Sports Nutrition module

Dr Gareth Wallis, Lecturer in Sport and Health Nutrition in the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Birmingham describes what goes on in the optional third year module Sports Nutrition.

Sports nutrition is the study and practice of nutrition and diet as it relates to athletic performance.

An optional module in Sports Nutrition is available in the third year for those studying single or joint honours in Sport and Exercise Sciences.

The Sports Nutrition module builds on knowledge gained during the first and second years of the degree and examines in detail how nutrition can influence the physiological and metabolic factors underpinning athletic performance.

The module topics include: the nutrient and energy requirements for sport; how nutrition can be used to influence adaptation to endurance and resistance training and also how supplements may or may not be used to enhance sports performance.

By the end of the module students should be able to: describe the key sports nutrition guidelines for athletes; explain how nutrition can be used to support or improve sports performance; and give scientifically sound nutritional advice to athletes.

I draw from my own research and experience working with athletes and working in the sports nutrition industry, as well as the research of others to develop stimulating lecture material.

As well as lectures, the course includes seminars where students work in small groups working through tasks such as solving athlete case studies to help reinforce the lecture and reading material.

In addition, guest speakers are invited to provide insights into what its really like to work with elite athletes or in the sports nutrition industry.

The module assessment is split into two parts. The first part is a coursework where students will have to develop an evidence-based nutritional advice to help an athlete improve their performance. The second part is an end of module exam where students will complete essay questions based on the knowledge they have gained during the module.

Overall, this module will train you in the exciting field of sports nutrition and along the way will provide you with lots of relevant and practical information, which will help you in your careers and with your own sporting interests.

20 Credits

Full details of the Sport and Exercise Sciences BSc