Department for Health, Unit Catalogue 2010/11 |
HL50071: Exercise physiology |
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Masters |
| Period: | This unit is available in... |
| Modular (no specific semester) |
| Assessment:
| CW 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| |
| Description:
| Aims: This unit aims to: (i) Develop a critical appreciation of physiological responses and adaptations to exercise and training; (ii) Introduce the principles of physiological assessment of exercise. Learning Outcomes: After taking this unit the student should be able to: (i) Critically analyse and evaluate physiological evidence relating to exercise; (ii) Design evidence-based training programmes for general and athlete populations, including methods to maintain or develop function in unaffected areas of the body; (iii) Understand the importance of optimal training loads, recovery and potential maladaptations to exercise; (iv) Advise on appropriate nutritional practices and interventions for exercise and performance; (v) Discuss the effects of environmental factors on exercise and performance; (vi) Understand and justify methods of exercise testing within general and athlete populations. Skills: On completion of this unit students should be able to: (i) Plan and manage their own study through analysis of the learning outcomes; (ii) Communicate effectively with colleagues and tutors through asynchronous on-line discussions; (iii) Enhance their learning through reflective practice following on-line exchanges; (iv) Integrate and critically evaluate information gathered from a wide range of resources including journal articles, text books and other on-line resources (an appreciation for a hierarchy of evidence should be displayed); (v) Apply research and theory to safe, relevant practice; (vi) Engage and support within a multi-disciplinary team environment; (vii) Adopt a scientific approach and writing style through assessed work. Content: The Unit content is divided into the following sections: 1) The Musculoskeletal System - the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system and the associated physiology; 2) Energetics - the production of energy during exercise and associated metabolic processes, including mechanisms for fatigue; 3) Acute Responses to Exercise - the central and peripheral responses to discrete bouts of sub-maximal and maximal exercise; 4) Chronic Adaptations to Exercise - the central and peripheral adaptations to training interventions, including maladaptations and recovery; 5) Nutrition - principles of a balanced diet in relation to athletic needs, the importance of hydration and effectiveness of nutritional supplements and ergogenic aids; 6) Environmental Physiology - the physiological requirements and adaptations related to exercise and performance in extreme environmental conditions; 7) Exercise Testing and Programme Design - assessment of physical capacity and capability, comparing and interpreting field and laboratory-based data, techniques for monitoring progress and applying physiological principles to training programme design. |