6B022E - Optimising Human Performance 01 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2032 | Version 0

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 6B022E
Module Title: Optimising Human Performance
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Sport
Faculty Sub Group: Sports Coaching
Module Leader: Lee Baldock
Module Team: Brendan Cropley, Adnan Haq, Tom Owens, Christopher Marley, Will Raymond, Leighanne Kelly
First Intended Intake: SEP 2026 Final Year of Intake: 2031
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 30 Credit Level: 6
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100433 - sport and exercise sciences
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 0
Valid From 01 Sep 2026
Valid To 31 Aug 2032

Module Aims

The aims of the module are: 

  1. To equip learners with the advanced, evidence-based skills required to critically evaluate, synthesise, and translate data from the main disciplines of sport and exercise science (Physiology, Biomechanics, and Psychology) into strategic, justifiable, and applied interventions that directly influence and optimise performance outcomes. 

  2. To support learners’ critical exploration of the professional issues experienced by sport and exercise scientists working in performance-focused contexts  

Content Summary

This Level 6 module is designed to transform your scientific knowledge into advanced, evidence-based consultancy skills.The core purpose is to equip you to critically evaluate, synthesise, and translate complex data?from Physiology, Biomechanics, and Psychology into practical, strategic interventions?that directly optimise performance. 

The content focuses on advanced analysis of sporting movements like sprinting and angular motion, alongside deep dives into professional issues in applied sport psychology, including addressing athlete burnout and developing mental toughness.?You'll also explore real-world applications by examining how to optimise performance in cycling and football, focusing on acclimatisation, recovery, and psychological preparation. 

The potential value lies in developing the ability to design, structure, and justify cohesive intervention plans and construct ethical, professional solutions?for service delivery issues, which will prepare you for life as a sport and exercise scientist operating in performance-focused contexts. 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Guided Study 74
Problem/Challenge Based Learning 80
Practical Classes and Workshops 56
Formative Assessment 10
Summative Assessment 60
Asynchronous 20
Total Hours Selected 300

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Critically evaluate and synthesise complex, disciplinary data (Physiological, Biomechanical, and Psychological) to accurately profile a performer's needs and identify key performance determinants
LO2 Design, strategically structure, and scientifically justify a cohesive, ethical, contextually appropriate, and evidence-based intervention plan aimed at optimising performance outcomes

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio Students will be asked to produce a portfolio of work, including the completion of a task relating to the key disciplines of sport and exercise science (e.g., Biomechanics, Psychology, and Physiology). Specifically, the students will be required to respond to a Performance Needs Tender advertised by an elite sports organisation (the “client”). This will involve students having to critically analyse a dataset provided by the organisation in relation to athlete performance for each of the disciplines of biomechanics, psychology, and physiology. They will then have to diagnose potential issues within the dataset that might impact upon athlete performance and design proposed, but evidence-based interventions as a sport and exercise scientist in each discipline in attempts to enhance athletic performance. Each intervention will form part of their portfolio submission. The students will then have to pitch their proposed interventions to the “client” (the module team), via a face-to-face presentation, as though they were in final interview to receive the tender 10 2000 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Portfolio

Reading List

McGinnis, P.M. (2020) Biomechanics of sport and exercise. Fourth edition. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. 

?Bartlett, R., (2014) Introduction to Sports Biomechanics. Analysing Human Movement Patterns (3rd Ed.) London: Routledge.

Gunning, E. (2024). Functional Data Analysis in Biomechanics: A Concise Review of Core Techniques, Applications and Emerging Areas?(1st ed. 2024.). Springer Nature Switzerland. 

Hamill, J., and Knutzen, K.M., (2009) Biomechanical Basis of Human?Movement.(3rd ed.) Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins. 

Cremades, J. G., & Tashman, L. S. (Lauren S. (2016). Global Practices and Training in Applied Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology: A Case Study Approach (J. G. Cremades & L. S. Tashman, Eds.; 1st edition.). Routledge. 

Williams, J.M. and Krane, V. (2020) Applied sport psychology: personal growth to peak performance (8th ed). McGraw-Hill Education. 

Olusoga, P., Bentzen, M., & Kentta, G. (2019). Coach Burnout: A Scoping Review.?International Sport Coaching Journal,6(1), 42–62. 

Baldock, L., Cropley, B., Mellalieu, S. D., & Neil, R. (2022). A Longitudinal Examination of Stress and Mental Ill-/Well-Being in Elite Football Coaches.?The Sport Psychologist,36(3), 171–182. 

McArdle, W.D., Katch, F.I. and Katch, V.L. (2023) Exercise physiology: energy, nutrition, and human performance. Ninth edition. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer. 

Kenney, W.L., Wilmore, J.H. and Costill, D.L. (2022) Physiology of sport and exercise. Eighth edition. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetic.

West, J., Milledge, J., Schoene, R. and Luks, A. (2013) High Altitude Medicine and Physiology. Boca Raton: Taylor and Francis. 

Williams, J.M. and Krane, V. (2020) Applied sport psychology: personal growth to peak performance (8th ed). McGraw-Hill Education. 

Burnley, M. & Jones, A.M. (2018).Power–duration relationship: Physiology, modelling, and application. Sports Medicine, 48(3), 371–383. 

Puype, J. et al. (2019).Physiological determinants of endurance cycling performance in the field. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 119, 247–257. 

Saddlemyer, A. et al. (2020).Cycling biomechanics: Optimising technique for performance and injury prevention. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 15(4), 527–538. 

Hansen, E. A. & Waldeland, H. (2021).Optimal cadence in cycling: A narrative review. Frontiers in Physiology, 12, 681797. 

Brick, N. (2021).The psychology of endurance performance: Cognitive strategies and mental regulation. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 14(1), 266–293. 

Burke, L. M. (2021).Nutrition for prolonged efforts: Fueling strategies for endurance athletes. Sports Medicine, 51(1), 3–22.