Course code Medi6013

Credit points 3

Sports and Exercise Nutrition

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for lectures16

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes8

Independent study hours57

Date of course confirmation12.01.2024

Responsible UnitInstitute of Food

Course abstract

Course objective is to provide students with evidence-based information of nutrition science in the area of health-enhancing physical activity and sport, to develop an analytical comprehension of the methods of obtaining and processing information.
The tasks of the course are as follows:
1) to provide insight into the physiological processes of the body in relation to exercise;
2) to extend knowledge about the role of macronutrients and micronutrients in the physiological functions of a physically active person;
3) to introduce the criteria for assessing field-specific information and to make recommendations on the choice of reliable, science-based information;
4) to present the latest sports nutrition trends;
5) to contribute to the identification of dietary problems through evaluation of the dietary habits of athletes;

6) to analyse and systemize potential solutions, integrating them in the preparation of dietary advice.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge:
1) ability to show the basic knowledge characteristic to the most important concepts of the sports nutrition science, as well as the understanding of key concepts;
2) understanding the social concept of nutrition trends.
Skills:
3) to obtain and process a field-specific information independently, to work with scientific databases;
4) to define and analytically describe information, problems and solutions in the field of sports nutrition and to debate about them.
Competencies:

1) ability to obtain, analyse and use information to make decisions and solve problems in the area concerned.

Course Content(Calendar)

Lectures
1. Introduction. Types of physical exercises. L4
2. Energy production in the body. Energy sources in different exercise intensities. L4
3. Carbohydrates, proteins and fats in the athlete’s diet. L4
4. Vitamins and minerals in the athlete’s diet. L3, SI
5. Current issues in sports nutrition. L4
6. Interviewing athletes, presenting nutrition advice. P3, S4
7. Fluid balance. Alcohol. L2
8. Dietary supplements in sports. Benefits and risks. L2
Practical works
1st practical work. Interviewing athletes, presenting nutrition advice.
Seminars
1st seminar. Vitamins and minerals in the athlete’s diet.

2nd seminar. Interviewing athletes, presenting nutrition advice.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Participation in seminars and practical work is mandatory.
Accumulative assessment (midterm tests – oral, written, and combined):
1) nutrition knowledge – 25%;
2) preparation of interview questions – 25%;
3) preparation of presentation and presenting, participation in seminars and practical work – 25%;

4) examination – 25%.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Independent work is intended both during and outside the classes.
Tasks:
1) independent research and analysis of scientific literature;
2) preparation of questions to determine athlete’s nutritional habits (individual work);
3) making dietary advice (group work);

4) preparation for the knowledge testing.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Accumulative assessment (midterm tests – oral, written, and combined):
1) nutrition knowledge – 25%;
2) preparation of interview questions – 25%;
3) preparation of presentation and presenting, participation in seminars and practical work – 25%;

4) examination – 25%.

Compulsory reading

1. Rubana, I.M. (2010) Uzturs fiziskā slodzē. RaKa.
2. Belski, R., Forsyth, A., Mantzioris, E. (2019) Exercise and Performance: A Practical guide for Students. Sports Enthusiasts and Professionals. Allen & Unwin.
3. Daries, H. (2012) Nutrition for Sport and Exercise a Practical Guide. John Wiley & Sons.

4. Jeukendrup, A.E., Gleeson, M. (2019) Sport Nutrition. Third edition. Human Kinetics.

Further reading

1. Lanham-New, S.A. (2011) Sport and Exercise Nutrition. Wiley-Blackwell.
2. Maughan, R.J. (2014) Sports Nutrition. John Wiley & Sons.
3. Rosenbloom, C.A., Coleman, E.J. (2012) Sport Nutrition: A Practice Manual for Professionals. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

4. Spano, M.A., Kruskall, L.J., Thomas, D.T. (2018) Nutrition for Sport, Exercise, and Health. Human Kinetics.

Periodicals and other sources

1. American College of Sports Medicine. http://www.acsm.org/
2. American Council on Exercise http://www.acefitness.org/
3. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism http://journals.humankinetics.com/IJSNEM
4. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition http://www.jissn.com/

5. The Australian Institute of Sport http://www.ausport.gov.au/ais/nutrition