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Application Form: Post-Graduate Research Programme
Applications for Postgraduate Studentships under the
ITT Dublin Presidents Research Award Scheme 2015
To be completed and submitted by email to ResearchAdministration@ITTDublin.ie
Closing date: 20th September 2015@ 5pm
Project Code & Title:
PPRA1507
The Investigation of head impacts in Rugby
Supervisor: Mr Stephen Tiernan, Institute of Technology Tallaght Dublin
Project Description:
Concussion in rugby is a common occurrence in both adult and junior players. The knowledge of
concussion and the attitude to it has changed in the last ten years. The incidence of concussion is
increasing as reporting is improved and there is an increase in the severity of head impacts as athletes
get larger and the impact speeds faster. When players experience head collisions the brain is subjected
to violent linear and rotational accelerations, resulting in large forces on the brain. These forces can
cause a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) which is commonly called concussion.
Mild Traumatic brain injury is difficult to
diagnose, a player may not even be aware of the
injury. Treatments for such injuries are very
limited and it is unknown when the injury has
healed. Despite this mild traumatic brain injury
can be very serious and have long term
consequences.
This project will use accelerometers
(X2 BioSystems) mounted behind the ears of rugby players to record the accelerations experienced
during head collisions. This will facilitate the recording of the type of impact, the severity of the impact,
and the individual history of impacts. The location of the impact, the play at the time and any injury will
also be recorded. The project will involve the validation of the sensors, the recording of data and the
analysis of the data. Results will be compared to other studies in particular those carried out in
American Football and computer head simulation results.
Applicant Profile:
Applicants must hold a BEng Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, or in an
equivalent relevant discipline and have obtained a minimum of a 2nd class honours grade 2 award at the
time of application. Preference will be given to candidates who have good analytical skills. Proficiency in
English is also required.
For further information please contact:
Stephen Tiernan
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stephen.tiernan@ittdublin.ie
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Duration & 20 months (Full Time) leading to the award of Masters Degree by Research
Degree:
Funding:
Candidates appointed under the Presidents Research Award Scheme 2015 will qualify for a
Scholarship providing a stipend of €10,000 per annum for the student, full EU college
fees* for 2 years, and a contribution towards materials costs to support the research
project. *Note: Non-EU students must pay the additional non-EU postgraduate fee of €4,250
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CONTACT DETAILS
Name:
Address:
Email:
Mobile:
PRIMARY DEGREE QUALIFICATIONS
Please attach copies of FINAL transcripts of results / Parchment. For non-nationals, please provide evidence of
competency in English language – an IELTS score of >6.0 or equivalent is required.
Degree title:
College & Location:
Years from - to:
Level of Award:
Place in class if known:
Final Year Project Title:
Key skills developed in your
degree programme:
POSTGRADUATE QUALIFICATIONS
Please attach copies of FINAL transcripts of results / Parchment. For non-nationals, please provide evidence of
competency in English language – an IELTS score of >6.0 or equivalent is required.
Degree title:
College & Location:
Years from - to:
Level of Award:
Research Project Title:
Key skills developed in your
degree programme:
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OTHER RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS
List qualification:
Duration & Year of award:
Relevance to the position
applied for:
MOST RECENT WORK EXPERIENCE
Position held:
Responsibilities:
Period from - to:
Relevance to the
position applied for:
Position held:
Responsibilities:
Period from - to:
Relevance to the
position applied for:
Position held:
Responsibilities:
Period from - to:
Relevance to the
position applied for:
WHAT ARE THE KEY / CORE COMPETENCIES YOU POSSESS RELEVANT TO THIS PROJECT AREA? List the top 5
1
2
3
4
5
Provide a brief personal statement on why you are the best candidate for this project
(250 words only – persons exceeding this may be disqualified from the process)
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Referees - provide names and contact details for two independent persons who can attest to your suitability for
this postgraduate research project (note: referees may be contacted without your consent)
Name
Name
Address
Address
Email
Email
Mobile
Mobile
Availability – the following questions relate to your availability and requirements for a study visa
What is your Nationality?
Do you hold a student visa to allow study in Ireland?
Will you be available to start Sept. 2015?
Signed:
Date:
Documents to include with your application: tick if attached

Copy of your final degree award certificate or official transcript of
final examination results*
 Copy of IELTS certificate (must be >6.0) or equivalent*
* If offered a post-graduate place, original copies must be provided before student registration can be completed;
failure to provide them will result in any offer of a studentship being withdrawn.
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