Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE PHE1127

 
TITLE Introductory Nutrition

 
UM LEVEL 01 - Year 1 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 5

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Institute for Physical Education and Sport

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit is intended to provide the student with the knowledge of the concepts of nutrition and basic digestion principles. This study-unit will also seek to provide a knowledge of macro-nutrient and micro-nutrient requirements in relation to the energy amounts required for exercise, sport and weight management.

Study-unit Aims:

The intent of this study-unit is to ensure familiarization of the following areas of nutrition:

- The concepts of nutrition and energy sources for sport and physical activity;
- The optimum nutrition and fluid intake before, during and after exercise;
- Strategies for healthy weight management and practices for sport and physical activity;
- The role of supplements, micro-nutrients, sport ergogenic aids and practical concepts of anti-doping.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

Part 1: The concepts of nutrition and energy sources for sport and physical activity

Students should be able to:
- identify the macro nutrients and micro nutrients and outline the components of a healthy balanced diet;
- outline the function of macro-nutrients as well as their contribution as sources of energy during exercise of various intensities and durations;
- indicate the benefits of classifying foods according to their glycemic index and the resulting effect on energy release;
- have a good understanding of the importance of carbohydrates;
- discuss situations where an increased intake of protein above the may be advisable;
- compare and analyze a balanced diet for a sedentary individual with that of an active person in terms of energy intake and energy requirements.

Part 2: The optimum nutrition and fluid intake before, during and after exercise

Students should be able to:
- identify and explain the function of water in the diet and its effects;
- list the causes and effects of dehydration and consequently fatigue during and after exercise;
- indicate optimal fluid intake and benefits of using the different sports drinks before, during and after exercise;
- identify the goals of the pre-exercise, during exercise and post-exercise food intake during training or competition;
- compare the nutrition demands of different athletes;
- explain the term carbohydrate loading and how it is achieved;
- develop a meal plan for pre-event and post-event meal considering an athlete's requirement for training/competition.

Part 3: Strategies for healthy weight management and practices for sport and physical activity

Students should be able to:
- discuss the health risks and disadvantages of being overweight and the impact on physical fitness;
- debate the advantages and disadvantages of weight loss during the various macro-cycle phases and evaluate different methods of weight loss;
- differentiate between different eating disorders, and have a good understanding of the female athlete triad.

Part 4: The role of supplements, micro-nutrients, sport ergogenic aids and practical concepts of anti-doping

Students should be able to:
- identify the different micro-nutrients and list their role and functions in the diet;
- identify the risks associated with excess and insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals;
- discuss the effects of a range of nutritional ergogenic;
- debate and differentiate different methods of doping.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- differentiate between different nutrients;
- calculate approximate energy expenditure;
- assess body composition using at least one method;
- develop a healthy meal plan for pre-event and post-event meal considering an athlete's requirement for training/competition;
- develop a hydration plan.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

- W.D. McArdle, F.I. Katch, V.L. Katch, (2014) Exercise Physiology: Nutrition, Energy, and Human Performance (Eighth Edition) Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN-10: 1451191553; ISBN-13: 978-1451191554.
- J.S. Garrow, W.P.T. James, A. Ralph (2000) Human Nutrition and Dietetics. Uk: Churchill Livingstone.
- Melvin Williams , Dawn Anderson Eric Rawson Nutrition for Health, Fitness & Sport 10th Edition. McGraw-Hill Education ISBN-10: 0078021324 ISBN-13: 978-0078021329.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Assignment SEM2 Yes 40%
Examination (2 Hours) SEM2 Yes 60%

 
LECTURER/S Doriette Agius
Lara Gerada (Co-ord.)

 

 
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