PHY3072 - Exercise physiology and metabolism - 2018

Commences with a detailed study of the physiological responses to exercise, in particular muscle energy supply and consumption, metabolism and fatigue, and then extends to understanding the adaptive responses to exercise training and the study of various aspects of human exercise performance. There is an emphasis

on how the major physiological systems of the body respond to physical activity, including the cardio-respiratory, endocrine and renal systems. The unit details the current research ideas on normal function and dysfunction in this area and discusses new research and clinical methodologies that relate to exercise. We also discuss many of the current issues associated with athletic performance including chemical and physiological doping and the decline with aging. The learning emphasis is on assisted self directed learning and project or collaborative based learning as

modern science is increasingly a multidisciplinary endeavour that is conducted in a team environment.

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Describe the energy pathways that power skeletal muscle activity, and how exercise training leads to adaptations in skeletal muscle structure and function;
2. Identify the factors that influence muscle fatigue and muscle repair.
3. Outline how the cardiovascular, renal, respiratory and endocrine systems respond to exercise;
4. Describe the roles of exercise in human growth, development and ageing;
5. Critically evaluate the link between human health and levels of physical activity;
6. Use standard physiological testing procedures to evaluate human subjects for exercise capacity and performance;
7. Work effectively in a team to design and carry out an exercise research project and to communicate this as a poster presentation;
8. Critically evaluate the scientific literature and write a literature review on an exercise-related topic.

In-semester test: 15%

• Research project (incorporating individual and group assessment): 20%
• Literature review (paired): 15%
• Examination (2 hours): 50% (Hurdle)

This unit is subject to the Hurdle and Threshold Standards policiesHurdle and Threshold Standards policies (http://www.med.monash.edu.au/policies/assessment-policy-2017.html) of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences.

Two 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour practical per week

See also Unit timetable information

Physiology