IIT Madras-NPTEL Introduces Seven Specialised Free Sports Science Courses, 12th Pass Can Apply

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) have announced the introduction of 7 new free online sports science courses. According to a release from the institution, the goal of these specialised courses is to narrow the knowledge gap between theory and real-world (practical) applications. The classes are designed with the Indian and South Asian body type and cultural features in mind. The first batch of students for these seven courses will begin lessons on February 19, 2024. The deadline for candidates to send in their applications on the NPTEL website is also February 19, 2024.

The list of courses offered are as follows –

1. Strength & Conditioning for the Indian Population

2. Sports and Performance Nutrition

3. Fundamentals of Sports Training, Load Management and Recovery

4. Essentials of Sports Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation

5. Human Movement Science

6. Introduction to Exercise Physiology & Sports Performance

7. Sports Psychology

Students seeking Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Sports Sciences, Physiotherapy, Physical Education, and other related fields would benefit from these newly introduced courses. Students who complete these courses can pursue Diplomas or PG degrees in these fields. IIT Madras’ Centre of Excellence in Sports Science and Analytics has launched courses in this field of study. Students who successfully complete two elective courses and five core courses will be awarded a Domain Certification in Sports Science.

Passing class 12 is a prerequisite that candidates must meet to be eligible to apply for thesis courses. Interested applicants can also enrol in this introductory NPTEL course to learn more about this expanding field.

These courses are aimed at a wide range of individuals including athletes, coaches, trainers, physiotherapists, and nutritionists. It includes biomechanics, injury prevention, sports psychology, strength training for Indians, and other aspects of sports..

Professor Andrew Thangaraj, Coordinator, NPTEL, IIT Madras, emphasised the significance of this course by saying that these extensive courses would transform the game by addressing the demands of sports in India and encouraging 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,” Thangaraj added.