module specification

The module examines the response of the various physiological systems to exercise with an emphasis on training and other applied aspects. There is also a focus on sports nutrition, including ergogenic aids. Selected advanced topics of current interest are introduced.

ST5001

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Educations Qualifications.
Provide a comprehensive understanding of exercise physiology in a range of populations and environments.
Examine the practical implications of exercise
Familiarise students with data collection, interpretation and presentation.

Cardiovascular and respiratory adaptations (heart rate, stroke volume, blood pressure, minute ventilation, breathing frequency), skeletal muscle responses (including the effects of fatigue), exercise metabolism (energy systems), advanced acid-base regulation (buffer systems, training methods and nutritional supplements available), hormonal adaptations, training adaptations, detraining and practical solutions. Nutritional topics will include energy requirements, macronutrients and micronutrients, as well as nutritional supplements and ergongenic aids. Reference will be made to different population groups and different environmental conditions.

The basic structure to teaching and learning will involve a theory driven lecture supported by either an interactive seminar or a practical session. Lectures will provide the essential theoretical base, whereas seminars/practicals offer students an opportunity to apply this knowledge to practice. Students will have access to the environmental chamber as well as simulation devices for altitude during practical classes.

Assessments will be dispersed evenly across the semester enabling students to gain early feedback and reflect on progress in an ongoing basis. They will be diverse (oral/practical reports) to focus on the different learning outcomes.

Key strategies:
Lectures
Workshops/Seminars/Practicals (discussion/interaction/experiential learning)
WebLearn (blended learning/information point/discussion board)
Self-directed learning
Students’ study responsibilities are articulated in the FLS Staff/Student Agreement which is available via the Faculty Web site.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Display a comprehensive knowledge of relevant physiological responses to exercise and their practical implications.
2. Explain how nutritional requirements are affected by type of sport, environmental conditions and population group, and the potential for nutritional modifications and ergogenic aids to influence performance.

Assessments will be dispersed across the semester enabling students to gain feedback and reflect on progress. The module will be assessed by a practical report and an oral presentation. These items of assessment will focus on specific learning outcomes:
-Practical report (1200 words): LO 1, 2, and 3
-Written exam (1 hour): LO 1, 2

Books

ACSM's advanced exercise physiology (2006) editor, Charles M. Tipton. Philadelphia : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Exercise physiology : nutrition, energy, and human performance, 7th edition (2010) McArdle, W.D., Katch, F.I. amd Katch, V.L. Philadelphia : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Armstrong, L. (2000) Performing in Extreme Environments. Human Kinetics: Champaign, IL.
Reilly, T. and Waterhouse, J. (2005). Sport, Exercise and Environmental Physiology. Elsevier, Churchill Livingstone.

Journals
Parker, B.A., Kalasky, M.J., Proctor, D.N. (2010). Evidence for sex differences in cardiovascular aging and adaptive responses to physical activity. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 110 (2), pp. 235.
Place, N., Yamada, T. Bruton, J.D., Westerblad, H. (2010). Muscle fatigue: from observations in humans to underlying mechanisms studied in intact single muscle fibres. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 110(1), pp. 1.
Billaut, F., Bishop, D (2009). Muscle Fatigue in Males and Females during Multiple-Sprint Exercise. Sports Medicine 39(4), pp. 257.
Kraemer, W.J., Ratamess, N.A. (2005). Hormonal Responses and Adaptations to Resistance Exercise and Training. Sports Medicine, 35(4). pp. 339-361.
Wilber, R.L. (2001). Current Trends in Altitude Training Sports Medicine. 31(4):pp. 249-265.
Jett, D. Jr, Adams, K.J., Stamford, B.A. (2006). Cold Exposure and Exercise Metabolism. Sports Medicine. 36(8): pp. 643-656.
Febbraio, M.A. (2001). Alterations in Energy Metabolism During Exercise and Heat Stress Sports Medicine. 31(1):pp. 47-59.
West, R.V. (1998). The Female Athlete: The Triad of Disordered Eating, Amenorrhoea and Osteoporosis. Sports Medicine. 26(2):pp. 63-71.