The purpose of this module is to provide students with an introduction to exercise physiology. Various systems of the body (such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromuscular, energetic and metabolic) will be explored, by considering structure and function as well as the acute response to sport and exercise and the chronic adaptation to training. Body systems relevant to sport and exercise will be covered. Techniques for monitoring physiological performance and responses to exercise will be learnt and evaluated, such as methods of assessing aerobic and anaerobic capability (via laboratory- and field-based assessment of, for instance, V¿O2max, blood lactate, maximal intensity exercise, body composition and flexibility). Practical and technical skills in data collection and analysis will also be taught and developed.

The practical assessment will require students to demonstrate and explain at least two tutor-determined physiological monitoring techniques on a ‘real’ participant (LO2), as well as answer questions on the advantages and limitations of the physiological monitoring techniques (LO2), on knowledge and understanding of the response to exercise and adaptation of the body to training (LO1), and on interpretation and analysis of the physiological data collected (L02).

The module incorporates a tutor-led lecture programme complemented by practical lab sessions. The lab sessions will be hands-on, where students will develop their technical skills in monitoring and evaluating and physiological responses in the lab and field. Activities will be fully supervised so that formative feedback can be given throughout. Students will be required¿to conduct¿tutor-directed independent¿study, as well as student-led enquiry and reading into research around¿the relevant topics covered in the module. formative assessment, reading and preparatory tasks will need to be completed prior to the summative assessment.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the acute response and chronic adaption of various systems of the body relevant to sport and exercise. Knowledge and understanding, Learning

2. Evidence the skills required to monitor and evaluate physiological responses in laboratory and/or field settings. Enquiry, Analysis, Communication

Appropriately equipped laboratory
Appropriate technical support
Appropriately equipped lecture room

Coombes, J., & Skinner, T. (2014). ESSA’s student manual for health, exercise and sport assessment. Elsevier.

McArdle, W. D. Katch, F. I., & Katch, V. L. (2015). Exercise physiology: Nutrition, energy, and human performance. (8th ed.). Williams and Wilkins.

To understand how to support an athlete or group of athletes as an exercise physiologist, you need to understand about how the various systems of the body, such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromuscular, and metabolic systems, function and respond to a bout of exercise and a period of training. We can assess the athlete in the lab and in the field using things like V¿O2max tests, lactate performance tests, maximal intensity exercise tests, body composition analysis and flexibility measures. As part of this module, you will, therefore, also gain and develop your practical and technical skills in carrying out and evaluating such tests, as well as how to collect, analyse and interpret the data so that feedback can be given to the athlete/ athletes.