Applied Sport and Exercise Nutrition – (M.Sc.)

Contents

Course length

Full-time: MSc: 12 months, PGDip: 8 months
Part-time: MSc: 24 months, PGDip: 20 months

We expect that prospective students will have a strong understanding of either human nutrition or sport and exercise science. The first semester requires that you enrol in either the Human Nutrition or Exercise Physiology module, depending on your background. For example, if you have an undergraduate degree in human nutrition you will usually take the Exercise Physiology module. This format enables you to progress to advanced-level classes, where comprehensive knowledge of both human nutrition and exercise physiology is essential.

To complete an MSc, you need to obtain 180 M-level credits. The PGDip is awarded to students who obtain 120 M-level credits by successfully completing either the Human Nutrition or Exercise Physiology module, and all the remaining modules except the Research Project.

* Human Nutrition (20 M credits) provides a comprehensive overview of the different nutrients required by humans throughout the life cycle and their sources in food in the UK and worldwide. It also critically evaluates methods used to assess nutrient intake at an individual and population level. The relationship between lifestyle and body composition will also be covered.
* Exercise Physiology (20 M credits) examines the fundamental concepts in exercise physiology. Content includes acute and chronic adaptations to exercise, biochemistry and function of skeletal muscle, principles of exercise training, physiology of special populations (eg children, women, elderly and elite athletes) and immune function. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars and laboratory sessions.
* Sport and Exercise Nutrition in Practice (20 M credits) draws upon the experience of experts who are currently involved in providing nutritional support for people who participate in sport and exercise. Where appropriate, the module will use the expertise of guest lecturers in addition to the core teaching team. Strategies that focus on selected techniques known to enhance healthy dietary strategies will be covered. Finally, the use of case studies and practical experience will link the theoretical and applied aspects of the course to provide graduates with the skills necessary to meet the challenges faced by contemporary sport and exercise nutritionists.
* Research Methods (20 M credits) provides a foundation and training in fundamental research methods, from literature searching, experimental planning and design to data analysis and presentation. Assessment is by coursework only.
* Nutrition, Physical Activity and Health (20 M credits) examines the relationships between nutrition, physical activity and health outcomes in humans. In particular, the influence of diet and physical activity on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and obesity will be considered along with counselling and goal-setting for diet, nutrition and exercise.
* Current Research in Sport, Exercise and Nutrition (20 M credits) examines and explores contemporary research in sport and exercise nutrition. This class will promote discussion of the latest findings from peer reviewed journals. You will also be expected to contribute to this discussion through directed and independent reading of relevant material. Additionally, various keynote speakers from Oxford Brookes and other institutions will communicate insight into the current working practice of applied scientists through a series of seminars.
* Laboratory Techniques in Sport and Exercise Nutrition (20 M credits) consists of a practical component using state-of-the-art laboratory techniques including portable calorimetry, densitometry, haematology and urine analysis. The module will include comprehensive testing on both invited athletes and classmates. In addition to the practical element, a main focus of the module is placed on data interpretation and presentation to aid report writing for scientific publications and also athlete and coach feedback. Enrolment on the module also entitles you to complementary registration for the highly sought-after International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) Level 1 qualification (on completion of the required additional practical and theoretical components).
* Research Project (60 M credits) consists of an intensive period of research into a selected topic in sport and exercise nutrition. You will work closely with an appointed supervisor to establish a project topic and identify an appropriate intervention. The research project will be primarily assessed by dissertation submission. Past projects have included fluid and energy delivery from sports drinks during cycling and rowing, accuracy of calorie expenditure estimates of popular sports equipment and effects from ingestion of the dietary supplement 'Pycnogenol' for exercisers.