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2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SPSC2203 Exercise Biochemistry

10 creditsClass Size: 40

Module manager: Dr Matthew Lancaster
Email: M.K.Lancaster@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Pre-requisite qualifications

Successful completion of Level 1 in Sports Science and Physiology or Sport and Exercise Science

Co-requisites

SPSC2302Ex Physiology Sport & Health

This module is mutually exclusive with

BIOC2201Exercise Biochemistry

Module replaces

SPSC2201

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

- All sports and exercise activities involve muscular activity. Therefore the biochemistry of exercise underpins the study of the factors that contribute to exercise and sports performance. To any one of us there is an upper limit to our ability to perform a task involving muscular effort. This applies to activities dependent on strength, speed stamina or skill. The ability to response to an acute exercise challenge and the capacity to respond to a training stimulus with an improvement in function are the keys to being successful in sport, as they also are in pathological conditions where exercise tolerance is limited. - This module aims to elucidate the cellular biochemical events required during exercise and to discuss how these are modulated in response to exercise training. - The module will explore biochemical exercise responses including for example, the cellular metabolic pathways that allow elite marathon runners to sustain high work rates for prolonged durations. Pathological conditions that result in limited functioning of these processes will also be presented, and the genetic basis of athletic capability and training will be discussed.

Objectives

The objectives of the module are to:
- provide a basic understanding of the structure and function of nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and fats and to
understand the links between them;
- enable students to understand the overall concepts governing metabolism and energy transformation;
- understand the structural and biochemical importance of these pathways in sport and exercise and how the body adapts to different metabolic demands and stresses;
- provide an understanding of genetic factors involved in structural and biochemical related pathology in sport and exercise;
- enable students to acquire the skills necessary to plan and execute practical investigation in biochemical processes and to critically evaluate and interpret such data.

Learning outcomes
Students will gain knowledge of:
- The structure of amino acids, peptides and proteins;
- The building blocks of DNA and RNA. Transcription and translation;
- Protein synthesis;
- How enzymes work, regulation, types of reaction;
- Energy rich phosphates ATP, ADP, creatine phosphate;
- The processes involved in carbohydrate biosynthesis and degradation in relation to the release and storage of glucose;
- Anaerobic and aerobic ATP production;
- Oxidative phosphorylation;
- Oxidation of fats for the production of energy;
- The TCA cycle as a common pathway for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and amino acids;
- The importance of different metabolic and structural processes involved in different exercise (sprinter, endurance runner, weight lifter);
- How genetic factors and disease can affect or determine ability in exercise and training.


Syllabus

-Introduction to biochemistry
-Amino Acids peptides and proteins
-How enzymes work
-Carbohydrate metabolism 1
-Carbohydrate metabolism 2
-Metabolic Responses to Sprint Exercise-
-Oxidative Phosphorylation 1
-Oxidative Phosphorylation 2
-Lipid metabolism
-Amino acid Metabolism (biochemistry of endurance athlete)
-Hormones in exercise
-Nucleotides, DNA and RNA
-Transcription, translation and degradation
-Genetic basis of athletic capability

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture141.0014.00
Practical23.006.00
Private study hours80.00
Total Contact hours20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

Learners will be expected to complete:
3 hours reading per lecture - 42 hours
4 hours reading per practical session - 8 hours
10 hours independent study for the lab report - 10 hours
20 hours study for the exam - 20 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

MCQ’s associated with lecture content will be used to monitor progress. In addition, attendance at all classes will be monitored. Additional support from tutors when required will be available.

Students will be given opportunities to complete formative MCQ associated with their lectures.
The first lab of the module will be assessed formatively to prepare for the summative assessment of the second lab

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Practical Reportlab report25.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)25.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) (S2)2 hr 00 mins75.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)75.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 07/12/2017

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