Module JXH-3055:
Biochemistry of Exercise

Module Facts

Run by School of Human and Behavioural Sciences

10.000 Credits or 5.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Dr Hans-Peter Kubis

Overall aims and purpose

Knowledge and understanding of biochemistry and metabolism are crucial for a career in sports nutrition, nutrition, sport performance physiology and analysis. In a world, where athletes train to win by margins in milliseconds, the body is challenged to its limits. Consequently, energy provision and the right strategy to prepare for competitions with supplementation and nutrition are extremely important. This course will introduce into Biochemistry and especially in metabolic pathways and their interaction in different organs/tissues with focus on exercise and training response.

Course content

Knowledge will be provided on how metabolism is regulated on the cellular and systemic levels. Students will learn how nutrition and exercise will impact metabolism acutely and chronically. Connection between metabolic processes and health and training outcomes will be addressed. This module is important for all students seeking improved insight in Physiology and Nutrition. Students who are aiming for a Nutrition-MSc are highly advised to select this module. Biochemistry might be compulsory for their future studies. Class time will be a combination of lectures and thorough discussion of research data from publications in seminars (online sessions and pre-screened lectures)

Lecture topics: 1) Introduction into principals of biochemistry and metabolism 2) Anaerobic Energy Systems 1 3) Anaerobic Energy Systems 2 4) Anaerobic Energy Systems 3 5) Aerobic Metabolism 1 6) Aerobic Metabolism 2 7) Aerobic Metabolism 3 8) Energy Storage Systems 9) Protein Metabolism 10) Fatigue Processes

Seminars: 1) Metabolic components and exercise 2) Metabolism and supplementation 3) Training and adaptation

Assessment Criteria

threshold

For the essay assignment: In order to achieve D- to D+ (at least 42%), students should be able to present a basic report of the underlying theories and some current research related to the questions stated in the assignment information. They will be able to use basic understanding of whole body and skeletal muscle metabolism to demonstrate how findings entailing the critical power concept can be used to address basic metabolic demands at critical power. Wording and structure of essay is appropriate and current and recent literature is addressed convincingly. For the short-answer questions, 42% of the questions need to be correctly answered across the assignments.

good

For the essay assignment: In order to achieve C- to C+ (at least 52%), students should be able to present a good report of the main underlying theories and current research related to the critical power concept questions stated in the assignment information. They will be able to use good understanding of whole body and skeletal muscle metabolism to demonstrate how findings entailing the critical power concept can be used to explain main metabolic demands at critical power. Wording and structure of essay is good, there is substantial use of current and recent literature. For the short-answer questions, >54% of the questions across the assignments need to be correctly answered.

excellent

For the essay assignment: In order to achieve A- to A* (74+ %), students should be able to present an outstanding in-depth report of the underlying theories and current research related to the critical power concept questions stated in the assignment information. They will be able to use their deep understanding of whole body and skeletal muscle metabolism to demonstrate how findings entailing the critical power concept can be used to thoroughly explain metabolic and physiological demands at critical power. Wording and structure of essay is outstanding, there is an extensive, thorough but concise use of current and recent literature. For the short-answer questions assignments, >74% of the questions need to be correctly answered across the assignments.

Learning outcomes

  1. Understand relevance of biochemistry for training and supplementation

  2. Understand metabolism and its regulation.

  3. Read and understand certain scientific papers.

  4. Interpret biochemical data.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
EXAM short-answer exam

Short-answer exam questions will cover essential principles and key facts in metabolism and its regulation in context of exercise and nutritional impact in sport science applications.

 30.00
ESSAY Biochemistry essay

The essay will focus on elaborating on supplementation strategies before and during exercise and its impact on metabolic regulation and performance in sport. Important links between applied strategies for nutrition, metabolic response and performance outcomes will be investigated to enable students to be confident and knowledgeable in applied sport intervention and support.

 70.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Lecture

Lectures and sessions for discussion of background

 20
Private study

read and revise lecture content using Panopto recording, scientific journals, and textbooks

 74
Seminar

Seminars in class - working in groups on scientific literature and guidance for training and supplementation

 6

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting

Subject specific skills

  • research and assess paradigms, theories, principles, concepts and factual information, and apply such skills in explaining and solving problems
  • critically assess and evaluate data and evidence in the context of research methodologies and data sources
  • describe, synthesise, interpret, analyse and evaluate information and data relevant to a professional or vocational context
  • plan, design, execute and communicate a sustained piece of independent intellectual work, which provides evidence of critical engagement with, and interpretation of, appropriate data
  • demonstrate effective written and/or oral communication and presentation skills
  • work effectively independently and with others
  • take and demonstrate responsibility for their own learning and continuing personal and professional development
  • self-appraise and reflect on practice
  • plan and design practical activities using appropriate techniques and procedures whilst demonstrating high levels of relevant skills
  • project manage and execute practical activities using appropriate techniques and procedures whilst demonstrating high levels of relevant skills
  • demonstrate evidence of competence in the scientific methods of enquiry, and interpretation and analysis of relevant data and statistical outputs.
  • develop transferable skills of relevance to careers outside of sport, health and exercise sciences.
  • accurately interpret case study data
  • demonstrate effective robust data collection methods

Resources

Resource implications for students

Readings: Michael E. Houston. Biochemistry Primer for Exercise Science. Human Kinetics 3rd Edition 2006 and above. Mark Hargreaves, Lawrence Spriet. Exercise Metabolism. Human Kinetics 2nd Edition 2006 and above. General Textbooks in Biochemistry

Courses including this module

Optional in courses: