- Academic Registry
Programme & Unit Catalogues


HL50071: Exercise physiology

[Page last updated: 14 April 2022]

Academic Year: 2021/2
Owning Department/School: Department for Health
Credits: 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Academic Year
Modular (no specific semester)
Assessment Summary: CW 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Assignment (CW 100% - Qualifying Mark: 40)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
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.

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.

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.

Programme availability:

HL50071 is a Stage Required Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:

Department for Health

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2021/22.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.