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RN5009: EXERCISE METABOLISM (2025-2026)

Last modified: 07 Jul 2025 09:16


Course Overview

Explore the biochemistry of exercise, understanding how biochemical processes shape outcomes. From dissecting energy systems to decoding skeletal muscle metabolism, the curriculum emphasizes core elements impacting exercise. Evaluate nutritional interventions, grasp timing nuances, and decode signalling pathways. Gain the knowledge to navigate sports biochemistry, evaluate evidence, and apply nutrition for enhanced performance in diverse exercises.

Course Details

Study Type Postgraduate Level 5
Term First Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Alan Sneddon

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Postgraduate Programme

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

Students on this course will explore the physiological and biochemical demands of sports and exercise participation, providing a comprehensive understanding of how metabolism integrates at molecular, cellular, and whole-body levels. Students will explore training practices, the physical demands of various sports, and relevant regulations, enhancing their ability to apply this knowledge in practical settings.

The course also examines the impact of disease processes on exercise and sport performance. The course will focus on critical systems such as thermoregulation, immunity, the musculoskeletal system, the cardiovascular system, and the neuro-endocrine system. This holistic approach equips students with insights into how metabolic functions can be influenced by both health and performance factors.

Building on the foundational concepts in the biochemistry of sport and exercise nutrition, this module integrates key learning outcomes with targeted assessments, preparing students for advanced roles in sports science and health. The aim is to advance expertise in the biochemistry underlying exercise metabolism, emphasizing the interconnectedness of nutrition and physical performance.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2025 for 1st Term courses and 19 December 2025 for 2nd Term courses.

Summative Assessments

Class Test

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks 19 Feedback Weeks 21

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Feedback

Duration: 1 hour

Evaluate understanding through a comprehensive class test which will assess learning outcomes 1-3, related to understanding biochemistry in sport and exercise, assessing evidence for nutritional interventions, and applying nutritional concepts to diverse exercise types. A mixture of MCQ and short answer questions.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualEvaluateEvaluate the evidence supporting the role of nutritional interventions in sport and exercise biochemistry.
FactualUnderstandUnderstand the biochemistry of sport and exercise and the relation to nutrients.
ProceduralApplyApply knowledge of nutritional biochemical concepts to performance across the spectrum of different exercise types.

Design Project: Individual

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks 10 Feedback Weeks 12

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Feedback

Demonstrate comprehension through a virtual poster evaluating the biochemical relevance of a nutritional intervention on exercise outcomes. This assesses the ability to apply knowledge practically.

Feedback will be provided by markers in text attached with grade in MyAberdeen.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualEvaluateEvaluate the evidence supporting the role of nutritional interventions in sport and exercise biochemistry.
ProceduralApplyApply knowledge of nutritional biochemical concepts to performance across the spectrum of different exercise types.

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Oral Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Duration: 30 minutes

Written feedback will be provided.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualUnderstandUnderstand the biochemistry of sport and exercise and the relation to nutrients.
ProceduralApplyApply knowledge of nutritional biochemical concepts to performance across the spectrum of different exercise types.
ConceptualEvaluateEvaluate the evidence supporting the role of nutritional interventions in sport and exercise biochemistry.

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