For appropriate training programmes to be established, knowledge about the environment in which the sport takes place and the individual needs of the athlete should be taken into consideration. The physiological responses considered in level two were mainly limited to exercise under optimal or normal conditions; however, responses can be considerably modified by the environment in which the activities are performed. Training and competition are often undertaken in challenging conditions, and hence there are physiological and training implications, which need to be addressed. Furthermore, requirements may differ among different athletes, such as women and older individuals, suggesting that these particular athletes need to be considered further. The overall aim of this module, therefore, is to explore and analyse the physiological consequences of exercise and training undertaken in challenging or extreme conditions and among different sub-populations. An example of content would be: the female athlete; the veteran athlete; the child athlete; exercising/training in the heat/cold; exercise in hyperbaric conditions.

8 x 1 hour tutor-led lecture programme
8 x 2 hour tutor-led laboratory sessions
1 x 4 hour student-led laboratory session
122 hours of tutor- and student-led independent learning, including background reading of key texts, journal articles and other relevant materials.

A 1.5-hour exam worth 60% of the total mark and assessing learning outcomes 1 and 2.
A practical assessment worth 40% of the total mark, assessing learning outcomes 3 and 4, to include feedback on the physiological monitoring to the athlete(s).

Formative Assessment:
Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via: plenary sessions accompanying laboratory practicals in preparation of physiological monitoring with support by staff and learning support technician; feedback on their analysis and interpretation of data; tutorials examining practice essay questions and answers for the development of appropriate essay writing skills under examination conditions.

ACSM (2006). Guidelines for exercise testing and prescription. (7th ed.). Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins. ISBN: 0781727359

Armstrong L. E. (1999). Performing in extreme environments. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. ISBN: 0880118377

Eston, R., & Reilly, T. (Eds.) (2001). Kinanthropometry and exercise physiology laboratory manual: Tests, procedures and data. London: E.& F.N. Spon. ISBN: 0415251877 612.76

Gore, C. J. (2000). Physiological tests for elite athletes. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. ISBN: 0736003266

Harris, M., Williams, C., Stanish, W. D., & Micheli, L. J. (Eds.) (1998). Oxford textbook of sports medicine. (2nd ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN: 0192627171

Maud, P. J., & Foster, C. (Eds.). Physiological assessment of human fitness. (2nd ed.). Champaign IL: Human Kinetics. ISBN: 073604633X

McArdle, W. D. Katch, F. I., & Katch, V. L. (2007). Exercise physiology: Energy, nutrition & human performance. (6th ed.). Philadelphia: Williams and Wilkins. ISBN: 0781749905

Wilmore, J. H., & Costill, D. H. (2004). Physiology of sport and exercise. (3rd ed.) Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. 0736044892

Lecture theatre with video facilities
Appropriately-equipped laboratory
Appropriate technical support
Appropriate IT with contemporary software packages and support