Module Specifications.
Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025
All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).
As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Date posted: September 2024
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Coursework Only |
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Description After natural talent and appropriate training, nutrition is the next most important factor influencing sports performance. On the other hand, health risks linked to body composition, nutrient deficiencies and dietary habits are readily altered by manipulation of nutrient intake in the short- and long-term. This module provides an understanding of the role of food and nutrition in sports performance and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Students are introduced to both the foundations of nutrition science (macro- and micronutrients, dietary requirements, energy balance, and nutrient metabolism), and their application to health, exercise and performance interests. Foods will be discussed with reference to their composition of fats, proteins, minerals, vitamins and carbohydrates. A key focus of the module is the synergistic effect of nutrition combined with exercise for optimising health and performance. In the final third of the module, focus will be given to practical applications of current nutrition guidelines including meal planning and provision, food choices, and both broad and goal-orientated dietary strategies. Coursework in this module includes (i) the recording and analysis of a three-day food diary, (ii) research and critical appraisal of a key question in contemporary sports nutrition, and (iii) developing an educational presentation and materials for a case study in sports nutrition. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. reflect on the fundamental principles of nutrition science and evolution of dietary guidelines for health and sport 2. recognise the physiological and metabolic demands of exercise and how these influence nutrition requirements of athletes to recreational participants 3. summarise the role of nutrition in enhancing sports performance 4. record, analyse and make nutrition recommendations based on a portion estimate food diary 5. differentiate between nutrition strategies for affecting change in body composition for health and performance 6. appreciate the short- and long-term risks of inappropriate nutrition in relation to exercise and health 7. search for and critically-appraise scientific literature 8. develop and present a nutrition strategy to address a real-world case study in either a sport OR health-related context | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Indicative syllabusKeys concepts in sport and exercise nutrition; Energy balance, intake and expenditure; Macronutrients I: Carbohydrate; Macronutrients II: Protein; Macronutrients III: Fat; Micronutrients; Sports and dietary supplements; Hydration; Practical sports nutrition I: Preparing for performance; Practical sports nutrition II: During performance; Practical sports nutrition III: Recovery; Nutrition strategies to alter body composition in athletes; Nutrition knowledge and communication with athletes; | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||