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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/A

Pre-requisites

FOBS1125Introduction 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 typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture131.0013.00
Practical23.006.00
Independent online learning hours6.00
Private study hours75.00
Total Contact hours19.00
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 typeNotes% of formal assessment
Poster PresentationInfographic 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 typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Online Time-Limited assessment2 hr 00 mins60.00
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 website

Last updated: 28/04/2023 14:48:33

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