module specification

This module allows students to integrate their knowledge of nutritional physiology and biochemistry to apply this knowledge to develop a critical understudying of the nutritional and practical dietary needs of sports people and athletes.  It includes discussion of different sporting groups and exercise types; macro- and micronutrient requirements; practical dietary considerations in relation to training and competition and current issues and research in sports nutrition.

HN5002 Nutrition Science 1

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. Specifically it aims to enable students to gain a critical understanding of the nutritional and practical dietary needs of sports people and athletes. Integrate the knowledge and skills acquired from other modules. Encourage independent learning through the access of background information using appropriate primary and secondary sources. Develop and encourage confidence in the use of appropriate learning, critical and discursive skills Develop competence in discussion, oral presentation and written work, encouraging clarity of presentation and scientific rigour.
This module will also provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility; decision making in complex and unpredictable contexts; and the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.

This module allows students to consolidate the knowledge and skills gained in their study of nutritional physiology & biochemistry and to acquire more specialist knowledge and skills in sports and exercise nutrition. The syllabus examines different sporting groups and exercise types; the particular metabolic and fluid demands of sport and exercise; construction of a dietary programme for a particular sporting individual; current ethical debates and recent research.

Acquisition of knowledge of the subject matter of this module will be promoted through lecturer-led lectures (28 hours) and tutorial workshops (12 hours) and through the guided use of student-centred learning resources and Self managed time and private study (82 hours) (84 hours). Practical classes and small group work (6 hours) will be used to consolidate the student knowledge in the applied aspects of sports nutrition with guidance for directed activities (20 hours).

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. Integrate the theoretical aspects of nutrition with the applied nature of Sports Science
2. Assess the metabolic demands of the various types of exercise in relation to the nutritional and fluid needs of sports people engaged in various physical activities
3. Translate the nutritional requirements of physical activity and sport into dietary practice and to be able to offer basic nutritional advice to healthy people in relation to their sporting activity
4. Demonstrate an appreciation of the ethical issues around the use of dietary supplements and the eating related problems of vulnerable sports people

The module will be summatively assessed by an unseen examination of 1.5 hrs (60%) and a coursework component. This report is a dietary and menu plan for a sports person (40%; 1000 words). Criteria for assessment will include an understanding of the subject matter; an ability, both orally and written, to explain, describe and discuss the work; completeness and conciseness of written reports and essays with emphasis upon critical ability and scientific rigour. To pass the module an aggregate mark of at least 40% must be obtained.

Attendance at practical sessions is compulsory

Bean A. (2013). The Complete Guide to Sports Nutrition. 7th rev. Edn. London; Bloomsbury Sport.
Brouns F. (2009). Essentials of Sports Nutrition. 2nd ed. London: Wiley.
Burke, L, Deakin V, Ed., 2015. Clinical Sports Nutrition, 5th ed., Beijing; McGraw-Hill.
Griffin J. (2001). Food for Sport. London; Crowood Press Ltd.
Jeukendrup A & Gleeson M. (2010). Sports Nutrition 2nd ed. Human Kinetics Publishers.
Lanham-New S ed. (2011). Sport and Exercise Nutrition (The Nutrition Society Textbook). London; John Wiley & Sons. (core)
McArdle WD, Katch, FI, Katch V.L. (2014). Exercise, Nutrition & Human Performance, 8th Edn. Philadelphia; Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
Maughan R. (2004). Food, Nutrition and Sports Performance 2. The IOC Consensus Conference on Sports Nutrition. London; Routledge. (core)
Williams, C., & J.T., Devlin, Ed. (1994). Foods Nutrition and Sports Performance. London; E&FN Spon Publ.