This Course Guide has been taken from the most recent presentation of the course. It would be useful for reference purposes but please note that there may be updates for the following presentation.
SPM B217
Sport and Conditioning Science into Practice
Welcome to SPM B217 Sport and Conditioning Science into Practice.
This course is a 20-credit, two-term, middle-level course for undergraduate students offered by Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration.
The course considers how aspects of sports science and theory are put into practice. The course comprises several different types of study resource, both in print and online, including the study units, readings, and activities. These materials will help you master the course over a period of around 32 weeks.
Purpose of this Course Guide
The Course Guide tells you briefly what the course is about, and how you can work your way through the material. It suggests the amount of time you will likely need to spend in order to complete the course, and it gives you a general idea of when your assignments are due. For detailed information on assignments, however, please refer to the Assignment File, and for information on due dates and cut-offs for work to be submitted, please refer to the course schedule available on the Online Learning Environment (OLE).
Course aims
This course is designed to promote your knowledge and skills in sports and exercise science. It focuses on such aspects of sports science as physiology, movement analysis, training methods, and conditioning theory, all of which enrich your understanding of human movement and performance in sports and exercise.
Course learning outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:
The following table provides a general overview of the course structure.
| Unit | Title | Weeks | Assessment activity (end of unit) |
| Part I: Sport and conditioning science | |||
| 1 | Introducing science into practice | 3 | |
| 2 | The body in sports and exercise: A systems approach | 6 | Assignment 1 |
| 3 | Making sense of movement | 7 | Assignment 2 |
| 4 | Exploring core stability | 4 | Assignment 3 |
| 5 | Strength and conditioning | 6 | Assignment 4 |
| Part II: Working with special populations | |||
| 6 | Working with cardiorespiratory conditions | 3 | |
| 7 | Working with diabetics | 3 | |
| 8 | Working with older adults | 3 | |
| 9 | Working with young people | 3 | |
| Total | 32 | ||
The learning outcomes are related to the above units as follows:
| Learning outcome | Unit |
| Outcome 1 | Units 1 to 9 |
| Outcome 2 | Units 1 to 9 |
| Outcome 3 | Unit 1 |
| Outcome 4 | Units 2 and 3 |
| Outcome 5 | Units 2 and 3 |
| Outcome 6 | Unit 4 |
| Outcome 7 | Unit 5 |
| Outcome 8 | Units 6 to 9 |
In addition to this Course Guide, you will receive or be granted access to the following important course components from HKMU:
Study units
There are nine study units in SPM B217 Sport and Conditioning Science into Practice. The study units outline the key concepts of each section, summarize key issues, explain the relevant theories and practices, and comment on related readings. Each unit contains activities to reinforce your assimilation of the issues under discussion.
The course is divided into two main parts, which are described as follows:
Part I: Sport and conditioning science
Unit 1 Introducing science into practice
This opening unit discusses the subjects that are included in the study of sport and exercise science, and the topics this course addresses. You will also start to use some of the main resources of the course that supplement this study unit, including HKMU's Online Learning Environment (OLE), and the E-Library. You will also begin to appreciate how the parts of this course are organized and fit together.
Unit 2 The body in sports and exercise: A systems approach
In this unit you will investigate how human performance is controlled by the interaction of a number of body systems. Each of these systems will be addressed in turn; you will look at their structure and function, and at how each system responds to training. In particular, you will examine the roles of the skeletal and muscular systems in creating movement, and the interaction between the cardiovascular and respiratory systems to supply the body with oxygen. Finally, you will investigate the coordinating role of the nervous system. You will also read about the body systems in relation to subjects as diverse as stress fractures, spinal curves, nature versus nurture, blood doping, altitude training, and cerebral palsy.
Unit 3 Making sense of movement
This unit will consider the analysis of movement in sport and exercise, and how biomechanical principles can help you to understand movement and inform training practice. You will be introduced to terms for describing human movement accurately, and to a systematic model that identifies the main muscle groups that act to initiate and control movements in your sport or activity. You will explore biomechanics and its role in coaching and instructing, and be introduced to the analysis of forces. You will also read about movement in relation to muscle action, the role of gravity, levers, and gait analysis.
Unit 4 Exploring core stability
In this unit you will achieve two objectives. The first of these is to explore the principles that underpin the debate surrounding the recent development of core stability training, which has seen the sometimes-unchallenged promotion of specific exercises and equipment. The second objective is to allow you to make sense of the conflicting information about this topic, and for you to develop your own evaluation of the use of core stability training in practice and the benefits of this. You will observe core stability training in action, and hear a range of professional opinions on the subject.
Unit 5 Strength and conditioning
This unit will consider the science that informs the design of effective training programmes to meet complex individual needs. You will begin by examining the fitness demands of sport and exercise activities, and how these influence the choice of fitness tests and the interpretation of test results. You will consider a variety of fitness training methods, including those used to develop specific aerobic endurance and muscular fitness, and you will examine two specific examples of specialized methods: plyometric, and speed and agility training.
Finally, you will look at how the concepts discussed can be brought together for effective exercise programming practice.
Part II: Working with special populations
The second part of SPM B217 comprises four units, each relating to different population groups that you may work with.
Unit 6 Working with cardiorespiratory conditions
This unit examines cardiovascular conditions and respiratory conditions. It begins by considering two cardiovascular conditions that are particularly prevalent amongst the UK population — coronary heart disease and hypertension (high blood pressure) — and considers the potential role of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of these conditions. The unit also considers the special considerations for prescribing exercise for people with these conditions. The second main part of the unit looks at two of the most common respiratory conditions — asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) — and considers the impact of these conditions on sport and exercise participation and performance.
Unit 7 Working with diabetics
This unit focuses on a medical condition that is becoming increasingly widespread in Britain, diabetes mellitus. The first part of Unit 7 looks at the two main diabetic conditions — type 1 diabetes, which usually starts at a young age (under 16), and type 2 diabetes, which is much more prevalent and affects older, usually obese people. You will examine the pathology, causes and symptoms of each condition and the factors that can increase the individual's susceptibility to developing diabetes. You will then look at the damage poorly controlled diabetes can have on the systems of the body, and at how the individual can manage their condition. The second part of the unit examines the role that physical activity and exercise can play in managing the physiological and psychological impact of diabetes. Finally, you will look at the risks of the diabetic person taking exercise and the precautions that need to be taken to minimize these risks.
Unit 8 Working with older adults
Unit 8 examines the issues involved in working with older adults — an increasingly large group owing to increased life expectancies. Not only are people living longer, but they are also becoming increasingly interested in exercise and are involved in sports for longer. This unit begins by looking at the concept of age and what is meant by the term 'older adult'. The factors that cause us to age and how anatomy and physiology change with age are also considered along with the psychological dimensions of ageing. The second part of the unit explores the physical and psychological benefits of sports and physical activities for older adults. However, these activities are only beneficial if they are performed safely and within limits of physical fitness and capabilities, so you will look at the screening process for older adults and the training guidelines for aerobic and resistance training.
Unit 9 Working with young people
Children are not miniature adults — their physiological, motor, mental and emotional development are different from those of adults and therefore sport and exercise provision for children requires a specialist approach. In this unit we examine the factors that should be taken into consideration when working with children in a sport or fitness setting. The unit will begin with a look at the physiological differences between children and adults before examining physical activity guidelines for children. Models of athlete development and controversial topics such as strength training for children will also be considered within the unit.
The course is structured so that each unit builds upon previous knowledge. Each unit contains various different ways to help you study. You are advised to:
Textbooks
Two textbooks are required for the course:
Baechle, T R and Earle, R W (eds) (2008) Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, 3rd edn, Champaign, IL, Human Kinetics.
Buckley, J P (2008) Exercise Physiology in Special Populations, Advances in Sport and Exercise Science Series, Edinburgh and London, Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.
Please note that these are e-textbooks; you will be able to gain access to them via the course OLE or via the University's E-Library.
Reference books
If you are interested in doing some extra reading, you might like to refer to the following textbooks. However, they are not compulsory for the course.
American College of Sports Medicine (2021) Resources for the Personal Trainer, 6th edn, Philadelphia, Wolters Kluwer.
Haff, G G and Triplett, N T (2016) Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, 4th edn, Champaign, IL, Human Kinetics.
Readings
You will be instructed in the study units to read articles or other supplementary materials. Some of these are included in a Course Reader, which will be available via the OLE. Other readings will be made available via the University's E-Library.
E-Library E-Reserve
Certain reading materials may be available in the E-Library E-Reserve. To access these items, go to the University's E-Library and click on 'E-Reserve'. Log in, click 'Accept/Agree' on the Copyright Restrictions page, fill in the 'Course Code' box, and click 'Search'.
Assignment File
Assignment details for this course are contained in your Assignment File. Assignment coverage is outlined in the section 'Course overview' of this Course Guide. You are required to complete your assignments and submit them through the OLE to your tutor in accordance with the due dates provided in the course schedule.
Course schedule
The schedule for this course is available on the OLE. In this schedule, you will see the due dates for submitting your assignments. Please note that you must submit all your assignments on time.
Equipment required by students and tutors
Web access is necessary to complete this course.
Online Learning Environment
This course is supported by the Online Learning Environment (OLE). You can find course materials and the latest course information from the OLE. Through the OLE, you can also communicate with your tutor, the Course Coordinator and other students. For details about the OLE and how to access it, please refer to the Online Learning Environment User Guide.
You should pay particular attention to this Course Guide and all instructions in the study units. You should also watch all the supplementary lectures (pre-recorded videos), and attend all the live online tutorials and surgeries, where you will meet other 'distant' learners.
Study units
You must read the study units carefully, as they guide your learning and tell you how to approach any assignment related to the unit. Otherwise, you might miss important information. You must read the study units and the readings. They are not alternatives. Moreover, you should also read articles in newspapers and journals and other books related to the topics. Don't forget to scan the Web. The more widely you read, the better your appreciation and understanding of the course.
Non-assessed activities
You will come across non-assessed activities in each of the study units. These are designed to help you remember and apply what you have learned, and to prepare you for your assignments and examination. The activity questions provide you with immediate feedback on your understanding of the subject matter just learned. By answering these questions and referring to the comments/feedback provided, you can check your progress accordingly. However, you should attempt all questions before referring to the comments/feedback.
Checking understanding
While you are doing your study, please keep in mind the objectives of each study unit. After you have finished the unit, check whether you have achieved the set objectives. If you encounter any problems, please make notes and raise your concerns with your tutor as soon as possible.
This course is designed to help you progress easily from the required readings to the assignments and examination. You will be required to apply the information and techniques learned during the course when doing the assignments. The assignments must be submitted to your tutor for formal assessment in accordance with the deadlines stated in the Assignment File. The non-assessed activity questions are not part of your formal assessment, but these should be done before you progress to the assignments.
Assignments
Four assignments have been set for this course. You must submit all assignments to your tutor for marking. It is advisable that you should also read other references, apart from the materials covered in the textbook and study units, when you are working through your assignments.
How to do your assignments
For each assignment, please read through the tasks and the instructions accompanying the question in the Assignment File. Please read each task carefully and make sure you understand what is required before attempting it.
You must be careful when you are using other references in the research for your assignments. If you commit plagiarism, you will be penalized severely. Plagiarism is theft of somebody else's work or ideas. This applies just as much to using work of other students as it does to authors of books. However, you may include parenthetical references to the works you cite, e.g. (Stott, 1998, p. 38). You should include a section at the end of your assignment called 'References' where the details of the publication appear. The way to cite a reference is:
Stott, V. (1998). Hong Kong company law (8th ed.). Hong Kong: Financial Times Pitman Publishing.
Please refer to the document 'Academic writing: Acknowledging your sources' on the OLE for further details.
How to submit assignments
You must use word processing software (such as Microsoft Word) to prepare the assignments, and submit them via the Online Learning Environment (OLE). All assignments must be uploaded to the OLE by the due date.
Failure to upload an assignment in the required format to the OLE may result in the score of the assignment being adjusted to zero.
Assignment submission extension policy
The assignment policy of the University as stated in the Student Handbook should be observed. You are required to submit assignments for this course in accordance with the dates communicated by your Course Coordinator. You may apply for a submission extension on the grounds of illness, accident, disability, bereavement or other compassionate circumstances.
Applications for extensions must be submitted online via the OLE. Please note the following:
After an assignment is submitted via the OLE, it is your responsibility to check that the assignment has been successfully submitted. Extension applications due to any problem with uploading will not be accepted. The University cannot accept any responsibility for assignments that are not received by your tutor due to any problem with submission via the OLE. As a precaution, you are advised to keep a copy of each assignment you submit.
According to the University's policy, no extension of the due date will be allowed for the final assignment. This policy will be strictly enforced. Any late submission of the final assignment will result in the score of the assignment being adjusted to zero.
Final examination and grading
The final examination for this course will be of two hours' duration and will count for 40% of the total course grade. You should use the time between finishing the last unit and the examination to review the entire course. You might find it useful to review the activity questions, assignments, and your tutor's comments on them before sitting for the examination. You will be advised of examination arrangements after you send in your examination registration card.
The final examination covers information from all parts of the course.
Marking scheme for assessment
This tells you the total marks allocated to the assignments and to your final examination. In order to pass this course, you must pass both the assignments component and the examination.
| Assessment | Marks |
| Assignment 1 | 15% |
| Assignment 2 | 15% |
| Assignment 3 | 15% |
| Assignment 4 | 15% |
| Examination | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
Your tutor will mark and comment on your assignments. He/She will keep an eye on your progress and assist you if you encounter problems during the course. Marked assignments will be returned to you as soon as possible.
It is a good practice to keep a copy of each assignment submitted for marking so that you can always refer to any queries with the tutor during a telephone conversation. Please contact your tutor should any of the following arise:
Apart from self-study, supplementary lectures (pre-recorded videos) and live online lectures, tutorials and surgeries will also be organized to assist you in your learning process. Details of the dates, times, and location of these learning sessions, as well as the name and phone number of your tutor, will be sent to you in due course.
It is strongly recommended that you watch all the supplementary lectures, and attend all the live online tutorials and surgeries because they will provide considerable assistance in your study of this course. Moreover, you will have the chance to meet with other distance learners who are studying at HKMU.
Lesson policy
Live online tutorials and surgeries will start on time. If a teacher fails to turn up 30 minutes after the scheduled starting time, students may assume that the session is cancelled and they should report the case to the Course Coordinator so that a make-up session can be arranged.
If you wish to defer your studies of this course until a later date, you should apply for deferment of studies. For the regulations governing deferment of studies, please refer to your Student Handbook. If you have applied for deferment of studies, you should continue with your studies of this course and submit the required assignments until formal approval is given by the University.
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