Department: Institute of Graduate Programs

This specialization provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of sports science, focusing on the study of human movement, performance, and health in sport and physical activity. Students will explore key topics such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports psychology, and sports nutrition.

The specialization focuses on integrating theoretical knowledge and practical skills to prepare students for careers in athletic training, sports coaching, sports management, and related fields.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamental principles of sports science and their role in enhancing sports performance and health.
• Develop skills to analyze and improve human movement and physical performance.
• Learn techniques to apply exercise physiology and biomechanics in sports training.
• Explore the principles of sports psychology and their applications in athlete development.
• Understand the impact of nutrition and recovery on sports performance.
• Analyze challenges and opportunities for working in sports science.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address challenges in sports performance and health.

Main Curriculum:

1. Introduction to Sports Science
   • An overview of sports science, its history, and its importance in sport and physical activity.
2. Exercise Physiology
   • Fundamentals of exercise physiology, including cardiovascular and muscular adaptations to exercise.
   • Techniques for designing and implementing sports programs to enhance performance.
3. Biomechanics
   • Principles of biomechanics, including the analysis of movement and forces in sports.
   • Techniques for improving movement efficiency and reducing injury risks.
4. Sports Psychology
   • An overview of sports psychology, including motivation, focus, and mental resilience.
   • Techniques to enhance mental performance and well-being in athletes.
5. Sports Nutrition and Recovery
   • The basics of sports nutrition, including macronutrients, hydration, and supplements.
   • Techniques to optimize nutrition and recovery strategies for athletes.
6. Ethics and Professional Practice in Sports Science
   • An overview of ethical and professional considerations in sports science.
   • Techniques to ensure ethical and professional conduct in sports education and research.
7. Specialized Topics in Sports Science
   • Principles of specialized topics, including strength and conditioning, injury prevention, and rehabilitation.
   • Techniques for conducting in-depth research on specialized topics.
8. Emerging Trends in Sports Science
   • The impact of emerging trends, such as wearable technology and data analytics, on sports science.
   • Techniques to integrate modern trends in sports training and performance analysis.

Assessment Methods:

• Practical tests and sports training sessions to assess skills in exercise physiology and biomechanics.
• Written assignments and research to evaluate knowledge in sports psychology and nutrition.
• Presentations and reports on specialized topics and emerging trends.
• Participation in group projects and sports performance simulations.

Recommended Books:

• "Physiology of Sport and Exercise" by W. Larry Kenney, Jack H. Wilmore, and David L. Costill.
• "Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise" by Peter M. McGinnis.
• "Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology" by Robert S. Weinberg and Daniel Gould.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge in biology and physical education is recommended. This specialization is suitable for students in sports science, physical education, and related fields.

Main Duration:

This specialization typically lasts four academic years, with a combination of lectures, lab sessions, and practical exercises.

Certification:

Upon successful completion of the program, students can earn a degree in sports science, depending on the program and institution.

Target Audience:

This specialization is designed for undergraduate and graduate students in sports science, physical education, and related fields, as well as professionals seeking to enhance their skills in sports science. The specialization prepares students and professionals to excel in the field of sports science, utilizing theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and understanding of emerging trends to enhance sports performance, promote health, and improve training and management strategies in relevant domains.