Advanced Exercise Physiology, 15 credits

Contents

The course provides a research-based overview of physiological adaptations to physical activity and exercise in humans. The 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, cold and hypoxia, as well as fatigue, serving as recurring themes. Individual factors such as sex and age are considered throughout to provide a broader understanding of physiological variation.

Module 1 – 7.5 credits
The first module provides a theoretical foundation in both fundamental and advanced exercise physiology, focusing on physiological mechanisms related to performance and recovery. The module also covers acute responses and adaptations to heat, cold and hypoxia.

Module 2 – 6 credits
The second module comprises the practical application of exercise physiology principles during physical exertion, with particular emphasis on muscle physiology and the interaction between the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. It also includes the collection, analysis and interpretation of exercise physiology data using a scientific and critical approach.

Module 3 – 1.5 credits
The third module comprises the critical review and evaluation of current research on central and peripheral mechanisms of fatigue, focusing on the scientific quality, findings and relevance of the research within exercise physiology.

Expected learning outcomes

Module 1 – 7.5 credits
Knowledge and understanding:
The student should be able to
1. Describe the physiological and cellular adaptations of skeletal muscle to physical activity and exercise.
2. Describe ventilatory and cardiovascular regulation during physical exercise.
3. Explain neuromuscular adaptations and motor control strategies associated with exercise training.

Judgement and approach:
The student should be able to
4. Analyse and evaluate the physiological effects of heat, cold and hypoxia on performance and recovery.

Module 2 – 6 credits
Competence and skills:
The student should be able to
5. Apply knowledge of muscle physiology and the interaction between the cardiovascular and respiratory systems during physical exertion.
6. Using a scientific approach, analyse collected data and draw conclusions based on principles of exercise physiology.

Judgement and approach:
The student should be able to
7. Demonstrate sound judgement and a scientific approach when analysing and interpreting exercise physiology data collected by themselves and others.

Module 3 – 1.5 credits
Judgement and approach:
The student should be able to
8. Critically review current research on central and peripheral mechanisms of fatigue.

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

Expected learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4 are assessed through an individual written on-campus examination.

Expected learning outcomes 5 and 6 are assessed as group work, with individual assessment based on the submission of a written assignment.

Expected learning outcome 7 is assessed as group work, with individual assessment through an oral presentation.

Expected learning outcome 8 is assessed as group work, with individual assessment based on active participation in an oral seminar.*

*Active participation means that the student is prepared and contributes oral, analytical and relevant comments to discussions. Participation is assessed individually.

To receive the grade Pass, a student must achieve at least the grade Pass in all assessed components. To receive the grade Pass with distinction, the student must also achieve Pass with distinction in the written on-campus examination.

For students who have been granted recommended support due to a disability, the examiner may decide on deviations from the forms of examination specified in the syllabus. Individual adaptation of the examination shall be considered based on the student's needs and the intended learning outcomes of the course. For further information, see the Procedures for Support for Students with Disabilities and the Rule for Grading and Examination.

Transitional provisions

The Rule for Grading and Examination sets out the provisions governing re-examination when a course has been discontinued or the syllabus has undergone major changes.