This is a core module in Sports Science pathway, and an optional module in the Sports Analysis and Coaching, Exercise, Nutrition and Health and Biological Sciences (Human Biology) pathways. This module provides coverage of the environmental influences that impact on humans when exercising or competing in sport. The physiological reactions to discrete environmental stresses are described and methods of acclimatisation or coping are explained. This module also examines nutritional supplementation and prohibited methods to enhance physical performance, including a focus on current regulation and policies and the attitudes, values and behaviours that may precipitate doping and the consequences of doping in sport.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Learning will be led by lectures, seminars and practical sessions in order to develop applied knowledge and practice the skills necessary for exercise testing in extreme environments. Lectures are used to discuss the theoretical concepts behind exercise in extreme environments, nutritional supplements and doping in sport. The lectures will be complemented by seminars and where relevant through applied practical sessions in the lab and in the field. Much of the learning is achieved through formative practical challenges, directed independent study tasks, group work and/or class discussion, and creative problem solving (case studies) and peer-review. The practical sessions will develop applied laboratory skills and measurement techniques commonly used in the exercise and health industries. The sessions will also provide the opportunity to develop the leadership, teamwork and problem solving skills desired by employers. The knowledge-based materials for the module are provided by the module team on Canvas. These consist of (but not limited to) notes, diagrams, research articles and multi-media. It is an expectation that students arrive to seminars having completed the pre-directed study tasks and use StudySpace to enhance their understanding, remaining up to date with the weekly reading. These tasks will allow students to monitor both progress through feedback from peers and summative assessment and feed forward advice to develop understanding.
In summary the module will be made up of keynote lectures, seminars, practical sessions and independent guided study.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Lectures 24h Practical sessions 24h Seminars 12h | 60 |
| Guided independent study | 240 | |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Lecture, seminar and laboratory sessions will provide practical feed forward guidance and formative experimental opportunities to help students achieve their full potential in the summative assessment. Further formative assessment will be provided through the use of practice laboratory challenges for the practical examination as well as utilising (but not limited to) creative problem-solving case studies as well as online tasks. Specific formative assessment opportunities include a peer-reviewed mock exam and the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) e-learning module series. These formative tasks will allow students to monitor both progress through feedback from peers and feed forward advice to develop understanding and application for summative assessment. The learning outcomes will be summatively assessed through coursework and a written examination. Coursework will typically involve the production of a lab report (journal article style) based on data collected during practical sessions and an individual report on doping. The formal examination will consist of questions.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Explain and interpret the effects of environmental factors on sport and exercise performance and critically evaluate strategies to overcome these environmental limitations | Practical sessions (F), mock exam (F), coursework/examination (S) |
| 2) Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of nutritional supplements and methods of doping, including critical evaluation of the theoretical mechanism of action, the evidence supporting an ergogenic effect, and possible side effects | Practical sessions (F), mock exam (F), coursework/examination (S) |
| 3) Distinguish the difference between supplements and controlled substances and their status in and out of competition according to the World Anti-Doping Code Prohibited List and recognise substances and methods that are detrimental for sports performance and health; | ASADA e-learning (F), coursework/examination (S) |
| 4) Critically evaluate different methods of doping prevention and policies; | ASADA e-learning (F), coursework/examination (S) |
| 5) Discuss the attitudes, values and behaviours that precipitate doping in sport; | Coursework/examination (S) |
| 6) Demonstrate key skills of communication (produce written reports and/or oral presentations; incorporate tables, charts and diagrams in documents/presentations; collate information), numeracy (collect and analyse data), ICT (to present coursework; to obtain information), teamwork (working with others), and develop independent learning skills. | Formatively assessed in seminars and laboratory through laboratory group work and data collection. Summative assessment formal exam and coursework assignments. |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Formal examination | Written exam | 40% |
| Laboratory report | Coursework | 35% |
| Individual report | Coursework | 25% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
The most recent edition of:
Bahrke, M.S. & Yesalis, C.E. Performance Enhancing Substances in Sport and Exercise. Leeds: Human Kinetics.
McArdle, W.D., Katch, F.I., Katch, V.L. Exercise Physiology: Energy, nutrition and human performance. Baltimore: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Mottram, D.R., Ed.. Drugs in Sport. London: Routledge.
The most recent edition of:
Armstrong, L.E. Performing in Extreme Environments. Champaign, Ill: Human Kinetics.
Houlihan, B. & Council of Europe. Dying to Win: Doping in Sport and the Development of Anti-doping Policy. Strasbourg: Council of Europe.
Noakes, T.D. The Lore of Running. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Tamburinin, C. & Tannsio, T., Eds. Genetic Technology and Sport (Ethics & Sport S.) London: Routledge.
Waddington, I. Sport, Health and Drugs: A Critical Sociological Perspective. London: Spon Press.