This assessment will require students to use the Laboratory Manual as a structured proforma document to record and interpret data collected during laboratory practical sessions. Students will analyse and evaluate physiological monitoring techniques and variables, demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the physiological principles underpinning the tasks performed, and reflect on their skills and competencies in selecting/conducting physiological assessments in sport and exercise contexts. In addition, students will complete a 500-word mini-literature review focusing on the physiological demands of a chosen sport.

- This module introduces the fundamental principles of exercise physiology, focusing on how the cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromuscular, and metabolic systems respond and adapt to exercise and training.

- Students will explore acute responses and chronic adaptations to different types of exercise and learn techniques for assessing and monitoring physiological performance through laboratory and field tests.

- The module also develops key academic skills, including conducting literature searches, referencing scientific sources, and critically evaluating research.

- Emphasis is placed on building practical and technical competence in physiological data collection, analysis, and interpretation, enabling students to evaluate performance measures and apply them within sport and exercise contexts.

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

Learning Outcome: Knowledge and understanding

2. Evaluate physiological responses in laboratory and/or field settings

Learning Outcome: Application and problem solving, Communication

3. Conduct a review of literature whilst critically examining the accuracy of sources.

Learning Outcome: Research skills

All sessions will be delivered within our physiology lab at the university, with a combination of theoretical and practical delivery. All students will be expected to partake in physiological tests unless exempt, and will all have the opportunity to administer relevant tests. There will also be sessions delivered concerning how to review literature to support the literature review element of the assessment.

- Appropriately equipped laboratory;

- Appropriate technical support;

- Appropriately equipped lecture room.

Coombes, J., & Skinner, T. (2023). ESSA’s student manual for health, exercise and sport assessment (2nd ed). Elsevier.

McArdle, W. D. Katch, F. I., & Katch, V. L. (2023). Exercise physiology: Nutrition, energy, and human performance. (9th ed.). Williams and Wilkins.

Jones, I. (2022). Research methods for sports studies (4th ed). London: Routledge.

In this module, you’ll explore how the body’s major systems (i.e., cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromuscular, and metabolic) respond and adapt to exercise and training. You’ll learn how to assess and monitor physiological performance through hands-on laboratory and field-based activities, developing key skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation. By understanding how the body functions during exercise, you’ll build the scientific foundation needed to improve performance and/or health, support training, and apply physiological principles in sport and exercise science careers.