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Sports and Exercise Nutrition
Master of Science
Course Details
Course Code | SG_SSPOR_M09 |
---|---|
Level | 9 |
Duration | 2 years |
Credits | 90 |
Method of Delivery | Online |
Campus Locations | Sligo |
Mode of Delivery | Part Time |
Course Overview
The Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Nutrition at the Atlantic Technological University Sligo Campus offers the chance to upskill in the area of sports nutrition. This programme is delivered part-time and online allowing you the freedom of gaining a qualification while continuing in your current employment.
The aim of the course is to produce sports nutritionists who are strongly focused on the science behind the subject, and who also have experience of the practicalities of delivering the latest evidence based guidance to individuals and teams who are looking to maximise the sports performance benefits of nutrition to complement their training programmes.
This course covers the key principles of exercise physiology and sports nutrition and aims to develop critical awareness of topics across these areas of study. It also explores important issues within sports nutrition such as the use of supplements and ergogenic aids and critically analyses the key evidence for and against their use and reported implications for exercise performance.
Nutrition plays a key role in an athletes training and preparation for competition and most sports now recognise the integral role that nutrition plays in achieving success. This online programme provides graduates with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies required to work in this exciting and evolving area at an advanced level.
Course Details
Year 1
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Exercise Physiology and MetabolismThis module aims to upskill students from non-exercise backgrounds in exercise physiology concepts relevant to the regulation of metabolic processes during and as a result of various types of exercise training in selected population groups. Students will be introduced to principles and methods of exercise training aimed at different outcomes, and understand the associated acute and chronic physiological and biochemical responses and resultant implications for nutrition. Various concepts associated with bioenergetics and muscle metabolism, energy expenditure and fatigue and the structure and function of exercising muscle will be included, together with physiological adaptations to deconditioning and metabolic disease. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain types ofexercise training with varying aims, and discuss the associated acute & chronic physiological responses in bodily systems 2. Examine the structure and function of skeletal muscle and discuss metabolic processes during muscular contraction 3. Examine principle energy systems and sources, and discuss energy expenditure and the interrelationship between systems at rest and during exercise of various intensities. 4. Describe the hormonal regulation of metabolism and fluidand electrolyte balanceduring exercise. 5. Analyse variations in physiological responses and metabolism during, and as a result of regular exercise, associated with selectedpopulation sub-groups in comparison to the general population. |
10 | Elective |
1 |
Essentials in Human NutritionThis module brings the overview of the fundamental principles in Human Nutrition. It describes the fundamental role and metabolism of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and other biological active substances, and discusses the aspects of nutritional assessment and the dietary considerations at each stage of the life cycle. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate the understanding ofthe sources, structure, function and nutritional characteristics of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates along with digestion and absorption,and consequences of deficiency 2. Discuss key nutritional aspects of different population groups at each stage of the life cycle 3. Critically evaluate variations in nutritional demand due to physical activity level, age and gender, physiological and health status 4. Appraise the role of cultural, social and psychological factors in shaping the eating habits of an individual 5. Discuss strategies to overcome nutrition-related problems |
10 | Elective |
1 |
Human Nutrition and Exercise Physiology and MetabolismThis module is aimed at bridging the gap for entrants from alternate disciplines through an accelerated overview of the fundamental principles in Human Nutrition and Exercise Physiology and Metabolism. The Human Nutrition Section describes the dietary sources, function and metabolism of macro- and micronutrients, and other biologically active substances, discussing key nutritional aspects that contribute to healthy growth and development throughout life. Understanding of the fundamentals of exercise training, the regulation of metabolic processes by which muscles derive energy during exercise, as well as mechanisms underpinning both acute and chronic physiological adaptations to training, disuse and metabolic disease will also be achieved in the Exercise Physiology and Metabolism sections. Learning Outcomes 1. Discuss the importance of macro- and micronutrients, energy balance and metabolism including digestion, absorption, andsymptoms associated with deficiencies 2. Discuss key nutritional aspectsof different populationgroups at each stage of the life cycle and critically evaluate variations in nutritional demand due to physical activity level, age and gender, physiological and health status 3. Assess and evaluate nutritional status at different life stages 4. Critically evaluate the evidence for some of the key factors which influence food and nutrient intake and its association with diseases 5. Explain variations in physiological responses and metabolism during, and as a result of regular exercise, associated with selectedpopulation sub-groups in comparison to the general population. 6. Explain types ofexercise training with varying aims, and discuss the associated acute & chronic physiological responses in bodily systems 7. Describe the structure and function of skeletal muscle and discuss metabolic processes during muscular contraction |
10 | Elective |
1 |
Nutrition, Health and Fitness AssessmentThis module will prepare students for applied aspects of sports, exercise and nutritional assessment, including methods of dietary analysis, energy expenditure assessment and selected techniques used to evaluate parameters of health and fitness from the general population to elite performers. Learning Outcomes 1. Discuss the appropriate application and limitations of selected measurement & evaluation methods; including anthrompometric, dietary, biochemical, physiological and functional assessment methods. 2. Critically interpret and evaluate scientific evidence involving the use of dietary, anthropometric or laboratory methods to determine nutritional health status and health & fitness levels 3. Elicit, record,interpret and report scientific data gathered from nutritional and health and fitness assessments to plan nutritional interventions. 4. Demonstrate skills & knowledge related to obtaining informed consent prior to individual assessment & evaluation and principles of confidentiality in the recording and sharing of client information. 5. Demonstrate competence in the application of a range of methods commonly used to measure aspects of diet, nutrition, health and fitness. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Nutrition and PerformanceThis module covers the basics of sport nutrition, including a critical appraisal of the current thoughts with regards to carbohydrate, fat and protein requirements of athletes. You will be taught to examine the influence of nutrition on sporting performance and to explore the role of nutritional strategies during the preparation for, participation in and recovery from sport competition. There will also be a focus on the use of supplements and ergogenic aids and current doping regulations. This module will help you develop the knowledge and skills necessary to translate the principles of sports nutrition into foods and eating patterns appropriate to the lifestyle of athletes, with the aim of optimising performance. Learning Outcomes 1. Review critically how macro and micronutrients affect athletic performance. 2. Discuss and analyse pertinent issues that athletes should consider when consuming supplements and ergogenic aids. 3. Interpret and evaluate nutrition requirements for training and competition 4. Appraise eating disorders as they pertain to sports and athletes 5. Review critically the relationship between training, body composition and performance 6. Assess hydration requirements for training and competition as well as for recreational exercise and health |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Professional Skills for Sports NutritionistsThis module develops students competencies in transferable/additional skills needed to practice as a sports nutritionist. These include communication skills to create a rapport conducive to empowering clients to change eating behaviour, overcome issues of compliance and facilitate client follow-up, aspects known to significantly impact the outcome of nutritional interventions. Psychological models for promoting eating behaviour change and compliance will be practised and issues related to ethics, governance, professional conduct and establishing evidence-based practice will be included. Basic enterprise & innovation skills aimed at students planning to set up their own practice are also included here. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate and critique a range of suitable communication skills and styles for working with individuals and teams 2. Critically analyse psychological models for behaviour change and their relevance in changing eating behaviours 3. Recognise the professional issues of ethics, code of conduct, confidentiality, contracts, data protection, personal liability/insurance and counselling skills 4. Demonstrate basic enterprise and innovation skills |
10 | Mandatory |
Year 2
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Advanced Performance NutritionThis module will equip you with an understanding of the skills and experience necessary to translate sports nutrition principles into practical professional advice in a range of sports settings. Learning Outcomes 1. Critically assess and evaluate the inter-relationship between nutrition, environment, individual characteristics and sports performance. 2. Demonstrate an ability to provide nutrition advice to a range of population groups 3. Critically discuss current issues in sports nutrition 4. Appraise the different nutritional strategies required for different types of sports e.g. strength versus endurance 5. Evaluate weight requirements for different sports and the nutritional implications of this |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Research Methods for Sports NutritionThe Research Methods module provides a critical overview of the main methods and approaches used for research into areas related to sport and exercise nutrition, in-depth knowledge of planning and designing research studies, quantitative research techniques, methods of data analysis, ethical considerations in research, and skills in presenting research findings. Learning Outcomes 1. Discuss the key statistical issues including analysis, sampling, study size and statistical power 2. Reflect upon an wide range of qualitative and/or qualitative methods anddiscuss their main advantages and challenges 3. Critically evaluate the givenissue in the area of sports nutrition and using quantitative and/or qualitative approach prepare theresearch proposal 4. Discuss the ethical issues that must beconsidered whenusing human subjects for research purpose |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Statistical Analysis for Nutritional ResearchThis module will equip the student with advanced statistical techniques for analysing data in the Nutrition fields. It provides the students with the ability to apply appropriate statistical techniques to data sets gathered during project work and also to comment on and rate techniques used in existing studies. Learning Outcomes 1. Formulate conclusionsby applying a range ofadvanced statistical techniques in the analysis of data sets. 2. Model the relationships between variables using regression analysis 3. Explain the concept of survival analysis and apply the most commonly used mortality/survival functions 4. Justify the selection and application of appropriate quantitative analysis in nutrition relatedliterature and reports. 5. Use a statistical software package to carry out analysis ondata sets. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Sports and Exercise Nutrition ThesisThe research project will allow the learner to investigate an area of interest relevant to Sports and Exercise Nutrition, using knowledge skills and competencies acquired at earlier stages of the Master's Programme, to research an area deemed appropriate by an academic Supervisor. The type and style of the research project will be decided in consultation and collaboration with the student's research supervisor. Students will examine and define the issues/research question, develop a research proposal, select and execute appropriate methodologies, analyse data, evaluate findings critically and draw justifiable conclusions, demonstrating self-direction and originality of thought. The learner will be allocated a supervisor who will advise on the direction of the work. The work will culminate with the submission of a research thesis, poster presentation and a viva voce. Learning Outcomes 1. Develop a research methodology and project plan for a research project. 2. Plan and implement self-directed learning to further knowledge and understanding of a relevant area. 3. Critically examine literature and draw inferences from this body of knowledge. 4. Select and applya range of standard and specialised research or equivalent tools and techniques of enquiry to the research project 5. Interpret, critique andsynthesisedatathat isstate of the art in arelevant area. 6. Demonstrate the validity of the research process undertaken. 7. Produce a minorthesis/project that details and evaluates the work undertaken and justifies the conclusions reached in a format appropriate to a level 9 award. |
30 | Mandatory |
Recommended Study Hours per week
Examination and Assessment
On-Campus Attendance Requirement
Progression
Graduates will be well placed to pursue doctorates in the area of Sports and Exercise Nutrition. Graduates will be supported in pursuit of PhD programmes of relevant research.
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
Applications with a 2.2 Honours award in a relevant discipline (Nutrition, Dietetics, Sport Science, Health, Public Health, Allied Health or a cognate area as deemed suitable by the programme committee) may apply. Applicants who do not meet this entry criterion may be considered through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). RPL is a process that may allow you to gain admission to a programme or to receive exemptions / credit from some parts of a programme based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study or through your work and career. Further information is available through www.myexperience.ie which is our dedicated RPL portal.
Careers
The aim of this course is to enable students to develop an advanced level of subject knowledge and research experience, as well as a comprehensive range of transferable academic and practical skills. Career choices for qualified Sport and Exercise Nutritionists can include leading sports nutrition programmes for individual athletes, sports teams and recreational athletes, providing nutritional support for physical activity or weight management initiatives, working with local, national or international sporting bodies or nutrition companies, leading research into specific areas which utilise nutrition to improve performance, food product development as well as nutritional support to national governing bodies and sports organisations.
Further Information
Who Should Apply?
Contact Information
Admissions Office
T: 353 (0) 71 931 8511
E: admissions.sligo@atu.ie