4B050E - Fundamentals of Strength and Conditioning 01 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2032 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 4B050E
Module Title: Fundamentals of Strength and Conditioning
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Sport
Faculty Sub Group: Sports Coaching
Module Leader: Nathan Evans
Module Team: Peter Ashcroft
First Intended Intake: SEP 2026 Final Year of Intake: 2031
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 30 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh:
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100433 - sport and exercise sciences
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2026
Valid To 31 Aug 2032

Module Aims

The main aims of the module are: 

  • Introduce core principles and practices of strength and conditioning, including programming, movement screening, and key training modalities, to build foundational knowledge and practical competence. 

  • Develop students’ ability to apply evidence-based methods in designing and evaluating training programs for diverse populations, informed by standards from NSCA, UKSCA, IUSCA, and CIMSPA. 

  • Foster collaborative, challenge-based learning that promotes digital fluency, critical thinking, and professional readiness for real-world health and fitness environments. 

Content Summary

Welcome to Strength and Conditioning! 
This module is all about giving you the tools and confidence to start your journey in the world of performance training. Think of it as your foundation for future qualifications with leading organisations like NSCA, UKSCA, IUSCA, and CIMSPA. 

Over six themed weeks, we’ll dive into the essentials: 

  • Programming – how to build smart training plans 

  • Movement screening – spotting strengths and areas to improve 

  • Speed and agility – moving faster and sharper 

  • Plyometrics – explosive power 

  • Endurance – building stamina 

  • Resistance training – getting stronger 

You won’t just learn the theory—you’ll get hands-on experience, use performance analysis tools, and explore wearable tech to see how data shapes training. We’ll challenge you with real-world scenarios and team activities so you can practice solving problems like a professional. 

By the end of the module, you’ll be able to design and evaluate basic training programs, ready for more advanced study and industry placements. Along the way, you’ll build skills employers love—adaptability, resilience, and collaboration—while being part of a supportive learning community. 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Seminar 28
Practical Classes and Workshops 28
Guided Study 100
Problem/Challenge Based Learning 60
Formative Assessment 24
Summative Assessment 60
Total Hours Selected 300

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Design and justify foundational strength and conditioning programs using principles of exercise science, including movement screening, resistance training, and energy system development, tailored to diverse populations and performance goals.
LO2 Demonstrate digital fluency and reflective practice through the use of performance analysis tools and collaborative learning platforms to evaluate training interventions and communicate findings.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment Practical Coursework (Onsite) Practical synchronous coached session 23 N/A 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Student Choice Students are offered a choice of format: they may either deliver a presentation or submit an essay 0 3000 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Practical Coursework (Onsite)
Student Choice

Reading List

Week 1 

Introduction to Strength and Conditioning 

Haff, G.G. & Triplett, N.T. (eds.) Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, 4th ed., NSCA (2016) — selected introductory chapters on profession, ethics and scope 
Journals: Strength and Conditioning Journal; Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research; Sports Medicine 

Bompa, T. & Buzzichelli, C. Periodization: Theory and Methodology of Training, 6th ed. (2018) — chapters on professional roles and pathways 
PSRB guidance documents (NSCA, UKSCA, IUSCA, CIMSPA technical briefs and competency frameworks) 

NSCA, UKSCA, IUSCA, CIMSPA competency frameworks 

Week 2 

Programming Fundamentals 

Haff, G.G. & Nimphius, S. Designing Resistance Training Programs (2016) — programming and session design 
Journals: Journal of Sports Sciences; European Journal of Sport Science; International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance 

Bompa, T. & Buzzichelli, C. Periodization (2018) — periodisation models and individualisation 
Recent textbooks/monographs on applied resistance training (2015–2025) 

NSCA, UKSCA, CIMSPA standards for exercise prescription 

Week 3 

Movement Screening and Assessment 

Butler, R. & McGill, S. (selected contemporary review articles on movement screening and biomechanics) — core review paper(s) from Sports Medicine or Journal of Athletic Training 
Journals: Sports Biomechanics; Journal of Athletic Training; Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 

Cook, G. Movement: Functional Movement Systems (selected recent reviews and applied papers) 
Applied screening frameworks (supplementary reviews from 2015–2025) 

UKSCA/NSCA requirements for movement assessment; IUSCA emphasis on evidence-based screening; CIMSPA expectations for client assessment competence 

Week 4 

Speed, Agility and Plyometrics 

Markovic, G. & Mikulic, P. (key review articles and applied guidelines on plyometrics, sprint mechanics and COD from Sports Medicine / JSCR) 
Journals: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research; International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance; European Journal of Sport Science 

Young, W.B. & Behm, D. (selected contemporary empirical papers on speed and power development and applied progressions) 

NSCA/UKSCA technical competencies for speed and power development; IUSCA guidance on safe plyometric progressions; CIMSPA technical standard for performance training delivery 

Week 5 

Endurance Training and Energy Systems 

Halson, S. & Bourdon, P. (recent authoritative review on monitoring endurance training, load management and recovery from Sports Medicine or IJSPP) 
Journals: Sports Medicine; International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance; Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 

Practical guides and position statements on heart-rate, RPE and wearable monitoring (recent publications 2016–2025) 

NSCA/UKSCA guidance on conditioning; IUSCA/CIMSPA expectations for monitoring and load management 

Week 6 

Resistance Training Methods and Session Integration 

Haff, G.G. & Triplett, N.T. Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, 4th ed., NSCA (2016) — chapters on resistance training modalities, progression and session structuring 
Journals: Strength and Conditioning Journal; Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research; Sports Medicine 

Recent textbooks/monographs on applied resistance training (2015–2025) 
PSRB guidance documents (NSCA, UKSCA, IUSCA, CIMSPA technical briefs and competency frameworks) 

NSCA/UKSCA competencies for resistance training prescription and safe delivery; CIMSPA technical standards; IUSCA expectations for integrated practice