'Biomechanics of Swimming' is a core module – comprising six topics – in the PG Certificate of Swimming that provides an overview of the theory and research underpinning the various aspects of swimming technique for coaching swimming at all levels.

As with all courses in the Certificate it is studied wholly on-line.

The six topics are:

1. Using Forces from the Water for Support and Propulsion
2. Minimising Resistive Forces and Developing Economy
3. Applying the General Principles to the ‘Rolling Strokes’ – Front Crawl and Backstroke
4. Applying the General Principles to the ‘Undulating Strokes’ – Butterfly and Breaststroke
5. Turns
6. Starts

This module is designed specifically for those wanting to apply scientific principles and knowledge of swimming technique to coaching practice. All resources required top study the course are available on-line, including the key text and some coaching articles used to introduce students to the advanced concepts that underpin performance and enjoyment of swimming, and to reduce the incidence of injury.

Throughout the module, examples will be provided to demonstrate how current knowledge is actually applied in a sporting context. Activities such as ‘reflections’, ‘discussion papers’ and ‘discussion forums’ will encourage application to swim coaching. The materials for this module are complete for the purposes of study and assessment on the Certificate. Any ‘Suggested Readings’ are optional but are included to allow the student to further their interest in a particular topic.

Click here for a PDF copy of the Course Outline

'Strength and Conditioning' has emerged as one of the key areas of support for athletes working towards peak performance. Current research and theory in this area have progressed to the point that we can improve the ability to design and implement the most appropriate Strength and Conditioning programs for sports participants at all levels.

This course -- a core module in the PG Certificate of Swimming -- comprises six topics, and provides an overview of the theory and research underpinning the various aspects of Strength and Conditioning delivery for high performance sport. It is designed specifically for those wanting to apply Strength and Conditioning knowledge based on the findings of scientific research, to coaching practice.

As with all courses in the Certificate it is studied wholly on-line.

The materials for this course are complete for the purposes of study and assessment on the Certificate. Any "Suggested Readings" are optional but are included to allow the student to further their interest in a particular topic.

Click here for a PDF copy of the Course Outline

The 'Instructional Methods in Swimming' (available from January 2011) unit is designed specifically for:

• those wanting to improve their understanding of the swimming teaching environment and knowledge about pupil orientated content for the early stage learner;
• those who want to develop the organisational and pedagogical skills related to how to teach swimming effectively to non-swimmers / early stage learners and improvers up to early club swimmers.

The core text provided, plus some journal articles, will be used to introduce students to the concepts that underpin effective teaching in a swimming pool environment. Throughout the unit, examples will be provided to demonstrate how current knowledge is actually applied in a teaching and coaching context. Activities such as ‘reflections’, ‘discussion papers’ and ‘discussion forums’ will encourage application to a range of swimming teaching situations.

This course is designed to provide understanding of the swimming teaching environment, the developmental stages of learners in relation to acquiring swimming skills and strategies for structuring programmes and delivering lessons. On completion of the course students will:

1. Understand what the core skills / elements of water literacy are and how they relate to future development / competence in a wide range of swimming skills and strokes
2. Understand pedagogical and instructional approaches to teaching the main content of learning programmes for participants from non-swimmer up to early club level
3. Understand the complexity of the swimming teaching environment and how elements such as effective organisation and diverse forms of communication contribute to the effectiveness of the teaching / learning and progress of the learner
4. Apply the above three areas of knowledge and understanding in order to structure and present suitable and effective learning opportunities and practice situations for participants at different stage of learning or of different levels of ability in the range of content relevant to learn to swim programmes

The core content covers areas such as:

• Core skills and water literacy for early stage learners
• Relationship between age, development and learning to swim
• Pedagogical and instructional approaches to teaching complete non-swimmers
• Pedagogical and instructional approaches to teaching the main swimming strokes and skills
• Practices: structuring, sequencing and supporting of practices
• Equipment: function and use in relation to supporting learners / facilitating practice
• Class, group and individual teaching
• Understanding the learner’s perspective on specific skills / practices / lessons
• Communication and feedback
• Organisation for safety and effective teaching

Learning and teaching activities will be based on state of the art e-learning approaches including group discussions in the ‘discussion forums’, individual ‘reflective activities’, ‘comment papers’, on-line quizzes, and assignments. For Assignment purposes, students should be able and prepared to record themselves on video to demonstrate their learning with respect to effective teaching practice.