XNB277 Exercise and Sports Nutrition
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | XNB277 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | XNB151 or LQB488 or LSB231 or XNB187 or XNB167 or XNB198 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,704 |
| International unit fee | $5,784 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | XNB277 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | XNB151 or LQB488 or LSB231 or XNB187 or XNB167 or XNB198 |
| Coordinator: | Kelly Stewart | kelly.stewart@qut.edu.au |
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:
- Critically analyse and synthesise principles of exercise and sports nutrition.
- Interpret complex physiological and biochemical responses to physical activity and nutrition and the interaction between the two.
- Apply evidence to practical recommendations related to diet, supplements and performance.
- Demonstrate collaborative, professional communication, and presentation skills in an interdisciplinary group.
Content
- Introductory exercise physiology
- Protein and amino acid needs
- Energy requirements
- Weight loss and making weight in sport (including anthropometry)
- Disordered eating and bone health
- Iron and other micronutrients
- Preparation for competition
- Fluid and carbohydrate intake during exercise
- Nutrition for recovery after training and competition
- Supplements and sports foods (including critically analysing literature).
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 of online lectures 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.
You are encouraged to speak with your 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 through Canvas announcements.
Assessment
Overview
General Assessment Information
Detailed assessment item guidelines and marking criteria is included on the unit Canvas site. You are encouraged to check your 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 Written Assignment (Sport)
You will perform an in-depth analysis of a particular individual sport or team sport. You will interpret biochemical and physiological parameters, identify relevant nutrition principles and determine key issues and challenges in meeting nutrition requirements specific to the chosen sport. This individual work aims to provide the reader with a working knowledge and understanding of the sport and allows you to develop analytical techniques required for the second assessment item (Athlete Case Study).
This assessment is authentic as it replicates what sport, exercise and nutrition professionals do in practice in preparing to work in a unfamiliar and/or new area.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details page for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Group Case Study Presentation (Athlete)
In an inter-disciplinary team, you are required to choose and conduct an interview with an individual athlete or exercising person who would benefit from sports nutrition input. Using the skills developed in the first assessment item, you will plan sports-specific nutritional recommendations appropriate for the individual to meet their health and fitness or performance goal. The case will be presented in your allocated tutorial.
This assessment is authentic as it replicates what sport, exercise and nutrition professionals do when conducting an initial appointment with clients and working in interdisciplinary teams.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details page for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Examination
The final exam has a range of question types including multiple choice and short answer questions. 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.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited in this assessment.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, 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.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.XN45 Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours)
- Apply advanced theoretical, technical and cultural knowledge and skills in food, nutrition and dietetics, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, tailored to respond to a diverse range of contexts and audiences.
Relates to: Individual Written Assignment (Sport), Group Case Study Presentation (Athlete), Examination - Critically analyse and apply evidence-based research and practice to generate informed, client-centred and sustainable solutions to complex current and emerging food, nutrition and dietetic problems.
Relates to: Individual Written Assignment (Sport), Group Case Study Presentation (Athlete), Examination - Communicate and translate complex food and nutrition information effectively, safely and inclusively using a range of oral, written and digital technologies and formats, responsive to the diverse cultural, social and cognitive needs of clients, interdisciplinary teams, stakeholders and the broader community.
Relates to: Individual Written Assignment (Sport), Group Case Study Presentation (Athlete) - Enact inclusive, clinically adept and culturally responsive client-centred practice as a reflective, accountable and ethical professional, working autonomously and collaboratively to manage and lead innovative and entrepreneurial advances in food, nutrition and dietetics.
Relates to: Group Case Study Presentation (Athlete)
XN50 Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science
- Design and deliver exercise assessments and programs to meet the specific needs of contemporary sport, exercise and health contexts.
Relates to: Individual Written Assignment (Sport), Group Case Study Presentation (Athlete) - Apply problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical reasoning to implement, analyse and evaluate evidence-based interventions for diverse clients and stakeholders.
Relates to: Individual Written Assignment (Sport), Group Case Study Presentation (Athlete), Examination - Communicate and collaborate to transfer complex knowledge to clients and health professionals in a culturally safe manner.
Relates to: Group Case Study Presentation (Athlete)
XN51 Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology
- Design and deliver exercise assessments and programs to meet the specific needs of individuals and populations across the full health spectrum.
Relates to: Individual Written Assignment (Sport), Group Case Study Presentation (Athlete) - Apply problem-solving, critical thinking and analytical reasoning to implement, analyse and evaluate evidence-based interventions for diverse clients and stakeholders.
Relates to: Individual Written Assignment (Sport), Group Case Study Presentation (Athlete), Examination - Communicate and collaborate to transfer complex knowledge to clients and health professionals in a culturally safe manner.
Relates to: Group Case Study Presentation (Athlete)
XN52 Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours)
- Design and deliver exercise assessments and programs to meet the specific needs of individuals and populations across the full health spectrum.
Relates to: Individual Written Assignment (Sport), Group Case Study Presentation (Athlete) - Apply problem-solving, critical thinking and analytical reasoning to implement, analyse and evaluate evidence-based interventions for diverse clients and stakeholders.
Relates to: Individual Written Assignment (Sport), Group Case Study Presentation (Athlete), Examination - Communicate and collaborate to transfer complex knowledge to clients and health professionals in a culturally safe manner.
Relates to: Group Case Study Presentation (Athlete)
XN55 Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science (Honours)
- Critically apply problem-solving, innovative thinking, and analytical reasoning to develop, implement and evaluate evidence-based interventions for diverse clients and stakeholders.
Relates to: Individual Written Assignment (Sport), Group Case Study Presentation (Athlete), Examination - Communicate and collaborate effectively using a range of written, oral and digital formats to transfer complex knowledge to clients and sport and exercise professionals in an inclusive and culturally responsive manner.
Relates to: Group Case Study Presentation (Athlete) - Uphold the professional, legislative, and ethical standards of sport and exercise science expected of learner practitioners.
Relates to: Examination