Unit Report

During the period covered by this report the Centre for Sport Science and Health developed significantly. New laboratory accommodation (1200 sq.ms.) was partially completed by March 2001 allowing some access for teaching in Semester 2 2000/2001 and was fully completed in May 2001. The laboratories have been equipped to a high standard and provide an excellent location for teaching and research in exercise phsyiology, biomechanics and psychology. The second group of students (26) were recruited to the BSc programme in October 2001. A full review of the BSc Sport Science and Health took place in May 2001 with adjustments to Years 3 and 4 taking place. In preparation for the INTRA placement of third-year students in February 2002, over 200 potential employers were contacted by mail and followed up by telephone.

Considerable attention was paid during 2001 to the recruitment of non-CAO students and this has resulted in the a number of mature, transfer, disabled and NDA students being included in the 2001 entry. An application to Academic Council to have direct access to the programme for high quality athletes/coaches was agreed and following interviews, three students were selected for the pilot programme.

An extensive range of external contacts were established during the year, these include contacts with national sports organisations, national and regional health agencies, hospitals, research agencies and a wide range of individuals. A large number of these included visits to the Centre to meet staff. A detailed proposal for the development of a Sport Science and Sports Medicine facility by the Centre for Sport Science and Health at Campus and Stadium Ireland was prepared. A number of meetings to develop this proposal were held. Detailed discussions have taken place with the GAA in relation to the designation of the Centre as a location for the Coaching and Sports Performance Director.

Staff have been involved in the preparation of a number of research proposals to national and international agencies. Two significant successes in this regard were: a grant from the US NIH received by Dr Moyna in collaboration with a number of US research institutions and a grant from the Health Research Board to Dr Woods and Dr Moyna. The first postgraduate student began work for a PhD in June 2001 (Sharon Kinsella - supervised by Dr Moran). She has been joined by (Patrick Stevens/Dr Moyna and Gary Park/Dr Moran and Karen Weeks/Dr Woods) in September 2001. Staff were involved in presenting papers at a number of national and international conferences. Dr Woods acted as consultant to the Department of Health and Children on the writing of National Health Promotion material. Dr Noel McCaffrey was appointed as an adjunct staff member in January 2001. Discussion was initiated with the Irish Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation regarding the development of a DCU accredited programme for Phase 4 Cardiac Rehabilitation. Preparation of a Masters programme in Sport and Exercise Science was initiated. The formation of a company within the Centre to develop a number of service and consultancy projects was initiated and some considerable work undertaken.

Staff have been involved in the development of the University Strategic Plan, collaboration with colleagues in other schools and National Centres on research initiatives and have contributed to all Faculty committees.