module specification

The first half of this 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 and supplements. Selected advanced topics of current interest are introduced. The second half develops an advanced understanding of the physiological effects of, and adaptations to, differing climatic and environmental conditions.

ST5001

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Educations Qualifications.
This modules aims at providing a comprehensive understanding of exercise physiology in a range of populations and environments. It conveys an appreciation of the complex nature of environmental physiology and examines the practical implications of exercise
It also familiarise students with data collection, interpretation and presentation.

Physiological responses to exercise
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 ergogenic aids.

Interactions of exercise with environmental conditions
Impact of different environmental conditions in terms of acute and chronic effects, and also distinction between physiological and pathological consequences. Conditions to include: 
Increased barometric pressure: in relation to different diving techniques.
Decreased barometric pressure: physiological responses to high altitude
Extreme heat and cold: Thermoregulatory control systems; avoidance and treatment of hyperthermia in sports persons. Interactions with humidity.
Zero- and micro- gravity.
Circadian rhythms.

Theory-driven lectures will be supported by interactive seminars and practical sessions. 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.

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. Understand the physiological consequences of, and practical implications of exercise in, a range of extreme environments.
3. Demonstrate an ability to disseminate scientific information in a professional format.
4. Effectively collect and critically interpret physiological measurements taken during exercise.

Assessments will be dispersed evenly across the year enabling students to gain early feedback and reflect on progress in an ongoing basis.  The module will be assessed by means of one lab report, one clinical assessment of practical lab based skills with a written report and one written examination. These  assessments will focus on the following specific learning outcomes:
-Lab report (2500 words): LO 4, 5
-Written examination (1hr ): LO 1, 2, 3 and 4
Clinical Assessment – practical component: LO 2, 3 & 5
-Clinical write up and athlete feedback report. LO 2 & 4

The assessed lab report is based upon the attendance of the corresponding laboratory sessions. Attendance at these practical sessions is therefore mandatory as they form a central part of the assessment strategy. Therefore, attendance is monitored and central to successful completion of the report assessments. The write up of the clinical session is based, again, on attendance and thus attendance at this session is mandatory in order to pass the module.

Books
Tipton, C.M (Ed) (2006) ACSM's advanced exercise physiology. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
McArdle, W.D., Katch, F.I. and Katch, V.L. (2010) Exercise physiology : nutrition, energy, and human performance, 7th edition Philadelphia : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Armstrong, L. (2000) Performing in Extreme Environments. Human Kinetics.
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.
Koehle, M.S., Lepawsky, M., McKenzie, D.C. (2005). Pulmonary Oedema of Immersion Sports Medicine. 35(3):183-190.
Atkinson, G., Drust, B., Reilly, T., Waterhouse, J. (2003). The Relevance of Melatonin to Sports Medicine and Science. Sports Medicine, 33(11): pp. 809-831.
Scott, A., Khan, K.M., Duronio, V., Hart, D.A. (2008). Mechanotransduction in Human Bone: In Vitro Cellular Physiology that Underpins Bone Changes with Exercise. Sports Medicine. 38(2):pp. 139-160.
West, R.V. (1998). The Female Athlete: The Triad of Disordered Eating, Amenorrhoea and Osteoporosis. Sports Medicine. 26(2):pp. 63-71.