Metabolism, Nutrition and Exercise

Full course description

The aim of the course is to provide students with a solid understanding of the key aspects in energy metabolism, and the effects of nutrients on skeletal muscle metabolism during exercise of different types. The course requires prior knowledge on some simple (bio)chemical concepts (e.g. the structure and function of macromolecules, common forms of chemical reactions, basic cell structure, and metabolism of macromolecules).

The course builds around a practical case study. With a group of students, you develop a recommendation regarding nutrition and exercise for a patient, a client, or an organisation. Since this is an advance-level course, with students from different backgrounds, you can also provide other recommendations, e.g. how to motivate the client to meet the recommendations.

The first part of the course provides a theoretical framework on the basics of exercise biochemistry and exercise physiology. In the form of tutorial groups, you discuss the physiology of muscles, the metabolism of macronutrients, the hormonal regulation of metabolism, and the biochemical and physiological role of micronutrients in relation to exercise and fatigue. You are not confronted with predesigned problems; instead you can relate the theoretical framework directly to your case. The course builds on knowledge you have obtained in basic and intermediate courses, such as biochemistry, human physiology, and cell biology. In addition, you are encouraged to relate to appropriate knowledge from other courses. This course serves as a culmination: relevant knowledge acquired in previous courses is combined and applied.

In the second part of the course, you look further into the case and fill in the gaps. You may have to do some more literature research, but you can also get in touch with professionals who work with cases like yours on a day-to-day basis. There will be ample time to discuss the group work in class, and ask for and provide feedback to fellow groups. This will be in the format of group discussions and a peer review session. By doing so, you have the opportunity to present your findings and ask remaining questions or discuss issues in relation to the case study, as well as to receive feedback on how to proceed. A recommendation on your case, in the form of a group assignment, concludes this part of the course.