XNB277 Exercise and Sports Nutrition

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

The successful application of exercise and sports nutrition knowledge in a professional and ethical manner requires a thorough understanding of the principles of, and the interaction between, nutrition and physical activity. This unit introduces you to basic and advanced sports nutrition principles and to their application within the sport, exercise and physical activity environment. It also provides a basic introduction to exercise physiology, building on previous introductory physiology. This unit provides you with opportunities to build, practice and provide evidence of your analysis and problem-solving skills for nutrition and exercise sciences.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Critically analyse and synthesise principles of exercise and sports nutrition. [XN43, XN45-CLO 1,2]
2. Interpret complex physiological and biochemical responses to physical activity and nutrition and the interaction between the two. [XN43, XN45-CLO 2,3]
3. Apply evidence to practical recommendations related to diet, supplements and performance. [XN43, XN45-CLO 3,4]
4. Demonstrate collaborative, professional communication, presentation skills in an interdisciplinary group. [XN43, XN45-CLO 4]

Content

Learning Approaches

The content and organisation of the topics are designed to give an insight into the importance of appropriate nutrition for all - from the weekend warrior to the Olympic champion. Most topics are covered in a comprehensive way using a range of blended, online and face-to-face methods Offering a two-hour lecture and two hours of tutorial time each week, time will be allocated to both theoretical and practical questions pertaining to content covered in the previous week's lecture and to presentation of a problem based solving situation. These strategies aim to strengthen your critical thinking skills by connecting theory to a practical scenario and critiquing its application.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Feedback to Students
Activities in tutorials will provide feedback on knowledge and understanding to inform your preparation for assessment. There will be time available in all tutorials for you to ask questions on any concepts covered during the lectures to enable clarification. Presentation groups will receive immediate feedback upon completion of their presentation.

Students are encouraged to speak with their unit coordinator/tutor before or after class or to contact the unit coordinator by email with any questions or concerns about the assessment items. Responses to frequently asked questions will be made available to all students through Canvas announcements.

Assessment

Overview

General Assessment Information
Detailed assessment item guidelines and marking criteria is included on the unit Canvas site under 'Assessment'. You are encouraged to check their work against the criteria well before submission to confirm that all tasks are covered in appropriate depth.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Individual Case Study

You will perform an analysis of a particular individual or team sport. You will identify key physiological and nutritional parameters and identify key recommendations for the management and practical food advice to improve performance. You will also be required to identify key supplements and myths that may be used and counter these with appropriate evidence. This individual work will provide formative feedback for the group case study.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Group Case Study Presentation

You will be involved in an inter-disciplinary (consisting of nutrition/dietetic and exercise physiology/sport and exercise science students) analysis. You will be required to interview an athlete, identify key physiological and biochemical parameters and plan appropriate nutritional recommendations to improve or maintain performance. You will write a one page summary for the coach outlining your findings and key recommendations. The case will be presented in tutorial group.

Assessment: Examination

The final exam has a range of question types. You will be expected to interpret and apply knowledge of the principles of nutrition and physical activity, and their complex physiological and biochemical responses and interactions.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Prescribed text(s)

Burke, L., Deakin, V. and Minehan, M. (2021). Clinical Sports Nutrition. (6th ed.). Sydney, NSW: McGraw-Hill.

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.