The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) today announced the launch of seven new online courses on Sports Science. The courses can be taken online free of cost, as per the IIT.

These comprehensive online courses aim to bridge the gap between theory and practical applications. The courses are tailored to the Indian and South Asian body structure and cultural aspects.

The classes for the first batch of these seven courses will start on February 19, 2023. Interested candidates can apply for the courses on the NPTEL website – nptel.ac.in/courses.

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The National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) was initiated by seven Indian Institutes of Technology (Madras, Bombay, , Kanpur, Kharagpur,  and Roorkee) along with the Indian Institute of Science,  in 2003.

Prof Andrew Thangaraj, coordinator, NPTEL, IIT Madras, said, “This comprehensive set of courses will be a game-changer, addressing India-centric sports needs and promoting a well-rounded approach. There is a high demand for skilled personnel across sports domains with competitive sports expanding rapidly in India. These NPTEL courses equip learners to understand how to enhance performance, monitor diet and training frequencies, formulate recovery programs, and offer a holistic approach to sports science.”

The eligibility criteria include Class 12 passing certificate.

The courses, as per IT-M, are relevant for students pursuing Bachelor’s and Master’s in Sports Sciences, Physiotherapy, and Physical Education, and other related areas. On completion, students can pursue Diplomas or PG degrees in these areas. The Center of Excellence in Sports Science and Analytics at IIT Madras has introduced courses in this domain.

Prof Mahesh Panchagnula, co-principal investigator, Center of Excellence in Sports Science and Analytics, IIT Madras, said, “These courses are for everyone. For anybody who is an enthusiast, a sports person, or who is interested in topics like strengthening, fitness, conditioning, sports, nutrition, and psychology.”

While the courses are being offered online on the National MOOCs portal of India, SWAYAM (swayam.gov.in), the final exam will be in-person centre-based and proctored, which carries a fee of Rs 1,000 per course.

These courses are targeted towards a broad audience including coaches, athletes, trainers, physiotherapists, nutritionists, among others. It covers crucial sports topics such as biomechanics, injury prevention, sports psychology, strength training for Indians, and cultural aspects of sports.

Students can gain a domain certification in Sports Science by completing five core courses and two elective courses.

1. Strength & Conditioning for the Indian Population

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2. Sports and Performance Nutrition

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3. Fundamentals of Sports Training, Load Management and Recovery

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4. Essentials of Sports Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation

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5. Human Movement Science

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6. Introduction to Exercise Physiology & Sports Performance

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7. Sports Psychology

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The areas covered include exercise physiology, movement science, sports nutrition, injury prevention, training fundamentals, strength conditioning, and sports psychology. Through theory and practical knowledge, participants will gain invaluable insights to build a career in sports science.

From exercise physiology fundamentals to practical applications like nutrition strategies and biomechanics techniques, attendees will gain foundational and in-depth knowledge to build a successful sports science career.