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Department for Health, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


HL30054: Environmental physiology, metabolism & nutrition

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 1
Click here for further information Assessment: CW 30%, EX 70%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites: Before taking this unit you must take HL20041 and take HL20044 and take HL20050
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
To examine the physiological responses and adaptations to exercise in environmental extremes and specifically consider the metabolic responses and nutritional interventions that have been used to overcome or minimise potential limitations to performance.

Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this unit students should be able to:
* Demonstrate an understanding of (i) the physiological strain induced by performance of exercise in different ambient temperatures and atmospheric pressures, and (ii) the associated adaptation to exercising in these environments.
* Demonstrate an understanding of (i) the metabolic changes induced by specific forms of exercise, often in specific circumstances/environments and (ii) other factors that potentially limit performance of various forms of exercise.
* Demonstrate an understanding of the role of potentially important macro- and micronutrients in enhancing performance and facilitating recovery from various forms of exercise.
* Demonstrate the ability to conduct and write-up a study designed to investigate the influence of environmental stress and/or nutritional supplementation on relevant physiological responses to exercise.

Skills:
On completion of this unit students should be able to:
* Critically appraise relevant literature (facilitated and assessed)
* Assess physiological responses to exercise (taught and facilitated)
* Analyse and interpret physiological data (facilitated and assessed)
* Write a manuscript in a relevant journal format (assessed).

Content:
Thermoregulation; temperature regulation during exercise in hot, cold and humid environments and associated physiology of acclimatisation to heat stress.
Exercise at Altitude; acute physiological effects of altitude and effect on performance, adaptation to altitude and effect on performance at altitude and on return to sea level. Metabolism; substrate metabolism during prolonged exercise and the role of macronutrient supplementation (carbohydrate and fat). Protein requirements; protein requirements during various forms of exercise and the effect of protein supplementation.
Ergogenic aids; an overview including examples of specific ergogenic aids;
Exercise and Immunity; exercise-induced disturbance to immunity and the role of nutritional intervention.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

HL30054 is Optional (DEU) on the following programmes:

Department for Health
  • UHHL-AFB01 : BSc (hons) Sport and Exercise Science (Full-time) - Year 3
  • UHHL-ACB04 : BSc (hons) Sport and Exercise Science with Combined Professional Placement & Study Abroad (Full-time with Combined Placement) - Year 4
  • UHHL-AKB04 : BSc (hons) Sport and Exercise Science with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • UHHL-AAB02 : BSc (hons) Sport and Exercise Science with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 4

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.