Bioenergetics

Module title	Bioenergetics
Module code	ESS1703
Academic year	2024/5
Credits	15
Module staff	Dr Luke Liddle (Convenor)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks	11

Number students taking module (anticipated)	183

Description - summary of the module content

Module description

This module covers the biological and chemical reactions that are relevant to the ‘basic’ processes which sustain human life, to those which are integral to elite sports performance. How is it possible to increase one’s metabolic rate by 100 times above resting in a split second? This module will detail the majestic co-ordination of the processes in the human body that allow this incredible feat (and many others) to occur. Considering the biological and chemical mechanisms which sustain and support life, this module builds an understanding which forms the foundation of exercise physiology. There are no pre- or co-requisites for this module and it is suitable for non-specialist students who have studied some science at A-Level or equivalent.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to enhance your understanding of the biological and chemical mechanisms, which sustain and support life and form the foundation of exercise physiology.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

1. Describe the biological and chemical basis of human structure and function
2. Explain the biochemical actions and reactions that take place in the human body
3. Describe how the key biochemical areas relate to exercise and sport
4. Demonstrate basic laboratory skills

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

5. Collate and analyse information to resolve module specific problems
6. Apply module specific knowledge to applied situations
7. Present ideas/information competently

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

8. Take responsibility for your own learning
9. Use learning in new or different situations
10. Use appropriate technology and information sources
11. Negotiate, delegate and work productively in a co-operative context

Syllabus plan

Introduction to biochemistry; back to basics – matter, elements, and cellular organisation
Oxidation and reduction reactions
Acid-base concentration and pH
Energy and enzymes
Phosphate bond energy
Transport of nutrients across cell membranes and homeostasis
Carbohydrate metabolism
Fat and protein metabolism
The citric acid cycle and coenzymes
Cellular oxidation

Learning and teaching

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
44	106	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching	22	Lecture
Scheduled Learning and Teaching	22	Practical and seminar classes
Guided Independent Study	20	Laboratory report writing
Guided Independent Study	28	Reading
Guided Independent Study	10	Group study tasks
Guided Independent Study	10.5	Seminar preparation
Guided Independent Study	31.5	Exam preparation
Guided Independent Study	6	Formative assessment on ELE

Assessment

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Multiple choice quizzes on ELE	20-30 questions per quiz (x3)	1-4, 8, 10	Score

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
30	70	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Laboratory infographic and summary	30	Infographic + 1000 word summary	5-6, 8-11	Written
Examination	70	1 hour	1-3, 7, 9-10	Written
	0
	0
	0
	0

Re-assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Laboratory infographic and summary(30%)	Laboratory infographic and summary	5-6, 8-11	August/September assessment period
Examination (70%)	Examination	1-3, 7, 9-10	August/September assessment period

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to sit a further examination. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.

Resources

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Indicative basic reading list:

Tidus, Tupling, R, and Houston, E. (2012). Biochemistry Primer for Exercise Science. (4th Edition). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
McArdle, WD, Katch, FI, and Katch, VL. (2015) Essentials of Exercise Physiology, fifth edition, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia.
McArdle, W. D., Katch, F. I., & Katch, V. L. (2015). Exercise physiology: nutrition, energy, and human performance (8th Edition). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Maughan, RJ, and Gleeson, M (2010). The Biochemical Basis of Sports Performance, Oxford University Press.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

ELE page: https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=9390

Module has an active ELE page

Key words search

Biochemistry, exercise, performance, fatigue, chemistry, limitations, energy

Credit value	15
Module ECTS	7.5
Module pre-requisites	None
Module co-requisites	None
NQF level (module)	4
Available as distance learning?	No
Origin date	01/04/2012
Last revision date	23/09/2022