NUTRITION & EXERCISE FOR HEALTH & SPORTS PERFORMANCE - 2025/6

Module Overview

As with other modules in this programme, this module gathers a range of internal and external speakers to provide specific insights into the role and application of nutrition to sport and exercise. As a foundation for this specific application of nutrition the module starts with a brief overview of exercise physiology and limits to performance, before covering key areas of nutrition in an exercising situation, both in terms of performance and in terms of health.

Students’ knowledge and appraisal of evidence are developed and assessed by completing two short evidence-based essays.  Students’ application of knowledge is developed using formative activities within the taught part of the modules, but also through undertaking a summative case study assignment. 

Module provider

School of Biosciences

Module Leader

HULTON Andrew (Biosciences)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Indicative content includes:

Some or all of the following topics

• 
  Exercise physiology: physiological and biochemical response to exercise & training
  
  Energy, Carbohydrate & Fat – Fuels for exercise
  
  Carbohydrate and protein requirements for exercise
  
  Fluid & electrolytes balance in exercise: use of sports drinks
  
  The Performance Nutritionist
  
  Ergogenic aids
  
  The female athlete / exercise & bone
  
  Nutrition for strength & power
  
  Practical Sports Nutrition
  
  Exercise nutrition for the non-athlete
  
  Nutrition, Exercise & Metabolic Health
  
  Case studies in sports nutrition
  

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and translation in exercise nutrition

 

  Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of the following components collectively  accounting for 100% of the module mark

• 2 x short essays – these are brief evidence-based summaries on a specific topic area covered in the module. 


• A case study assignment – you will be provided with background on a real-life athlete, and observe a nutritional consultation with the said athlete.  Based on this information you will complete a nutritional summary for that individual to cover the physical demands of their sport, nutritional requirements, and nutritional recommendations – to include some practical translation (e.g. menu or diet philosophy).

 

  Formative assessment

Case study sessions in class – an opportunity for students to work in small groups’ to speculate on demands, and requirements, identify issues, and propose possible nutritional strategies. 

 

  Feedback

Real-time feedback is provided in-class on formative case studies.  In addition to written feedback on submitted assignments.

Module aims

• To provide students with a thorough background knowledge of physiology, biochemistry and nutrition relevant to exercise,
• To understand the energy and nutritional demands of exercise and sport
• To allow students the opportunity to evaluate practices in exercise and dietary manipulation currently used to enhance performance in a wide range of sports activities.
• To reinforce the concept that modification of exercise and dietary habits in the general population can promote improved health and well-being.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy are designed to build on the understanding gained in previous modules and their own backgrounds, expertise and experiences.  Equipping them with a key appreciation for the demands of exercise to translate and apply nutrition knowledge to an exercising situation. 

We will employ a variety of teaching approaches from lectures, on-demand material, key reading, seminars and workshops (including a working dinner).    There will be a formative case study session to translate knowledge into practice via class discussion.

We will also provide tools to be able to develop their own nutritional strategies and menus.   

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: BMSM011

Other information

Employability: In this module, students are trained and encouraged to employ their knowledge of nutrition to an exercising situation, applicable to not just athletes but the average exerciser.  Students gain an appreciation of the cross-disciplinary approach between sports and exercise and nutrition in the management of individual health and/or exercise performance, empowering them to apply this knowledge in the field.  The module is designed to provide not just theory but the application of knowledge equipping them for employment as nutritionists or sports/performance nutritionists.  Through the use of authentic assessments, and formative in class activities, students solve real life case studies, as well as produce an in-depth nutritional summary and recommendations for a case or chosen sport,  .In addition, students are exposed to industry speakers and practitioners, gaining an appreciation of the scope and opportunities for working in exercise nutrition.   

 

Resourcefulness and Resilience:   The teaching of this module provides a scaffold around which students need to apply their knowledge and resourcefulness to solve problems and demonstrate innovation.  Through critically appraising and developing novel foods and diets, participating in research studies, and gathering and interpreting evidence.  The nature of the assessments and formative activities in class are such that students will be required to draw upon their individual and collective resourcefulness, often working in partnership with other students to work through cases and innovate solutions. 

 

Digital Capabilities: As in other modules, students are encouraged to work together in groups, utilising collaborative tools (Whatsapp, Teams, Zoom) to communicate.   As has been these are key skills that are increasingly important to the modern nutritionist, working in a variety of settings and teams.  Students are also encouraged to use some digital tools to establish nutritional requirements and create nutritional recommendations. 

 

Global and cultural capabilities: Students will get insight into the culture of sport, and the challenges of working in a competitive arena.  Similarly working with exercising non-athletes, whose goals and challenges may differ, as too will the approaches and priorities for nutrition.   Students also gain an appreciation of bit h the cultural and international issues that can present barriers or challenges to meeting nutritional recommendations, and strategies to overcome these.  This is reinforced using case studies, and encouraging students to share their own diverse cultures

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.