FB2SEN-Sports and Exercise Nutrition

Module Provider: Food and Nutritional Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: FB2NS Nutritional Science
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Jeremy Spencer
Email: j.p.e.spencer@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module has been developed in response to the growing recognition of the importance of nutrition to both, performance for the elite athlete, and also, for the optimisation of the health benefits associated with leisurely exercise. A burgeoning sports industry promotes nutrition practices, chiefly through personal trainers, although these practitioners are often poorly qualified and may be guilty of promoting poor practices. The market for ergogenic aids is booming with new products continually appearing, often with little in the way of an evidence base to justify their use. There is therefore, an evident need for well trained professionals to advise on issues related to sports and exercise nutrition.

Aims:

On completion of this module it is intended that students • Understand the metabolic and physiological adaptations to exercise. • Be able to critically evaluate the role of macro and micronutrients in the optimisation of exercise performance. • To critically appraise the use of ergogenic aids to enhance exercise performance. *To demonstrate an understanding of the dietary needs of the athlete

Assessable learning outcomes:
On completion of this module, students will be expected to submit a concise portfolio reflecting on the materials covered and outlining the nutritional requirements of an athlete, and demonstrating the ability to plan the diet of that athlete to achieve given outcomes.

Additional outcomes:
Students will engage in discussion sessions and interactive workshops to critically appraise the evidence base underpinning sports and exercise recommendations.

Outline content:
The metabolic and physiological effects of exercise
Thermoregulation, fluid and electrolyte balance
Role of macro and micronutrients in Bioenergetics
Sports specific nutritional considerations
Nutritional supplements and ergogenic aids
Nutritional considerations for the female athlete and special groups
The non-elite athlete, physical activity guidelines and public health

Global context:
Good dietary practices are key to optimising performance in high level athletes. The non-elite athlete may have different goals when it comes to exercise related perhaps to body image or overall health and well being again diet plays a key role in achieving these goals and these issues are discussed here.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Teaching will be built around a blended learning model comprising a six week preparation phase incorporating online learning and guided readings in the core science and an applied phase consisting of workshops seminars and case studies.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		15
Seminars		10
Practicals classes and workshops		5
Guided independent study:		70
Total hours by term		100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Portfolio	70
Practical skills assessment	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:
N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
A reflective portfolio will be constructed around the video lecture content (30%) and around scientifically justified diet plans for case study athletes (40%) and around a research exercise on an ergogenic aid (30%).

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
overall mark of 40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment arrangements are in accordance with University policy. Reassessment of the written examination is held during the University administered re-examination period in August. Failed coursework may be re-assessed by an alternative assignment before or during the August re-examination period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 25 November 2021