Outline

Overview

In this unit, students explore nutrition principles as they relate to health and physical performance in sport and recreation. Students consider key aspects of the metabolic and health consequences of obesity and the role of diet in the aetiology of chronic conditions and obesity. The interaction between dietary intake and physical activity and its effects on energy, balance, cardiovascular health, and other lifestyle diseases are considered. The unit defines the importance of macro and micronutrients in the maintenance of health, and the specific roles of carbohydrate, protein, and lipids in energy metabolism during exercise as well as how nutrition can influence exercise performance, recovery, and physiological adaptation from training. The efficacy of different competition strategies and common nutritional supplements will also be examined. Students will be provided with the knowledge and skills to provide general advice on nutrition to apparently healthy clients according to Australian guidelines and understand the risks of fad diets. Exercise Physiology students are advised to enroll in this unit in Semester 1. Exercise Science students are advised to enroll in this unit in Semester 2.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	EXSS2032
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	EXSS2021
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Kenneth Daniel, kenneth.daniel@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Karla Horlyck, karla.horlyck@sydney.edu.au
	Gillian Nisbet, gillian.nisbet@sydney.edu.au
	Janelle Gifford, janelle.gifford@sydney.edu.au
	Isabel Young, isabel.young@sydney.edu.au
	Kenneth Daniel, kenneth.daniel@sydney.edu.au
	Sheran Guo, sheran.guo@sydney.edu.au
	Rebecca Hay, rebecca.hay@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Skills-based evaluation	Major Case Study Part B (Oral Defence) Students will answer questions on their Major Case report (Part A)	10%	Formal exam period	10 mins
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Online Quizzes Four Canvas quizzes worth 5% each in weeks 4,7, 11 and 13.	20%	Multiple weeks	3-5 Questions
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Minor Case Study (Presentation) Case presentation focussing on material from Weeks 1-4.	20%	Week 05	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Practical Exam Exam of skills/theory learned in practical lessons.	20%	Week 10	20-30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Major Case Study (Written Report OR Oral presentation) Part A Written or recorded oral report based on material from Weeks 5-12.	30%	Week 13 Due date: 01 Nov 2024 at 23:59	1500 words OR 15mins
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Online Quizzes: Online Canvas quizzes to be completed on lecture material throughout the semester. The 4 online quizzes are considered one assessment. This assessment is compulsory. Submission of a minimum of one quiz is required to avoid an Absent Fail grade.
Minor case study presentation: Students will work in groups of three to present a case study focussing on material from Weeks 1-4 to tutors and fellow students. The presentation will be done in assigned tutorial classes in Week 5. A pdf of your presentation slides is due the day prior, Tuesday 27th of August at 23:59. Changes to slides between that time and your presentation will result in marks deductions. This assessment is compulsory. It must be completed to avoid an Absent Fail grade. Demonstrated non-contribution to this assessment by an individual team member will result in an Absent Fail grade.
Practical examination: Practical examination of skills taught in practical sessions. Students will be assessed on competency with practical skills taught. The exam for individual students will be a 20-30min timeslot scheduled in week 10. This assessment is compulsory. Non-attendance at your allocated timeslot without an approved special consideration result in an Absent Fail grade.
Major case study report (Part A) and Oral Defence (Part B): For Part A, students will work individually to submit a written a case report (1500words) OR a recorded oral presentation (15 minutes + questions) focussing on material from Weeks 5-12. For students sumbitting an oral presentation a pdf of slides and transcript will also be required for submission through TurnItIn. For Part B, individuals will answer questions related to their own Part A submission in a 10 minute oral defense to demonstrate their understanding. Both Part A and Part B of the assessement are compulsory. Non-submission of Part A without an approved special consideration will result in an Absent Fail grade. Non-attendance at your allocated timeslot in Part B without an approved special consideration result in an Absent Fail grade.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2 021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard. The most common grades are in the table below.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: *Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. *After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded. *For online quizzes, the 5% late penalty will accumulate for each 24hours after the due time.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Welcome, Introduction to nutrition/digestion and absorption	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Dietary Analysis	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Metabolic and chronic health conditions: Overview	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Metabolic and chronic health conditions: Nutrition	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Minor Case Study Assessment Workshop	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Metabolic and chronic health conditions: Physical activity and sedentary behaviours	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Critical appraisal of scientific literature	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Presentation assessment: Minor case study	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Body composition	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Body composition	Practical (2 hr)
Week 07	Carbohydrate requirements of athletes and fat loading	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Metabolic Rate	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	Hydration and thermoregulation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Hydration Practical	Practical (2 hr)
Week 09	Protein requirements of athletes	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Optional practice for the practical exam	Practical (2 hr)
Week 10	Dietary strategies for competition	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Relative energy deficiency in sport, calcium and iron requirements	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Major assessment workshop and Q&A	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Supplements and ergogenic aids	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Final Questions on reports	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lectures: Lectures will be live on campus. These will be recorded for later viewing.

Tutorials and Practical classes: These are interactive activities provided on campus only, and will not be recorded.

Attendance: Tutorials: Students are encouraged to attend tutorials to optimise engagement with the material, participate in class discussion, and support assessments. Practical classes: there are 4 practical classes of 2 hours each. Attendance at practical classes (weeks 7-10, inclusive of exam practice session on Wednesday of Week 10) is not compulsory but encouraged so students can gain mastery over practical skills prior to the practical examination (week 10). Attendance will be recorded at tutorials and practicals, and the practical exam is compulsory.

Online quizzes/presentation pdf: late penalties will be applied for students submitting online quizzes or the presentation pdf outside the timeframe specified on Canvas. The late penalty for submission of the pdf of the presentation will be applied to the presentation mark. Special Consideration will be required to avoid late penalties.

Assessments: assessments are required to be completed in the timeslot/by due date advertised on Canvas. Please note the dates/times required on Canvas. Special Consideration will be required for non-completion/non-attendance of assessments. Failure to complete any assessment will result in an Absent Fail grade as described for each assessment in the Assessment Summary.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

The recommended readings for this unit are:

Belski, R., Forsyth, A., Mantzioris, E. Nutrition for Sport, Exercise and Performance. Allen and Unwin 2019. Crows Nest Australia ISBN 978 1 76029 749 7.
Burke, L & Deakin V. (2021). Clinical Sports Nutrition (6th Edition). McGraw-Hill Sydney.
Whitney, E., Rolfes, S.R., Crowe, T., Walsh, A. Understanding Nutrition (5th Ed). Cengage Learning ISBN 9780170457972.
Mann, J & Trusswell, A.S. (2023). Essentials of Human Nutrition (6th Ed). Oxford University Press ISBN 9780198866671.

Recommended Readings are available either in hard copy or as an e-book via the Library.

Additional readings for this unit can be accessed on the Reading List link available in the Canvas site for this unit or on the specific topic page in Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Explain the metabolic and chronic health consequences of obesity (e.g. type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease) and the role of diet in the aetiology of chronic conditions and obesity.
LO2. Explain how nutrition can influence exercise performance, recovery, and physiological adaptation from training.
LO3. Demonstrate understanding of the risks of dieting or energy restriction or omission of food groups, use of supplements and their safety and legality with respect to sporting competition.
LO4. Demonstrate skills in anthropometric and body composition assessment, measurement and estimation of resting metabolism, blood glucose and lipid measurement, hydration and dietary assessment and basic dietary analysis and interpretation.
LO5. Demonstrate skills in providing general nutrition advice to healthy clients using current Australian guidelines and sports nutrition guidelines.
LO6. Develop skills in critical thinking and critical appraisal of the scientific literature methods and analysis, and cite the research of others in written and oral communication.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 11.2.1. Describe the basic functions of macronutrients and micronutrients, their common sources, and their role in energy balance and health. 11.2.3. Recognise signs of inappropriate dietary behaviours and energy availability in relation to physical activity and exercise requirements and refer onwards as appropriate. 11.2.4. Describe the role of diet in the aetiology of chronic conditions and obesity and explain the metabolic and chronic health consequences of obesity. 12.2.1. Explain the role of sedentary behaviour and physical activity in the aetiology, prevention and management of chronic conditions, mental health and disability.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 11.2.1. Describe the basic functions of macronutrients and micronutrients, their common sources, and their role in energy balance and health. 3.2.2. Describe the individual and integrated physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise under normal conditions, in different environments, and by external influences (e.g. ergogenic aids or technologies).
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 11.2.1. Describe the basic functions of macronutrients and micronutrients, their common sources, and their role in energy balance and health. 11.2.3. Recognise signs of inappropriate dietary behaviours and energy availability in relation to physical activity and exercise requirements and refer onwards as appropriate. 11.2.5. Describe the evidence for the efficacy of common nutritional supplements and ergogenic aids and demonstrate awareness of prescribed or illegal supplements.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 11.2.2. Identify the strengths and limitations of commonly used methods for measuring and analysing dietary intake and body composition. 11.2.6. Describe a basic dietary analysis and discuss its implications for general health and wellbeing. 11.2.7. Identify and use current Australian guidelines to provide appropriate general advice on nutrition, including strategies to improve exercise performance and recovery and body composition. 3.2.2. Describe the individual and integrated physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise under normal conditions, in different environments, and by external influences (e.g. ergogenic aids or technologies). 7.2.2. Identify and use the common processes and equipment required to conduct accurate and safe health, physical activity and exercise assessments. 7.2.4. Explain the scientific rationale, reliability, validity, assumptions and limitations of common assessments. 7.2.5. Describe the principles and rationale for the calibration of equipment in commonly used in assessments and recognise and recalibrate equipment when required.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 11.2.2. Identify the strengths and limitations of commonly used methods for measuring and analysing dietary intake and body composition. 11.2.6. Describe a basic dietary analysis and discuss its implications for general health and wellbeing. 11.2.7. Identify and use current Australian guidelines to provide appropriate general advice on nutrition, including strategies to improve exercise performance and recovery and body composition.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 14.2.3. Appraise research methods and reports, including statistical results to understand methodological and ethical aspects of research, and integrate this knowledge into all areas of exercise science practice. 14.2.4. Cite the research of others in written and oral communication 7.2.4. Explain the scientific rationale, reliability, validity, assumptions and limitations of common assessments.

Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
11.2.1		Describe the basic functions of macronutrients and micronutrients, their common sources, and their role in energy balance and health.
11.2.2		Identify the strengths and limitations of commonly used methods for measuring and analysing dietary intake and body composition.
11.2.3		Recognise signs of inappropriate dietary behaviours and energy availability in relation to physical activity and exercise requirements and refer onwards as appropriate.
11.2.4		Describe the role of diet in the aetiology of chronic conditions and obesity and explain the metabolic and chronic health consequences of obesity.
11.2.5		Describe the evidence for the efficacy of common nutritional supplements and ergogenic aids and demonstrate awareness of prescribed or illegal supplements.
11.2.6		Describe a basic dietary analysis and discuss its implications for general health and wellbeing.
11.2.7		Identify and use current Australian guidelines to provide appropriate general advice on nutrition, including strategies to improve exercise performance and recovery and body composition.
12.2.1		Explain the role of sedentary behaviour and physical activity in the aetiology, prevention and management of chronic conditions, mental health and disability.
14.2.3		Appraise research methods and reports, including statistical results to understand methodological and ethical aspects of research, and integrate this knowledge into all areas of exercise science practice.
14.2.4		Cite the research of others in written and oral communication
3.2.2		Describe the individual and integrated physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise under normal conditions, in different environments, and by external influences (e.g. ergogenic aids or technologies).
7.2.2		Identify and use the common processes and equipment required to conduct accurate and safe health, physical activity and exercise assessments.
7.2.4		Explain the scientific rationale, reliability, validity, assumptions and limitations of common assessments.
7.2.5		Describe the principles and rationale for the calibration of equipment in commonly used in assessments and recognise and recalibrate equipment when required.

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Ongoing support will be provided for the major case study report throughout the semester including check-in sessions. We will aim to provide some more connection to day-to-day practice within the unit. Updates are planned for the language used in the rubric based on feedback received, with the addition of a separate FAQ document. We will also fine tune the AI agent used for the final assessment task based on our experiences and feedback from semester 1.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

WHS inductions will need to be completed prior to participation in face-to-face practical classes.

A participant screening checklist will need to be completed prior to the hydration practical in week 9.

COVID-19 safety directions provided at the time of face-to-face attendance must be followed. Please refer to the Canvas site for further information.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

EXSS3071: Nutrition for Exercise and Health

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect