercise.

3. Explain the importance of metabolism and nutrition in maintaining an effective exercise program
    

Intellectual outcomes

1. Assess the physiological responses of an individual during exercise and apply this information to the design of a suitable and relevant exercise programme.

2. Apply knowledge of the adaptations to chronic exercise to provide a rationale for the provision of exercise programmes to improve and maintain specific aspects of health and fitness.

3. Design an exercise program that meets the needs of individuals in consideration of current, best-practice guidelines, risk category and the exercise capacity, tolerance and motivation of the individual.

4. Evaluate the role of exercise training/rehabilitation in patients with chronic disease and recommend appropriate strategies to implement exercise as a therapeutic tool. 
    

Transferable knowledge and professional outcomes

1. Plan and perform a research project based on evaluation of fitness, exercise testing and prescrition

2. Outline occupational roles and responsibillities as an exercise specialist and personal trainer.

3. Recognise and describe the professional issues associated with the provision of exercise physiology services.
    

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Year 1 (90 Credits)

• Required ET1500: Introduction to Exercise Physiology
• Required ET1501: Integrated Physiological Responses to Exercise
• Required ET1502: Metabolism and Nutrition in Exercise, Endocrinology and Toxicology
• Required ET1506: Research Project and Dissertation
• Required ET1505: Laboratory Methods in Exercise Physiology
• Required ET1503: Physiologic Evaluation of Exercise and Fitness
• Required ET1504: Exercise in Population Health and Exercise as Therapy
• Optional RPL010: Recognised Prior Learning
• Optional RPL005: Recognised Prior Learning
• Optional BME505: Introduction to Biomechanics
• Optional MA324: Introduction to Bioinformatics (Honours)
• Optional ET1507: Personal Training and Gym Instruction

Students must have completed BSc (NFQ Level 8) in Physiology, Biomedical Science, Un-denominated Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Exercise Science, Nursing and Health Science, Physiotherapy, Podiatry or any other relevant biology or medical science area with at least a 2nd class. (Students who have received a BSc Honors qualification or equivalent will be given preference in the shortlisting process.) Adult learners seeking additional qualifications are also welcome. Work experience in the relevant area will be an advantage. 
 

This course is suitable for students interested in a career in exercise prescription and graduates upon completion of this course will be eligible to register with REPs Ireland and American Association of Personal Trainers (AAPT). 
 

For applicants where English is a second language, we will adhere to NUIG guidelines of requiring IELTS scores of 6.5, TOEFL scores of 88 and/or Pearson PTE scores of 61 with no less than 6.5 in any component.
 

Selection criteria:

Initially a shortlisting procedure will be applied to prioritise applicants. Those who do not meet the primary entry criteria as described above will be declined entry into the program. The remaining applicants will be reviewed in closer detail. Significant weight will be placed on

A) the applicant’s essay describing their motivation for applying for this course and their career aspirations following the successful completion of the MSc,
B) the applicant’s referee’s comments, and
C) the applicant’s previous academic performance.

Fees: EU
€8,680 p.a. 2022/23

Fees: Tuition
€8,540 p.a. 2022/23

Fees: Student levy
€140 p.a. 2022/23

Fees: Non EU
€17,440 p.a. 2022/23
 

Career Opportunities
 

With the increasing number of people living with chronic illnesses the demand for exercise physiologists capable of giving personal exercise advice that can improve the living standards of an individual is growing.  Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to work in areas such as:
 

• Health clubs and related organizations
• Public sports and recreation facilities
• Local public health authorities
• Schools, further education, and higher education institutions
   

The course is designed to fulfill all the requirements for the EHFA and REPs Ireland accreditation. Students will be assisted in their application for registration with REPS Ireland and American College of Sports Medicine.
 

Graduates will also be eligible to pursue research PhD programmes in Sport and Exercise Science and related areas in the Discipline of Physiology, NUI Galway.