FOUNDATIONAL SPORT SCIENCE COURSE
Certificate Program
The Foundational Sport Science Certificate Program is a comprehensive, full-time academic initiative designed to introduce learners to the scientific foundations that govern human movement, athletic performance, and contemporary coaching practice. Developed under the Bhutan Olympic Committee, the program offers an interdisciplinary and structured curriculum that integrates theoretical instruction, applied practice, and reflective learning to develop competent and well-informed practitioners in the field of sport science.
Delivered through the National Coaching Academy, the program adopts a blended learning model that emphasizes both depth and accessibility. Core lectures are facilitated through computer-based presentations incorporating multimedia elements—audio, video, self-assessment tools, and interactive components—to ensure an engaging and pedagogically sound learning experience.
To reinforce classroom learning, participants engage in directed study involving review articles, current research publications, and curated academic resources aligned with the program’s intended learning outcomes. Learners are also provided with an extensive electronic reading portfolio, including access to essential sport science textbooks and a
subscription to the International Journal of Sports Science, supporting ongoing inquiry, research literacy, and independent academic development.
Academic rigor is upheld through continuous assessment, consisting of coursework, written assignments, and formal examinations embedded within each module. These structured assessments foster critical thinking, conceptual understanding, and practical application of sport science principles.
The program also features an annual residential learning component coordinated by the Bhutan Olympic Committee. This immersive experience enables participants to engage in practical sessions, interact with subject-matter experts, and collaborate with peers, thereby strengthening the link between theoretical knowledge and applied practice.
Upon satisfactory completion of all compulsory requirements—including assignments, coursework, and formal examinations—participants will be awarded the Certificate in Sport Science under the Bhutan Olympic Committee. This certification affirms foundational competency in key areas of sport science and establishes a strong platform for future professional or academic advancement in the field.
Learn from experts at the National Coaching Academy,
officially recognized by the Bhutan Olympic Committee.
Aim of the Foundational Sport Science Program
The Foundational Sport Science Program, delivered through the National Coaching Academy under the Bhutan Olympic Committee, is designed to strengthen the professional capacity of Bhutanese coaches and athletes through scientifically informed training methods, structured performance-development frameworks, and evidence-based coaching practice.
The program aims to cultivate a high-performance sporting culture in Bhutan by building core competencies in training methodology, communication, leadership, sport psychology, injury prevention, nutrition, and on-field application. Through a balanced emphasis on theoretical knowledge and applied practice, the program supports long-term athlete development, professional excellence, and sustained national sporting progress.
Expected Outcomes for Coaches During On-Site Training
- Strengthen technical and professional competence through the application of core sport science principles.
- Demonstrate effective leadership and professional conduct in coaching environments.
- Communicate clearly and constructively to guide, motivate, and support athletes.
- Design and implement structured training plans using evidence-based periodization methods.
- Monitor training load and incorporate appropriate recovery and injury-prevention strategies.
- Apply practical coaching skills to execute training sessions and adapt to real-time performance demands.
- Make informed tactical decisions during training and competition settings.
- Integrate modern sport psychology approaches to enhance athlete mindset, focus, and resilience.
- Promote growth-oriented, athlete-centered coaching practices that move beyond traditional, restrictive coaching methods.
Modules
Functional Anatomy
Provides a foundation in sports governance, organizational structures, event management, and resource allocation. Students learn the fundamentals of managing sports programs at community and national levels.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the organizational structures and governance in sports.
- Apply principles of event planning, budgeting, and resource management.
- Demonstrate competence in managing sports programs effectively.
Basic Physiology
This module introduces the fundamental principles of human physiology, focusing on cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, and energy systems. The adaptation of these systems to exercise and physical training is explored in the context of athletic performance.
Learning Outcomes:
- Explain the key physiological processes supporting exercise and performance.
- Evaluate the effects of training on cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular systems.
- Apply physiological concepts to design evidence-based training strategies.
Basic Physiology
This module introduces the fundamental principles of human physiology, focusing on cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, and energy systems. The adaptation of these systems to exercise and physical training is explored in the context of athletic performance.
Learning Outcomes:
- Explain the key physiological processes supporting exercise and performance.
- Evaluate the effects of training on cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular systems.
- Apply physiological concepts to design evidence-based training strategies.
Fundamental Movements
Explores essential movement patterns, motor skill development, and biomechanical principles. The module emphasizes assessment and improvement of movement efficiency across different sports disciplines.
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify and assess fundamental movement patterns in athletes.
- Apply biomechanical principles to improve technique and performance.
- Design training interventions targeting motor skill development.
Principles and Methods of Sport Coaching
Introduces the theory and practice of coaching, including session planning, pedagogical approaches, and athlete-centered training methodologies.
Learning Outcomes:
- Develop structured training sessions aligned with coaching objectives.
- Apply evidence-based coaching methodologies across sports contexts.
- Evaluate coaching effectiveness and adapt approaches to athlete needs.
Sports Administration and Management
Provides a foundation in sports governance, organizational structures, event management, and resource allocation. Students learn the fundamentals of managing sports programs at community and national levels.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the organizational structures and governance in sports.
- Apply principles of event planning, budgeting, and resource management.
- Demonstrate competence in managing sports programs effectively.
Advanced Sports Administration and Management
Expands upon foundational administration concepts to include strategic management, leadership, operational planning, and policy implementation within sports organizations.
Learning Outcomes:
- Develop strategic plans for sports organizations.
- Apply leadership and management principles in operational contexts.
- Evaluate organizational effectiveness and implement improvement strategies.
Sport Injury Prevention and Management
Covers the principles of injury prevention, recognition, and management, including rehabilitation protocols and risk reduction strategies to enhance athlete safety and performance.
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify common sports injuries and their mechanisms.
- Implement prevention strategies to reduce injury risk.
- Apply rehabilitation principles to facilitate athlete recovery.
Sport Nutrition
Examines nutritional strategies to optimize performance, recovery, and overall athlete health. Topics include macronutrient and micronutrient requirements, supplementation, and hydration strategies.
Learning Outcomes:
- Assess nutritional needs of athletes in different sports and training phases.
- Design nutrition plans to support performance and recovery.
- Evaluate the impact of diet and supplementation on health and performance outcomes.
Applied Information and Communication Technology in Sport
Introduces the application of ICT tools in sports performance analysis, monitoring, and data-driven decision-making. Students learn to integrate technology into coaching and management practices.
Learning Outcomes:
- Utilize digital tools for performance analysis and monitoring.
- Interpret sports data to inform coaching and management decisions.
- Integrate ICT applications effectively in training and competition settings.
Communication Skills for Sports Professionals
Develops the communication skills necessary for effective interaction with athletes, coaches, officials, and stakeholders. Focus is on interpersonal, team, and public communication.
Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate effective communication in coaching and management contexts.
- Apply conflict resolution and negotiation skills within sports environments.
- Develop strategies for clear and persuasive stakeholder communication.
Fitness Training and Periodization
Focuses on principles of fitness development, program design, and periodization to optimize performance across competitive cycles. Includes strength, endurance, speed, and flexibility training methodologies.
Learning Outcomes:
- Design periodized training programs tailored to athlete needs.
- Apply principles of conditioning and recovery to enhance performance.
- Monitor and adjust training interventions based on athlete responses.
Sport Psychology: Understanding the Athlete
Explores psychological factors influencing athletic performance, including motivation, resilience, focus, and well-being. Students learn strategies to support athlete mental health and performance.
Learning Outcomes:
- Analyze psychological factors affecting athlete performance and development.
- Apply mental skills techniques to enhance motivation, focus, and resilience.
- Develop support strategies to promote athlete psychological well-being.
Assessments & Credit Structure
Aligned with the Royal University of Bhutan (2025) Wheel of Academic Laws, the programme is classified as an Advanced Certificate, exceeding standard certificate requirements.
- Face-to-Face Instruction: 12 credits × 10 hours = 120 hours/module
- Notional/Directed Study: 12 credits × 10 hours = 120 hours/module
- Total per Module: 24 credits / 240 hours
- Total Programme (7 modules): 1680 hours
This structure exceeds the standard certificate requirement (1200 hours) by 480 hours, reflecting its intensive learning and practical engagement.
Credit Hour Breakdown:
| Component | Credits | Hours per Credit | Total Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face-to-Face Learning | 12 | 10 | 120 |
| Notional / Assignment Work | 12 | 10 | 120 |
| Total per Module | 24 | – | 240 |
| Number of Modules | 7 | – | – |
| Total Programme Hours | – | – | 1680 |
Programme Classification:
| Programme Type | Required Credit Hours | BOC Programme Credit Hours | Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | 1200 | 1680 | Exceeds Certificate Level |
| Diploma | 2400 | – | Not Applicable |
| Advanced Certificate | 1200–1800 | 1680 | Classified as Advanced Certificate |
Students Progression & Award
Module-wise Credit Structure
Each module within the National Coaching Programme is designed to provide a balanced integration of theoretical knowledge and practical coaching skills. The programme combines face-to-face (F2F) sessions with assignment-based learning, ensuring students can apply their learning effectively in real-world sports contexts.
- Credits per Module: 24 credits (12 credits F2F + 12 credits assignment-based learning)
- Total Hours per Module: 240 hours
Calculated as 12 F2F sessions × 10 hours per session × 2 (including preparation and assignment work)
- Learning Requirement: Active participation in both face-to-face sessions and assignment components is essential to achieve the intended learning outcomes.
Student Progression and Assessment Requirements
- Passing Criteria: Students must achieve a minimum of 50% overall in each module, combining examination and assignment marks.
- Component Requirements: A minimum of 40% is required in both the F2F assessment and the assignment component individually to pass.
- Distinction: Students achieving a combined score of 75% or above will be recognized for Distinction.
- Resits: Students who need to resit any component may still pass the module but will not be eligible for Distinction.
Resit and Assignment Submission Policy
- Students who fail to meet the required standards will be offered one opportunity to repeat module components via additional assignments and/or resit examinations.
- Supplementary assignments must be completed within a timeframe that allows the programme to be completed within one year of initial enrolment.
- Replacement assignments will differ from the originals and may incur an additional fee, determined annually.
Award of Certificate
Upon successful completion of all modules and fulfilment of assessment requirements, students will be awarded the National Coaching Programme Certificate, reflecting their achievement in sports science and coaching.
Tuition fees are payable upon registration and encompass all essential components required for successful completion of the course:
- Tuition and Academic Support: Comprehensive instruction for all modules, including faculty supervision, supporting learning materials, and all prescribed textbooks.
- Assessment Costs: Evaluation of assignments and examinations, excluding any resit or supplementary assessment fees.
- Program Participation: Registration and participation in the annual program meeting.
- Award Issuance: Issuance of the final certificate upon satisfactory completion of all program requirements.
Fee Structure
Fees are reviewed at the commencement of each intake and may be adjusted annually to reflect inflation and operational considerations:
- Part 1: National Federation Coaches – Nu. 5,000
- Part 2: Private Coaches – Nu. 7,000
Additional Information
- Any resit examinations or supplementary assignments required to meet the minimum assessment standards will incur additional fees, which will be communicated to students in advance.
- Fees are non-refundable once the course has commenced, except in exceptional circumstances as determined by the Program Director.
- Full payment is required prior to access to course materials and participation in course modules.
Applications for the Foundational Sport Science Course must be submitted online via the Google Form provided [Registration Form]. Manual submissions will not be accepted.
Applicants are required to:
- Complete all fields in the application form.
- Upload a current CV.
- Upload a recent passport-size photograph.
Once an application is submitted, the Program Director will review the materials. Applicants will be notified via email or phone to confirm the successful receipt of their application. During this process, all documents will be scanned, verified, and checked for validity.
Important Notes:
- Submission of an application does not guarantee a seat in the program. Admission is subject to the Program Director’s discretion.
- The deadline for final application submission is 26th December 2025.
- The Program Director and team will shortlist candidates and communicate confirmation of seats between 28th and 30th December 2025.
- Upon confirmation of your seat, you are required to pay the course fee. A screenshot or bank deposit receipt must be submitted to the Program Director to secure your enrollment.
Course Start Date and Duration:
- The course will commence on 5th January 2026.
- The total duration of the course is one month.
Phone: +975 – 17716503
Email: tshetrim2015@gmail.com
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guided by science, and inspired by passion.
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