Sport and Exercise Nutrition
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| RHEU4011 | School of Medicine | 4 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- RHEU4011
- School
- School of Medicine
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
The sports nutrition module is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of basic nutrition concepts and equip them with the skills for designing optimal personalised nutrition plans for athletes. Students will learn about macronutrients and micronutrients, energy metabolism, hydration, and nutrition before, during and after exercise. The diverse requirements of different sports disciplines and events will be covered. In addition, the module will highlight key issues in sports nutrition such as weight goals and ergogenic aids. Critical evaluation skills will be practised to emphasise the importance of evidence-based nutrition. Practical skills in dietary assessment and nutrient analysis will be discussed. Students will apply all these skills and knowledge in a written, evidence based essay.
Target Students
MSc/PGDip Sports and Exercise Medicine and MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Medicine students
Classes
A mixture of lectures, seminars, practicals and student led presentations.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework 1: Evidence based essay submission - 3,000 words.
Assessed by end of designated period
Educational Aims
The overall aim of the module is to give a practical grounding in sport and exercise nutrition, to equip students with the knowledge and skills to advise the public (including different groups of athletes) on nutrition for sports and exercise. This requires the students to be able to understand key nutritional concepts and metabolism, develop a critical awareness of evidence, and apply this knowledge to the assessment, monitoring and planning of diets.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding:
To understand and be able to apply key concepts in nutrition, in relation to sports and exercise.
To understand the impact that nutrition has on energy metabolism.
To understand the different needs of specific groups of athletes and appreciate the sport specific nutritional requirements and issues.
To understand the key issues and risks relating to nutrition in sports.
To understand the different tools for dietary assessment and their relative strengths and weaknesses.
To develop a critical awareness of the evidence and apply this knowledge to the assessment monitoring and planning of diets.
Skills:
To be able to critically appraise the literature relating to nutrition in sports.
To be able to assess and analyse dietary data.
To understand the process of planned personalised nutrition and how evidence is used to guide this process.
To be able to advise health athletes on a personalised, evidence-informed nutrition plan to enable training, promote performance and/or enhance recovery.