Explore UCD

UCD Home >

PHTY10140

Academic Year 2025/2026

Applied Exercise Physiology (PHTY10140)

Subject:
Physiotherapy
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Public Hlth, Phys & Sports Sci
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Caitriona Cunningham
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The aim of this module is to develop an introductory knowledge base in Exercise Physiology. A systems approach is used concentrating on the responses of the metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological , hormonal, thermoregulatory and muscular systems to exercise. Completion of this module enables students to understand how acute and chronic bouts of exercise alter the structure and function of the human body. Students will also have an opportunity to apply exercise theory through pre exercise testing workshops and a reflective written assignment which acts as a starting point for an exercise learning portfolio.

Mapped to CORU SoP: 1.1, 1.2, 1.5, 1.13, 3.2-3.4, 3.7, 4.1-4.3

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of human physiology in relation to exercise.
2. Interpret a range of physiological parameters relating to exercise, sport and health.
3. Relate the fundamentals of exercise physiology to different exercising populations,
modes of exercise and exercise environments.
4. Reflect on their own formal and informal exercise learning and experience, applying
exercise physiology theory to their own physical activity and exercise.
5. Conduct a selection of fundamental pre exercise screening and fitness assessment tests.
6. Access and understand fundamental exercise physiology reference texts.




Indicative Module Content:

A systems approach to the the responses of the metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, hormonal, thermoregulatory and muscular systems to exercise. Pre exercise screening and fundamentals of exercise prescription. Practical application of theory through measuring some key physiological parameters related to exercise, sport and health in Pre Exercise Screening/ Fitness Assessment workshops. Assignment which requires reflection on informal and formal exercise learning and experience and drives application of exercise physiology in real life situations.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

30

Autonomous Student Learning

60

Lectures

24

Small Group

4

Total

118


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures : Blended (primarily face to face )
Workshops: Applied exercise theory through practical pre exercise screening/ fitness assessment workshops
Assignment which drives reflective practice

AI/Academic Integrity:
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
Learning Recommendations:

Biology


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
PERS10020 - Fundamentals of S & C Online, PERS10060 - Intro to Exercise Science, PERS10130 - Intro to Sports Injuries, PERS10180 - Intro to Exercise Physiology


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Participation in Learning Activities: Practical Exercise Workshops completed by Week 12 Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
15
No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: MCQ x2 at 30% each Week 6, Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
60
Yes
Reflective Assignment: Reflection on exercise learning posted to portfolio Week 11 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
25
Yes

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Written assignment is a piece of reflective writing, facilitating students to self-monitor their learning - opportunity to discuss same provided during workshops . Interactive Workshops act as a opportunity for students to apply theory with peer feedback, ask questions and receive verbal in class tutor feedback. Short MCQ online quiz trial will be conducted in advance of graded MCQ's (30% x 2). Students can give & will receive feedback on trial.

Powers EK, Howley ST, Quindry J. Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance. (12th ed) .McGraw Hill, New York.2021
ISBN13: 9781266190766

Kenney WL. Wilmore JH. Costill DL. Physiology of Sport and Exercise. Human Kinetics. (9th edition) 2025.
ISBN: 9781718228429

Name Role
Dr Katy Horner Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Deirdre Hurley Osing Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Kate Pumpa Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Keith Smart Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 14:00 - 15:50
Spring Practical Offering 2 Week(s) - 29, 30 Mon 12:00 - 13:50
Spring Practical Offering 3 Week(s) - 29, 30 Mon 12:00 - 13:50
Spring Practical Offering 4 Week(s) - 29, 30 Mon 12:00 - 13:50