SP7013 - Applied Sport Nutrition

What will I learn on this module?

The focus of this module will be on sport and exercise nutrition interventions that aim to improve athlete performance and wellbeing. You will learn what the current guidelines are, and critically review the underlying evidence base for these guidelines. Then you will apply your knowledge to adapt the recommendations for different situational (e.g. time of season, competition schedule, environment, and travelling) or personal contexts (e.g. demographic, other lifestyle commitments, special dietary requirements, and ethical and cultural beliefs). The module will take a food first approach but discuss ergogenic aids and supplements for individual needs where appropriate in the context of current anti-doping advice.

How will I learn on this module?

The taught content will be delivered and provided in a variety of formats, and you will be able to access materials on the eLP. There will be the opportunity to work in smaller groups with discipline specific members of staff who will facilitate context driven discussion and learning. You will also be set independent tasks informed by key literature to complete outside of class time to further develop your understanding of the taught content. The module will take a largely problem-based learning approach through the use of appropriate case studies.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Module information, assessment requirements and expectations, and important module announcements will be made through the eLP. Material to support your learning will be uploaded in advance of sessions. You will be provided with content verbally and guided through tasks during timetabled sessions. A dedicated assessment session will afford you the opportunity to ask assessment related questions in class. The Module Leader is there to support you with any queries that you may have about the module content, and all staff members provide tutorial time outside of class time. Module tutors will provide you with the necessary information on how to arrange a tutorial. You will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on your development during the module, and you will receive feedback on summative work to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial. There is also further academic skills support available from the University Library services, and 24/7 student welfare online support.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Produce a critical synthesis of current sport and exercise nutrition guidelines that aim to enhance athlete performance and wellbeing.
2. Apply critical judgement to adapt relevant guidelines for an individual context.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Use sound academic judgement to solve problems.
4. Consider current ethical and health and safety guidelines to recommend an appropriate intervention for a specific context.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Present recommendations in a format appropriate for the intended audience.

How will I be assessed?

The summative assessment is a case study, designed to meet all module learning outcomes (3500 words). You will choose a case study centred on a unique individual problem. In your report you will be asked to provide a critical synthesis of current recommendations relevant to the case study, explain how they may need to be adapted for the specific context, and produce a summary of adapted recommendations for the client.

Scenarios will be discussed in class, and you will receive formative feedback on your recommendations resulting from these discussions.

You will receive written or audio feedback on your summative assessment to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Nutritional practices can have a large impact on the health and performance of an athlete, making a positive contribution to everyday life, training, recovery, and competition. There is a wealth of research in the area, and this evidence is used to develop general recommendations to help athletes and practitioners. However, there is still disagreement within the literature, and what works for one athlete may not work for another. In this module you will learn to critique the current evidence base and adapt the recommendations or synthesise new recommendations as appropriate for different contexts.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 2 years Part Time
1 other options available

Department Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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