SPORT AND EXERCISE IMMUNOLOGY - 2026/7

Module code: BMS3103

Module Overview

The central premise of this module is for students to learn how to integrate their exercise physiology knowledge from previous modules with the biology (i.e., immune function) that, in part, determines the benefits of exercise. The module will explore how the immune system contributes to the health and adaptation of both athletes and individuals with varying health conditions. This module is a culmination of students' learning and will require applying knowledge from topics such as physiology (BMS1032 and BMS2084) and pathology (BMS2052).

Students will enter the module with a good understanding of the principles of exercise physiology and the underlying biology (acquired in L4 and L5 modules BMS1032 and BMS2084, respectively), along with the pathophysiology of prevalent chronic diseases (acquired in L5 module BMS2052). Students will examine the evidence regarding the components and the role of the immune system in relation to exercise-based modalities in health and disease.

Through a series of physiology and immunology-based laboratories, students will apply this knowledge to assess the immune system in relation to fitness and acute exercise. Upon completing this module, students will have gained valuable hands-on employability skills related to the effects of exercise on the immune system.

Module provider

School of Biosciences

Module Leader

BARTLETT David (Biosciences)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

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

Overall student workload

Independent Learning Hours: 65

Lecture Hours: 26

Tutorial Hours: 8

Laboratory Hours: 24

Guided Learning: 20

Captured Content: 7

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

BMS2052 - Pathology: A Metabolic Perspective

BMS2084 - Performance Physiology & Training

Module content

Indicative content includes:

· Health & Immunity : How can we boost health with exercise & physical activity

· The Anatomy of the Human Immune System

· Functions of the Adaptive Immune System

· Functions of the Innate Immune System

· Effects of acute and chronic exercise on innate immunity

· Effects of acute and chronic exercise on adaptive immunity

· Immune responses to intensified periods of training

· Exercise and the prevention of chronic diseases

· Exercise, infection risk, immune function, and inflammation in special populations

· How to assess immune function during exercise

· Introduction to using flow cytometry and ELISA?

Assessment pattern

Assessment type	Unit of assessment	Weighting
Coursework	Manuscript Style Lab Report	50
Examination Online	ONLINE EXAM	50

Alternative Assessment

Coursework - essay on the immune response of a specific population of people

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate that the students have a detailed knowledge of the principles of exercise immunology, how these relate to different populations of people, different modes of exercise, and how to assess the immune system.

Thus, the summative assessment of this module consists of:

· A written case study based on a case study on the students own choosing.

· A presentation of a relevant journal article, detailing the strengths and weaknesses of the study.

· An examination in which the students write 1 extended essay from a choice.

Formative assessment and feedback:

·Weekly MCQ (10 questions) during tutorials from Week 2 onwards that cover the previous weeks content and to ensure weekly learning goals are being achieved.

· Weekly tutorials with group discussions, journal critiques, presentations and verbal feedback on the lecture and practical content

· Practical sessions that will assess immune components in the Institute for Health biomedical teaching laboratories in response to exercise.

Verbal feedback from academics or demonstrators will be provided during practicals

Formative feedback on examination style essay structure and content includes a class discussion of past examination questions during revision week · Feedback to specific queries via the discussion boards on SurreyLearn with responses being made available to all via SurreyLearn or during tutorials as appropriate generic class feedback to practical reports

Module aims

Provide students with more in-depth knowledge of the applicability and principles of immunology in relation to sport, exercise, and health.
Develop a critical awareness of the underlying immunological causes of health conditions and how exercise/physical activity can alleviate the pathology
Evaluate the specific exercise-induced functional changes to the immune system
To advance practical laboratory skills for assessment of physiological and immune function during exercise
Provide an introduction to the molecular mechanisms by which exercise acts on functions of the immune system

Learning outcomes

		Attributes Developed
001	Describe the main components and functions of the immune system	K
002	Understand the principles of exercise immunology	K
003	Gather scientific information to address a formulated research question	CKP
004	Critically analyse and evaluate information to support conclusions/recommendation	CK
005	Communicate effectively orally and in written work	CKP
006	Assess and analyse immune function tests	C
007	Have the ability to discuss how different exercise protocols can be designed and used to assess immune function in different populations	CKPT
008	Understand the tools required to assess immunity in relation to exercise	CKPT

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to ensure that students achieve the module's learning outcomes and develop competencies in the complementary aspects of the curriculum framework (employability, digital capabilities, global and cultural intelligence, sustainability, resourcefulness and resilience).

Students will attend lectures and tutorials to further their understanding of the concepts underlying the immunological effects of exercise across a variety of populations. This knowledge will be integrated into practical classes designed to further their understanding of the topic and provide them with the practical and professional skills required to work in an exercise immunology setting.

Throughout the module, SurreyLearn will be extensively used to inform students and disseminate specific content such as lecture hand-outs, useful links and additional literature. SurreyLearn will also be used to communicate between academics and students to answer questions that are of relevance to all students effectively

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: BMS3103

Other information

Graduate Attributes

The School of Biosciences is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas.

Digital Capabilities: Students will work extensively with digital platforms central to modern biosciences and immunology research. Throughout the module, students will engage with SurreyLearn, online quizzes, digital lecture content, and immunology resources. Practical sessions require the use of laboratory software tools (e.g., flow cytometry analysis platforms, ELISA plate reading software and physiological assessments) to interpret immune and exercise data. As part of coursework, students must critically appraise scientific literature using digital databases and produce a manuscript style lab report using appropriate referencing and word processing tools. Engagement with digital data interpretation is a key feature of this module and closely mirrors real world immunology workflows.

Global & Cultural Capabilities: Exercise immunology is inherently global, with immune health challenges, disease burdens, and exercise practices varying across cultures and populations. Students will work in diverse laboratory and tutorial groups, learning to collaborate with peers from different backgrounds and scientific perspectives. Group discussions require students to consider how immune responses to exercise differ across age, health status, ethnicity, and activity level. Students are encouraged to recognise and value differences in experience, and to adapt communication styles when working with others during practical instruction and data collection.

Sustainability: This module highlights the role of exercise and physical activity in improving immune health and reducing the global burden of non communicable diseases. Students explore how sustainable lifestyle behaviours including physical activity align with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well Being. They will evaluate evidence showing how exercise can reduce reliance on clinical interventions by supporting long term immune resilience. Practical classes also emphasise responsible laboratory practice (e.g., minimising waste, using reagents efficiently) to promote sustainability in scientific research settings.

Employability: Students develop a range of professional skills essential for future careers in sport science, public health, clinical exercise physiology, and biomedical research. The module builds competence in laboratory-based immunoassays (such as flow cytometry and ELISA), data interpretation, scientific writing, and oral communication. The manuscript style lab report mirrors the expectations of professional scientific environments. Tutorials and practicals enhance critical thinking, presentation skills, teamwork, and scientific reasoning. These skills support employment across exercise science, clinical research, immunology labs, and postgraduate study programmes.

Resourcefulness & Resilience: The module encourages students to build confidence in navigating scientific uncertainty and problem solving in immunology. Practical laboratory work requires students to troubleshoot assays, manage their time effectively, interpret complex immune data, and adapt to unexpected scientific outcomes. Weekly MCQs, discussions, and formative feedback teach students how to respond constructively to challenges and develop independent learning strategies. By engaging deeply with both physiology and immunology content, students learn to persist through difficult material and become resourceful, resilient learners capable of tackling interdisciplinary scientific questions.

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 2026/7 academic year.