SE778-7-AU-CO:
Biochemistry and Metabolism
2025/26
Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 02 October 2025
Friday 12 December 2025
15
09 August 2024
Requisites for this module
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The 'Biochemistry and Metabolism' module is designed to deepen students' understanding of the biochemical and metabolic processes central to sports nutrition and exercise science. This module explores key topics like macronutrient metabolism, micronutrient functions, and the biochemical pathways in nutrition, providing a comprehensive view of nutritional biochemistry. Practical aspects include understanding digestion and absorption of nutrients, making this module essential for students specialising in sports nutrition and exercise science.
The aims of this module are:
- To provide students with an in-depth understanding of the biochemical and metabolic principles underlying sports nutrition and exercise science.
- To equip students with the ability to critically evaluate and apply advanced biochemical knowledge in the context of sports performance and health.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Systematically understand advanced biochemistry principles as applied to sports and exercise, with a critical awareness of emerging challenges and insights at the forefront of the field.
- Develop a comprehensive grasp of research and analytical techniques for investigating metabolic pathways and their regulation during exercise, applying this knowledge to current problems in exercise science.
- Apply knowledge creatively to investigate nutrient metabolism during exercise, showcasing originality in solving complex problems related to exercise physiology and metabolism.
- Critically evaluate the role of hormones in exercise metabolism and biochemical factors contributing to exercise-induced stress, with the ability to critique current research methodologies and propose innovative hypotheses.
- Understand and articulate biochemical limitations to exercise performance, dealing with complex issues.
- Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems related to sports and exercise biochemistry, acting autonomously in planning, and implementing research tasks at a professional level.
Syllabus Information
Introduction to Exercise Biochemistry
- Overview of biochemistry in sports and exercise.
- Understanding cellular structures and enzymatic actions.
- Introduction to energy systems: ATP, the energy currency.
Energy Sources and Metabolism for Muscular Activity
- Energy continuum and supply for muscle contraction.
- Energy systems and running speed.
- Why a marathon can't be sprinted: endurance vs. high-intensity exercise.
Macronutrient Metabolism in Exercise - Part 1
- Carbohydrates in energy production: structure and types.
- Glycolysis and lactate metabolism.
- The 'link' reaction and production of acetyl-CoA.
Macronutrient Metabolism in Exercise - Part 2
- The TCA (Krebs) cycle and electron transport chain.
- Oxidative phosphorylation and ATP calculation in glucose oxidation.
- Overview of glucose oxidation and fructose metabolism.
Macronutrient Metabolism in Exercise - Part 3
- Lipid structure and classification.
- Lipolysis, β-oxidation, and ketone body formation.
- Lipid metabolism in exercise and its relevance.
Hormonal Regulation and Metabolism
- Role of hormones in metabolism during exercise (insulin, glucagon, catecholamines).
- Hormonal regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
- Interplay between exercise-induced stress and hormonal responses.
Fatigue and Exercise Performance Limitations
- Biochemical factors contributing to fatigue.
- Energy depletion, metabolic by-products, and their impact on performance.
- Metabolic regulation in high-intensity and endurance exercise.
Metabolic Regulation in Sport and Exercise
- Principles of metabolic regulation: catabolic and anabolic reactions.
- Hormonal regulation: peptide and steroid hormones.
- Allosteric effectors and metabolic regulators (e.g., AMPK).
Advanced Topics in Exercise Biochemistry
- Metabolic adaptations to different training regimes.
- High-intensity intermittent exercise: energy production and regulation.
- Muscle adaptations and fatigue mechanisms in interval training.
Module Review and Assessment Preparation
- Recap of key concepts and learning objectives.
- Preparation for coursework and examination.
- Review of scientific data interpretation skills.
The module will be delivered via a total of:
- Fifteen 1-hour lectures
- Two 1-hour workshops
- Four 2-hour laboratory practicals
- Two 1-hour support classes
Weekly number and duration of sessions will vary.
Students are expected to undertake the reading before classes and be prepared to engage in discussion.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Case study (2500 words) |
|
100% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Henry Chung, email: henry.chung@essex.ac.uk.
SRES Office, email: sres (Non essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create the full email address)
No
No
No
Dr Philip Daniel Brian Price
St Mary's University
Senior Lecturer
Available via Moodle
Of 2 hours, 2 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
* Please note: due to differing publication schedules, items marked with an asterisk (*) base their information upon the previous academic year.
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