Faculty of Business: Leisure, Sport and Tourism
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level: Undergraduate

Result Type: Grade and marks

Handbook description

This subject examines the role of nutrition in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and in exercise and sports performance. It focuses on dietary guidelines for exercise prescription and sports performance and on the relationships between physical activity and eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and obesity.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Understand the role of nutrition as a basis for energy, work and efficiency of human movement.
2. Demonstrate an ability to analyse food intake for specific nutrients and modify food intake to satisfy a client's nutritional requirements.
3. Discuss the role of nutrition and nutritional ergogenics in exercise prescription/adherence and sports performance.
4. Describe the relationships between nutrition, eating disorders and performance in exercise and sport contexts.

Contribution to graduate profile

This is a core subject in the BA Human Movement Studies and the BA Sport and Exercise Management programs and informs and constrains theoretical knowledge related to the nutritional demands of human movement. It provides conceptual knowledge and skills related to general health, well-being, athletic performance and issues associated with insufficient nutrient intake.

Teaching and learning strategies

Teaching and learning strategies include formal lectures, tutorials, practical laboratory investigation and guest lectures. Content for this subject will be supported by UTSOnline.

Content

• Nutrition defined
• Australian eating patterns and social/ethnic/psychological influences
• The five food groups
• Nutrients, their functions and dietary guidelines
• Fat/protein/carbohydrate/fibre, salt, alcohol, exercise and diet
• Sources of energy for the athlete, including thermal regulation, water and electrolyte balance
• Dietary supplements and myths associated with nutrition
• Pre and post competition meals
• Eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, and obesity)
• Exercise adherence and nutrition

Assessment

Food Intake and Activity Record (Individual)	30%
This addresses objectives 1-4.
Mid-Semester Examination (Individual)	30%
This addresses objectives 1-3
End of Semester Examination (Individual)	40%
This addresses objectives 1-4

Examinations will be conducted under University examination conditions, and hence thoroughly address concerns regarding secure assessment. The written assessment requires students to collect and compile primary data relating to their eating and exercise habits, followed by a discussion of this data. This ensures each assessment is individualised and reduces the possibility of plagiarism or cheating.

Recommended text(s)

Burke, L. & Deakin, V. (2000). Clinical Sports Nutrition, 2nd edition. Sydney: McGraw-Hill.

Indicative references

Australian Institute of Sport (1999). Survival for the Fittest- Cookbook. Sydney: Murdoch Magazines Pty Ltd.

Benardot, D. (2000). Nutrition for serious athletes. Champaign, Ill.: Human Kinetics.

Burke, L. (1992). The Complete Guide to Food for Sports Performance. Sydney: Allen & Unwin.

O'Connor, H. & Hay, D. (1998). Competition Nutrition. Sydney: J.B. Fairfax Press.

O'Connor, H. & Hay, D. (1998). Nutrition Basics. Sydney: J.B.Fairfax Press.