2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
SPSC2222 Exercise at the Limits: Physiology in Challenging Environments
10 creditsClass Size: 50
Module manager: Dr Matthew Lancaster
Email: M.K.Lancaster@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
Pre-requisite qualifications
N/APre-requisites
| FOBS1125 | Introduction to Physiology |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module will build upon knowledge of normal physiology and system responses to exercise to consider how this is affected by different environmental challenges an exercising individual is likely to face: heat, cold, altitude and microgravity. The consequences of these environments for exercise performance, and the physiological system adaptations that act to minimise the impact of the environment (acute and chronic), will be covered. You will also have the opportunity to directly assess the response to different environmental stresses as recreating in a controlled laboratory setting. Analysis of case studies will add context.Objectives
Using a systems approach and building upon knowledge of ‘normal’ physiology, this module will consider the physiological responses to different environmental stresses, the implication of these responses for exercise performance and system adaptations that occur to minimise the physiological stress of the environment. This will include consideration of the physiological mechanisms that underpin any adaptations. Example case study lectures will be included to provide real-word context to the physiology and underpinning mechanisms.The goals of this module are that on completion students should be able to:
- Describe the physiological responses to commonly encountered different environmental stresses (i.e. Heat, cold, altitude and microgravity);
- Describe the implications of the physiological responses to the environmental stress for exercise performance;
- Describe the physiological adaptations that occur to cope with the physiological stress of the environment and the mechanisms that underpin these adaptations;
- Appreciate the multidisciplinary consequences of different environmental stresses.
Learning outcomes
1. Describe and discuss the physiological responses to different environmental stresses (i.e. Heat, cold, altitude and microgravity).
2. Discuss the implications of the physiological responses to different environmental stresses for exercise performance.
3. Analyse physiological responses to environmental stress to assess limitations to exercise performance.
4. Evaluate the mechanisms that underpin the physiologic adaptations to different environmental stresses.
Skills outcomes
Subject-specific analytical skills.
Syllabus
Lectures
1. Introduction to module;
2. Heat: Physiological responses;
3. Heat: Implications for performance and adaptations;
4. Dehydration and hydration: Challenge and strategies;
5. Cold: Physiological responses;
6. Cold: Implications for performance and adaptations;
7. Altitude: The challenge and acute physiological responses;
8. Altitude: Implications for performance;
9. Altitude: Acute and chronic acclimatisation;
10. Case study: Altitude training;
11.Microgravity: Physiological responses;
12.Microgravity: Implications for performance and adaptations (inc. inactivity);
13.Case study: (Multidisciplinary lecture).
Laboratory classes
1. Assessment of physiologic responses to cold;
2. Assessment of responses to hypoxia.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 13 | 1.00 | 13.00 |
| Practical | 2 | 3.00 | 6.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 6.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 75.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 19.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 | ||
Private study
Students will be provided with a reading list, details of associated learning resources (e.g. example MCQs) and key literature that relates to the material presented in the module.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Formative feedback will be provided to students on infographic poster.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Poster Presentation | Infographic poster presentation on the impact of hypoxia. | 40.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated.
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Online Time-Limited assessment | 2 hr 00 mins | 60.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 60.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 28/04/2023 14:48:33
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