Module: BIO6004-20 Nutrition and Exercise Science

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Matthew Baker

Module Tutor Contact Details: m.baker@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

In this module will you will examine the individual nutrient demands that exercise incurs.  The biochemical processes of metabolism of each of the macronutrients during light, moderate and vigorous physical activity will be studied.  The role of physical activity in health will be discussed, including the complex nature of energy balance. Considered throughout the module will be the scientific relationship between exercise/physical fitness and the subsequent effect on health.

Graduate attributes include:

• Employable - you will use dietary analysis software to analyse diets and physical activity levels.  You will act as a lifestyle coach with partners to give an appropriate diet and exercise intervention, based on current UK guidelines.

• You will be able to manage complexity and change as you develop and modify intervention of the partner.

• Creative and creative thinkers - you will have to work with, and design an appropriate diet and exercise intervention for, their partners, taking into account barriers that their partner may face.  Making appropriate changes throughout the process to get the most favourable outcomes for your partner.

• Digitally literate - you will be using dietary and physical activity analysis software, used in industry, within this module.

• Critical thinkers - for the written report you will need to demonstrate information literacy.

• Ethically aware - you will need to be sensitive to the food preferences and exercise limitations of their partner and also recognise the limitations of their role using the appropriate ethics and professional codes of conduct.

2. Outline syllabus

The module will begin with the role of hydration and the different macronutrients in the diet and subsequent performance of an athlete.  Nutritional ergogenic aids will also be discussed.  Problems related to achieving an optimal diet will be discussed, including relative energy deficiency.

Energy balance and energy expenditure will be measured, along with fitness and body composition.

The module will conclude by reviewing the physiological and biochemical role of physical activity in the in the development and/or treatment of common conditions such as obesity, cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.  This will be linked to current public health messages and programmes.

3. Teaching and learning activities

You will attend a mixture of lectures, and workshops.  Lectures will introduce the principle areas of study and the workshops will be a mixture of practical classes and seminars.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Report (3000 words)

• % Weighting: 60%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Exam

• Description: Unseen Examination (2 hours)

• % Weighting: 40%