The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has announced the launch of seven new online courses on Sports Science. These courses, offered free of cost, are designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, with a focus on the Indian and South Asian body structure and cultural aspects.
The classes for the first batch of these comprehensive online courses are scheduled to commence on February 19, 2023. Interested candidates can apply for the courses through the NPTEL website (nptel.ac.in/courses).
The National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), initiated by seven prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology and the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore in 2003, is hosting these courses. The initiative aims to meet the increasing demand for skilled personnel in various sports domains, as competitive sports continue to expand rapidly in India.
The eligibility criteria for these courses include possessing a Class 12 passing certificate. They are particularly relevant for students pursuing Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Sports Sciences, Physiotherapy, and Physical Education, as well as other related areas.
Upon completion, students will have the opportunity to pursue Diplomas or PG degrees in these specialized areas. The Center of Excellence in Sports Science and Analytics at IIT Madras has introduced courses in this domain to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field.
While the courses are available online on the National MOOCs portal of India, SWAYAM (swayam.gov.in), the final exam will be in-person, center-based, and proctored, with a fee of Rs 1,000 per course.
These courses cater to a broad audience, including coaches, athletes, trainers, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and others involved in the sports industry. The curriculum covers crucial sports topics such as biomechanics, injury prevention, sports psychology, strength training for Indians, and cultural aspects of sports.
Students completing five core courses and two elective courses can gain a domain certification in Sports Science. The courses are:
- Strength & Conditioning for the Indian Population: https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc24_hs84/preview
- Sports and Performance Nutrition: https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc24_hs82/preview
- Fundamentals of Sports Training, Load Management, and Recovery: https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc24_hs87/preview
- Essentials of Sports Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation: https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc24_hs85/preview
- Human Movement Science Course page: https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc24_hs81/preview
- Introduction to Exercise Physiology & Sports Performance: https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc24_hs86/preview
- Sports Psychology: https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc24_hs83/preview
