Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2008-2009 (archived)

Module SPRT2251: SPORT AND EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY

Department: Applied Social Sciences (Sport)

SPRT2251: SPORT AND EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY

Type Tied Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2008/09 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to C601

Prerequisites

  • Introduction to Exercise Physiology.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • Expand on the knowledge gained for year 1 and place it in a more applied setting. This will be achieved through the more detailed use of relevant sport examples within taught sessions and the continuation of laboratory work.
  • Develop a broader and deeper understanding of the role of sports physiology in enhancing athletic performance.

Content

  • The module will follow on from Introduction to Exercise Physiology and will focus on how athletic performance can be enhanced and assessed.
  • Topics covered will include: Nutrition and energy provision during exercise; Hydration status; Body composition assessment; The validity and reliability of laboratory and field based testing; Lactate threshold testing; Maximal and sub-maximal exercise; Power and strength adaptations through training.
  • The module will primarily focus on what effect these interventions will have on an athletic population at the elite level. This is due to the fact that minor changes at this level may have a more pronounced outcome than with the general population.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Appreciate the role of nutrients in health and fitness.
  • Appreciate factors that can affect the physiological responses to exercise.
  • Appreciate the physiological constraints of maturation.
  • Display an understanding of the limitations and or benefits of both laboratory and field based physiological assessments.
  • Display an understanding of somatotype and body composition assessments with respect to sport.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Competently use a range of laboratory equipment and techniques to assess physiological parameters at rest and during exercise.
Key Skills:
  • Conduct empirical research and to produce accurate and concise appraisals of the studies undertaken.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Teaching and learning will be centred on lectures and practical laboratory sessions. The lectures will provide students with the opportunity to enhance their underpinning knowledge and understanding of key content areas as identified. These taught sessions will also permit the student to place their theoretical knowledge into a more applied environment.
  • In practical laboratory sessions, students will be provided with further opportunities to develop their lab skills in planning, undertaking and reporting on experiments that have explicit relevance for enhancing practical sport performance.
  • Assessment will be a 2,500 word laboratory report and a two hour examination which will appropriately assess the learning outcomes of the module.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 12 1 per week 1 hour 12
Practicals 7 4 in term 1 and 3 in term 2 2 hours 14
Preparation and Reading 174
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Lab Report Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
lab report 3000 words 100%
Component: Examination Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
examination 2 hours 100%

Formative Assessment:

Non-compulsory 2,500 word lab report.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University