Advanced Exercise Physiology, 15 Credits

Contents

The course offers a scientifically grounded overview of human physiological adaptations to physical activity and training. Its content focuses on both fundamental and advanced physiological mechanisms related to performance and recovery. Emphasis is placed on cellular signalling pathways, neuromuscular regulation, and cardiovascular and respiratory mechanisms, with environmental factors such as heat and cold, as well as hypoxia and fatigue, woven throughout. Individual factors such as sex and age are considered throughout to provide a broader understanding of physiological variation. 

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding:
Students must be able to
1.Explain the physiological and cellular signalling pathways involved in skeletal muscle adaptation to physical activity and training.
2.Describe ventilatory and cardiovascular control during physical exertion.
3.Identify and explain neuromuscular adaptations and motor control strategies in response to training.

Skills and ability:
Students must be able to
4. Integrate the interaction between the cardiovascular and respiratory systems for oxygen transport and carbon dioxide removal in the planning of training and recovery
Alt: Apply knowledge of the interaction between the cardiovascular and respiratory systems for oxygen transport and carbon dioxide removal in the design of training and recovery strategies.
5. With a scientific approach, analyse collected data and draw conclusions based on exercise physiology principles.

Judgement and approach:
Students must be able to
6. Critically evaluate current research on central and peripheral mechanisms of fatigue.
7. Analyse the physiological effects of heat, cold, and hypoxia on performance and recovery.
8. Demonstrate the ability to make informed judgments and adopt a scientific approach when analysing and interpreting sports physiology data collected by oneself and others.

Required Knowledge

A bachelor's degree at undergraduate level comprising at least 180 higher education credits or an equivalent foreign degree. A minimum of 90 credits in exercise physiology/sports medicine/medicine or physiotherapy or a degree from the Biomedical Laboratory Scientist programme with specialization in clinical physiology, or a degree in sports science of which at least 30 credits are within the areas of sports physiology, sports medicine, or medicine is required. In addition, English 6 is required.

Form of instruction

The course is taught in English but may also be offered in Swedish if only native Swedish-speaking students are enrolled. It is delivered via distance learning with on-campus meetings, and the instruction includes lectures, seminars, and laboratory sessions in which students collect and analyse data. This format provides both theoretical understanding and practical experience, emphasizing a critical approach to research and its application. During the on-campus sessions in Umeå, the focus is on practical training elements such as laboratory work, group learning activities, summative seminars, and a written invigilated exam. On-campus meetings may be scheduled on weekends.

Examination modes

Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, and 7 are assessed through an individual written exam and graded as Pass with Distinction (Väl Godkänd), Pass (Godkänd), or Fail (Underkänd).

Learning outcomes 4 and 5 are assessed in groups, with individual evaluation via submission of a written assignment, graded as Pass or Fail.

Learning outcome 6 is assessed in groups, with individual evaluation based on active participation in an oral seminar*, graded as Pass or Fail.

Learning outcome 8 is assessed in groups, with individual evaluation through an oral presentation.

* Active participation means that the student is well-prepared and contributes to discussions with oral, analytical, and relevant remarks, which are evaluated individually.

To achieve a Pass grade, a student must pass all assessed components. To achieve Pass with Distinction, the student must receive this grade on the written on-site exam.

The examiner may decide on deviations from the examination format stated in the syllabus. Individual adaptations of the examination format should be considered based on the student's needs. The examination format is adapted within the framework of the expected learning outcomes. A student who requires an adapted examination and has received a decision on support from the coordinator for students with disabilities at the Student Services must request the adaptation from the course coordinator no later than 10 working days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaptation, which is then communicated to the student.

Other regulations

If the course has expired or the syllabus has undergone significant changes, exams/retake exams based on the same syllabus as the original exam are guaranteed for 2 years after the student's initial registration for the course.