Nutrition, Exercise and Sports

Course Description

"Nutrition, Exercise and Sports" is an engaging online course offered by Wageningen University & Research that delves into the critical relationship between nutrition, physical activity, and athletic performance. This intermediate-level course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of sports nutrition science, exercise physiology, and how nutritional strategies can optimize performance and health for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and active individuals of all ages.

What Students Will Learn

• Key concepts in exercise physiology and sports nutrition science
• Nutritional aspects of exercise, including energy requirements, carbohydrates, fats, protein metabolism, and fluid balance
• Effective nutritional strategies to enhance exercise and sports performance
• The role of micronutrients and supplements in exercise and sports
• The relationship between exercise, nutrition, and health, including during the aging process
• Critical thinking skills in the field of nutrition, exercise, and sports

Pre-requisites

Basic knowledge about nutrition is recommended. For those without this foundation, it is suggested to first complete the MOOC "Nutrition and Health: Micronutrients and Malnutrition" or "Nutrition and Health: Macronutrients and Overnutrition" as valuable preparation.

Course Coverage

• Introduction to sports nutrition science and exercise physiology
• Skeletal muscle anatomy, physiology, and energy transfer
• Energy requirements and fluid balance in sports
• Macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) and their roles in exercise
• Micronutrients and ergogenic supplements for sports performance
• Exercise and nutrition strategies for healthy aging

Target Audience

• Sport and health coaches
• Physiotherapists and dietitians
• Professionals working in the sports food industry
• Athletes and professional sports players
• Anyone interested in deepening their knowledge of nutrition, exercise, and sports

Real-World Application

Graduates of this course will be equipped to make informed decisions about their own nutritional needs for exercise and sports performance. They will be able to critically evaluate nutritional advice and claims, which is valuable for both personal use and professional applications. Sports coaches, dietitians, and health professionals can apply this knowledge to provide evidence-based nutritional guidance to their clients or athletes. Those in the food industry can use these insights to develop products tailored for sports and exercise nutrition. Even individuals not directly involved in sports can benefit from understanding how nutrition impacts physical activity and overall health, especially as they age.

This course offers a unique blend of scientific knowledge and practical application, making it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of the intricate relationship between nutrition, exercise, and sports performance.