Module Details

Module Code: BIOL8025
Title: Performance Nutrition
Long Title: Performance Nutrition
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4211 - Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will allow students to apply existing knowledge of nutrition, physiology, and metabolism to the specialised subject of performance nutrition. Specifically, the module will provide an insight into the role of nutrition in optimal mental and physical performance, nutritional requirements in different exercise types, the role of exercise in chronic disease prevention and management, and evidence for dietary performance enhancing aids.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Discuss key advances in performance nutrition.
LO2 Describe the main testing procedures to measure performance.
LO3 Define nutritional requirements for different stages and types of physical exercise.
LO4 Outline the role of exercise in the prevention and/or treatment of chronic diseases.
LO5 Critically analyse evidence for dietary performance enhancing aids.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Key advances in global sports nutrition
Evolving consumer preferences, product demand and consumer perception towards sports nutrition, novel products and ingredients
Testing procedures for performance
Methods for testing performance in athletes and the general population: cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal oxygen uptake, field testing), muscle endurance, flexibility (sit-and-reach test), lower limb mobility (gait speed, timed up and go test, balance tests), muscle strength (hand grip test), short physical performance battery score, mental performance (tests for cognition, mental effort, executive function, psychomotor speed). Ethical procedures and considerations in nutrition investigation, as guided by AfN Standards of Ethics, Conduct and Performance, evaluated in recently published research.
Nutritional requirements for physical exercise
Nutritional requirements and strategies to achieve these requirements preparation for pre-exercise, during exercise and post-exercise recovery. Protein, carbohydrate and fluid (sports drinks, dehydration) requirements. Requirements of endurance athletes, strength/power athletes, team sport athletes. Requirements of special populations – pregnant, children and teenagers, vegetarians, diabetic athletes
Role of exercise in chronic diseases
Physiological effects of strength training and aerobic, flexibility, stability and mental exercises. Application of these exercise types in prevention and management of chronic diseases
Ergogenic aids
Physical performance enhancing aids (stimulants, anti-oxidants and alkalisers) and cognitive performance enhancing aids (nootropics)
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination70.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Critique % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Reviewing recently published research
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 70
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact On theory Every Week 2.00 2
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Review of research papers Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self-directed study Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Hedrick Fink, H., Mikesky, A.E.. (2015), Practical Applications in Sports Nutrition, 4th Edition. Jones and Bartlett Learning, [ISBN: 9781284036695].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Lanham-New, S.A., Stear, S., Shirreffs, S., Collins, A.. (2011), Sport and Exercise Nutrition, 1st Edition. Wiley-Blackwell, [ISBN: 9781444334685].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SNHSC_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nutrition and Health Science 7 Mandatory