Appropriately equipped laboratory with adequate technical support and:-
Food preparation area
Exercise physiology laboratory and relevant equipment (electronic timing gates, Wingate testing, Treadmill and gas analysis etc.)

Lecture theatre with whiteboard and projector.

This module serves to integrate the fundamental principles of nutrition to sport and improvement of sports performance, concentrating on a critical appreciation of the literature supporting various dietary strategies and supplements that a variety of athletes could utilise. For example creatine loading, caffeine supplementation, carbohydrate and other substances.

An important feature of the module is the design and implementation of a group based research investigation into the effectiveness of a supplement in enhancing sports performance. The module will feature research methodology as applied to Sports Nutrition and prepare students for the world of work by working as a group to accomplish the task.

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1. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the research methodologies, theories, principles, concepts and factual information relating to sports nutrition. SG1, SG7, SG9 (Knowledge and Understanding, Learning)

2. Critically analyse how current research in sports nutrition contributes to the understanding and practice of sports nutrition. SG1, SG7, SG11 (Analysis, Application, Knowledge and Understanding)

3. Design and undertake an investigation of the effectiveness of a sports nutrition supplement. Identifying a range of solutions to the problem and evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving these problems in the field of sports nutrition. SG1, SG6, SG7, SG8, SG9, SG10, SG11, SG12 (Enquiry, Problem Solving)

4. Communicate sports nutrition research effectively using an informed, evidenced based approach. SG1, SG4, SG5. SG6, SG7, SG8, SG11, SG12 (Communication)

Williams, M.H. (2012) Nutrition for Health, Fitness & Sport. McGraw-Hill (10th Edtn)

Bahrke, M. S. & Yesalis, C. E. (2002) Performance Enhancing Substances in Sport and Exercise. Human Kinetics.

Burke, L. (2007) Practical Sports Nutrition. Human Kinetics.
Jeukendrup, A. & Gleeson, M. (2004) Sport Nutrition. Human Kinetics.

There will be TWO pieces of summative assessment:-

1) A 1500 word Laboratory report weighted at 60% (Assessing LO's 1, 2, 3 and 4)

2) A 1000 word essay on a topic identified towards the end of the module weighted at 40%
(Assessing LO's 1, 2 and 4)

It is not a requirement for both elements of assessment to be passed, only the overall module

Additional Assessment Details (including formative feedback / assessment:

Formative feedback on knowledge and understanding of appropriate research methodologies will be regularly provided during laboratory and workshops. Students will undertake the investigation in a small group. These groups help to provided formative feedback.

An important formative element of assessment will be where students undertake a presentation of their results to their peers either as a poster or oral communication.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (39 hours) 13 hours Lectures   13 x 2 hours Labs   Guided Indepdendent Study: (114 hours) 36 hours of reading to support each lecture 12 hours of literature searching and reading to support the experiment design 24 hours producing the laboratory report 36 hours preparation for portfolio essay    6 hours student led independent study

This module serves to integrate the fundamental principles of nutrition to sport and improvement of sports performance, concentrating on a critical appreciation of the literature supporting various dietary strategies and supplements that a variety of athletes could utilise. For example creatine loading, caffeine supplementation, carbohydrate and other substances.

An important feature of the module is the design and implementation of a group based research investigation into the effectiveness of a supplement in enhancing sports performance. The module will feature research methodology as applied to Sports Nutrition and will prepare you for the world of work by working as a group to accomplish the task.