Explore UCD

UCD Home >

PERS20020

Academic Year 2025/2026

Introduction to Nutrition for Health and Exercise (PERS20020)

Subject:
Performance Science
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Public Hlth, Phys & Sports Sci
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Kate Pumpa
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This unit introduces students to the fundamentals of evidenced-based nutrition. The basic principles of healthy eating are covered with a focus on energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients. Health risks linked to body composition, nutrient deficiencies and dietary habits will be explored. Approaches to assessing the food and nutrient intake of individuals, and the role of nutrition for exercise is introduced.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Explain key functions, food sources and requirements of specific nutrients.
2. Collect, analyse, interpret, and report dietary data relevant to health.
3. Propose strategies to improve the nutritional health of individuals.
4. Understand the role of nutrition for exercise and health.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

30

Autonomous Student Learning

56

Tutorial

12

Online Learning

12

Total

110


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This unit will comprise of online lectures and face to face problem based learning tutorials.

Staff may utilise Artificial Intelligence (AI) during the programme to support teaching and learning and it will be clearly indicated if and when AI is used. Students are prohibited from representing work as their own that they did not write, code or create. Submission of AI-generated content to this Module by a student without explicit permission and attribution is not allowed and it may reflect unacceptable professional behaviour. This may result in the initiation of a student disciplinary procedure in accordance with the University Student Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity Policy.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (Online): This exam will consist of multiple-choice and short-answer questions designed to assess your understanding of the key concepts, theories, and materials covered throughout the semester. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
60
Yes
Assignment(Including Essay): Nutritional assessment - In this assignment, you will record your nutritional intake using a mobile app (Libro). You will then analyse your diet using Nutritics and present a comprehensive report. Week 10 Standard conversion grade scale 40% Yes
40
Yes

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback on examination performance will be provided upon the request of the student. In this instance the module coordinator will arrange to meet with the student to discuss the examination performance.

Name Role
Dr Katy Horner Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Kate Pumpa Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Mon 16:00 - 16:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 3 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 13:00 - 13:50