Module manager: Matthew Lancaster
Email: m.k.lancaster@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
An existing basic understanding of human anatomy and biology is expected equivalent to a BTEC in biology, PE or sports science.
BMSC1218T
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module investigates the physiological responses to acute exercise, and the chronic adaptations to structured exercise training. Alongside this, consideration is given to where the energy for exercise comes from - the fundamental concept of sports nutrition. You will cover activities ranging from sprints to ultra-distance running considering the energy needs and physiological processes involved in ensuring the successful completion of such endeavours.
The content will introduce you to key concepts such as the sources for production of ATP in your muscles, the key energy that then drives movement, and exercise. Limitations to exercise intensity are considered and how your body systems must continuously adapt to meet demands. A vital part of this is the operation of your cardiorespiratory and muscular systems. As such the module will progress form the energetic needs, through the supporting physiological systems and finally to how they adapt to exercise training and how nutrition supports these processes. In each case ideas will be introduced in lectures and seminar/workshops and then used to explore these with case studies, each aligned with the learning outcomes. Small-group activity assessments will give you the chance to focus what you have leant and apply it to a case of your choosing.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Identify key features of the ‘normal’ metabolic process and discuss how this responds to the challenge of exercise according to differing intensities and durations alongside accompanying nutritional needs.
2. Describe and explain key features of how the cardiorespiratory and muscular systems adapt to exercise training.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Perform a needs analysis for an individual participating in physical activity or sport and identify key energetic requirements as well as likely adaptations to a training programme.
- Proteins and enzymes
- Muscle and key structures for energy production and transfer
- Carbohydrates, fats and proteins as energy sources
- Regulating metabolism during exercise
- Cardiorespiratory responses and adaptations to exercise
- Muscular adaptations to exercise
- Optimising exercise response and adaptations
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Seminar | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Independent online learning hours | 3 | ||
| Private study hours | 81 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 16 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Workshops will offer question-and-answer sessions as well as a small group exercise of needs for case studies aligned with final assessment were working through the examples will give feedback aligned with the end assessment task.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Poster Presentation | Poster on optimising energy for adaptation and performance | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Individual poster presented as a single slide to others. Resit will involve the same but presented to a member of staff if a suitable audience of peers is unavailable.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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