Scholar-Athlete: Sport Physiology

Course Description

As soon as your body is in motion your Autonomic Nervous System takes charge. Blood is shunted to Muscles for Oxygen delivery. Muscles use the Oxygen to make energy. Blood is diverted to skin to ward off excess heat and stabilize temperature. Respiration increases to expire excess Carbon Dioxide and pH is maintained. Breathe volume increases to gain extra Oxygen. Blood flows to a higher amount of lung tissue and the rate of gas exchange increases. The heart beat jumps up and blood is pumped at a greater volume and speed...these are just a few ways that the organ systems are collectively integrating to sustain exercise..In what ways can we optimize the inner biology through exercise? What genetic differences mixed with training and diet are the key ingredients for successful performances. How can understanding the science behind performance make you a better athlete?

This course focuses on the main organ systems that collectively function to allow the body to exercise, including the nervous, muscle, cardiovascular, respiratory, and endocrine physiologies. In addition, general metabolic pathways and fuel sources are introduced. Students will also learn theories behind basic training methods, coaching, and ergogenic and athletic fitness tests. Current trends in exercise research will be blended into each session.

Laboratory exercises, literature searches, student presentations, and writing assignments will be used to apply material.

As a competitive national level athlete, coach, and trainer (CSCS), the instructor will integrate her knowledge of applying physiological principles to developing national level athletes.

Students will learn how to conduct scientific literature searches as well as develop a basic level of ability to intepret data and study validity. Classroom engaged discussion will develop confidence in engaing with instructors. Assigned presentations will enhance their abilty to present scientific evidence. Lab experiments will give exposure to human exercise data collection.

Prerequisites: High School Biology with a strong future interest in the organization and function of the Human body.