HLTH SC 3100 - Exercise, Nutrition & Metabolism

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2024

Optimal nutrition forms the foundation for good health and peak physical performance. Food provides both the macronutrients as fuel for exercise and the micronutrients for efficiently extracting and transferring energy into kinetic energy for movement. The search for the exact `nutritional balance? for optimal metabolic function has consumed scientists and ignited public interest in the field. Yet, there remains a great deal of anecdotal dogma in the public domain regarding nutrition advice much of which is unsupported scientifically. Drawing its content from recent published scientific research this course explores how nutritional composition impacts on the regulation of body mass, exercise performance, and training responsiveness. Modules will cover the optimal fuel mix, fluid and electrolyte balance for peak physical performance. Further more, in response to the escalation in the incidence of metabolic diseases in Australia we shall address the interrelated roles of nutrition and physical activity for prevention and treatment of obesity and cardiovascular disease. During practical sessions students will have the opportunity to learn skills to assess body composition and markers of metabolic health. Course assignments will focus on applying their new found knowledge to design simple evidence based nutritional plans for exercise and a small group discovery project exploring the science behind sports nutrition supplements. This course will provide insight into the development and application of evidence-based nutritional practices and the knowledge gained will be of great benefit to those interested in sports and/or nutritional science.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code HLTH SC 3100
    Course Exercise, Nutrition & Metabolism
    Coordinating Unit Medical Sciences
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 6 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites HLTH SC 2100 or PHYSIOL 2510 or PHYSIOL 2520
    Course Description Optimal nutrition forms the foundation for good health and peak physical performance. Food provides both the macronutrients as fuel for exercise and the micronutrients for efficiently extracting and transferring energy into kinetic energy for movement. The search for the exact `nutritional balance? for optimal metabolic function has consumed scientists and ignited public interest in the field. Yet, there remains a great deal of anecdotal dogma in the public domain regarding nutrition advice much of which is unsupported scientifically.
    Drawing its content from recent published scientific research this course explores how nutritional composition impacts on the regulation of body mass, exercise performance, and training responsiveness. Modules will cover the optimal fuel mix, fluid and electrolyte balance for peak physical performance. Further more, in response to the escalation in the incidence of metabolic diseases in Australia we shall address the interrelated roles of nutrition and physical activity for prevention and treatment of obesity and cardiovascular disease.

    During practical sessions students will have the opportunity to learn skills to assess body composition and markers of metabolic health. Course assignments will focus on applying their new found knowledge to design simple evidence based nutritional plans for exercise and a small group discovery project exploring the science behind sports nutrition supplements.

    This course will provide insight into the development and application of evidence-based nutritional practices and the knowledge gained will be of great benefit to those interested in sports and/or nutritional science.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Nichola Thompson

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the physiological and biochemical mechanisms controlling macronutrient metabolism during exercise, training and recovery.
    2 Display knowledge and understanding of the physiological regulation of fluid and micronutrient balance in difference environmental conditions and knowledge of methods to address any imbalances.
    3 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the interrelated roles of nutrition and physical activity as a mechanism to and for the prevention and treatment of metabolic disease.
    4 Apply transferable skills to accurately assess nutritional intake, body composition and markers of metabolic health.
    5 Apply nutritional knowledge and skills to a design simple evidence based individual nutritional plan.
    6 Acquire, read and interpret and synthesise information from a wide variety of scientific sources in a planned and timely manner
    7 Acknowledge and reference sources of information appropriately
    8 Demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively with peers in the production of scientific reports and performing verbal presentations.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1-6

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    4-6

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    4,8

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    4-8

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    4,8

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    3,4,5

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    4-8

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    4,8
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Sport and Exercise Nutrition (4th edition). McArdle WD, Katch FI and Katch VL (eds). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
    Recommended Resources
    Department of Sports Nutrition, Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) http://www.ausport.gov.au/ais/nutrition 

    The Gatorade Sports Science Institute http://www.gssiweb.com/
    Online Learning
    All lecture, tutorial and practical materials will be housed on myuni. Electronic lectures including imbedded video, audio narration and quiz will offered via articulate storyline productions. These electronic resources will be used to support face to face practical and tutorial experiences and for formative assessment.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The course is taught in a blended learning format with weekly online lecture content presented through MyUni. Face to face sessions are interactive tutorials weekly and fortnightly interactive discovery learning workshop sessions. 
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    A 1 hour face to face tutorial is required per week accompanied by 2hours of online learning content. In addition a 2hr practical workshop session is held fornightly.  Preparation for the practical workshops and tutorial classes is expected. Preparation for the individual assignment (10hrs); team research project (20 hrs) submissions and final exam preperation (40 hrs) will also be required.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Week  Topic
    Week 1 Principles of Nutrition for exercise
    Week 2 Fluid and ion balance
    Week 3 Macronutrients as fuel
    Week 4 Carbohydrates and Fat for performance
    Week 5  The Macronutrient fuel mix
    Week 6 Protein metabolism and Protein supplements
    Week 7 Individual differences in metabolism
    Week 8 Exercise and the Gastrointestinal tract
    Week 9 The endocrine system and ergogenic aids
    Week 10 The Obesity epidemic
    Week 11 Nutrition and exercise for weight control
    Week 12 Disordered eating patterns
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Assessment Type Weighting Learning Outcome(s) being addressed
    Online Quizzes Summative 10%
    Practical Class Quizzes Summative 5%
    Individual Assignment Summative 30%
    Group Discovery Project Summative 20%
    Final Exam Summative 40%


    Assessment Detail

    Online Quizzes: 3 Multiple choice quizzes will be offered via MyUni as the semester progresses. (The quizzes will assess knowledge gained in the previous weeks of semester. Each online summative quiz is worth 3% and a bonus 1% is awarded to students who complete all the online quizzes throughout the semester.

    Practical Class Quizzes: Each practical session will include a quiz which must be completed during the session. The quiz will assess knowledge and experience gained in the practical session as a marker of engagement. There are four practical sessions assessed each worth 1% and a bonus 1% is offered for completion of all practical engagement quizzes.

    Individual assignment: Students will be provided with a selection of case studies of active individuals. Students will use the knowledge gained through teaching sessions in conjunction with published scientific literature to design a three day meal plan tailored to their selected case study. The meal plan will be supported by a full nutrient analysis of its content and a discussion of the scientific literature on which the design was based. The assignment will be submitted in the style of a report via MyUni.

    Group discovery project: Students will be required to work as part of a team of 5-6 students to conduct and present a research project. Students will be assigned a nutritional supplement promoted in the sports industry. They will investigate as a team the scientific literature behind the ergogenic aid. The outcomes of their project will be submitted as a group literature review and the outcomes of the investigation communicated to the class as a public interest style presentation’ in week 12 of semester.

    Final exam: Final exam will cover all lecture and practical material. The exam will be comprised of short and mid-length answer questions. The assessment will focus on the application of knowledge gained through the course into real world scenarios.

    Submission
    All written assignments (report and project) will be submitted and outcome relased via turnitin. Students will be unable to submit any report via turnitin after the due date has closed. Penalties for late submission of assignments – In cases where an extension has NOT been granted, the following penalties will apply:
    • For assignments submitted after the due date, a penalty of 50% of the maximum marks available for that assignment will be incurred.
    • Assignments received two (2) or more days after the due time/date will not be allocated a mark, however, these assignments must still be submitted to pass the unit.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

    Supplementary examinations in Exercise, nutrition and metabolism are ORAL exams conducted by a panel of at least two assessors. NO written examination is available. They will only be conducted during the formal supplementary examination period.
  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.