Course Description
Introduction to QQI Sports Nutrition (6N4651):
Our QQI Sports Nutrition (6N4651) module aims to provide in-depth knowledge and understanding of Sports Nutrition. Learners will explore the principal theories of Sports Nutrition and their application in sports programs. By the end of the module, students will apply these theories practically, gaining a detailed understanding of different elements of Sports Nutrition and their impact on sports performance.
Learning Objectives:
Theoretical Foundations
Learners will delve into the specific information necessary to advise athletes and interact effectively within the sports domain. This includes understanding how interactions and interventions can change sports performance.
Practical Application
Throughout the course, learners will focus on improving sports performance through enhanced Sports Nutrition. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience, students will confidently apply techniques and theories in real-world sporting environments.
Key Competencies:
Describing Nutritional Impact
Upon successful completion, learners will describe how Sports Nutrition influences athletes. They will understand key physiological responses to proper nutrition and recognize desirable and undesirable effects of nutrition programs. Adapting different theories and interventions to various clients with unique health and performance needs will be essential.
Positive Outcomes
Learner outcomes aim to equip students with the ability to achieve positive results through Sports Nutrition. Experiencing nutritional principles both individually and in group settings will be crucial. Additionally, learners will understand the role of good nutrition advocates in guiding clients toward these positive outcomes.
Understanding Nutritional Balance:
Learners must grasp the desired levels of nutrition and the negative effects of incorrect advice. The inverted U hypothesis will illustrate the balance between under and over-nutrition. Achieving the correct level of intervention is key, and students will learn to judge the appropriate nutritional approach for each individual.
Execution and Implementation:
The module prepares learners to execute tests and programs, fostering a holistic approach to Sports Nutrition. By the end of the course, learners will be able to implement Sports Nutrition programs while ensuring a safe environment.
Conclusion:
The QQI Sports Nutrition (6N4651) module equips learners with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Graduates will confidently advise athletes, implement effective nutrition programs, and contribute to improved sports performance through well-informed nutritional interventions.
Course Syllabus
Unit 1: Energy Source and Energy Pathways for Sports and Exercise
Learners who successfully complete this unit will have a comprehensive view of different food sources and how they effect change on the body during exercise. These nutrients will then be explored in relation to creating energy for athletic performance and how this energy is utilised during different activities for different people.
- Macro nutrients and their functions.
- How macro nutrients are utilised and synthesised
- Different activities and different foods.
- Introduction to micro nutrients.
- The Glycemic Index of foods.
- The energy pathways and energy systems. Copyright © 2015/16 ITEC 5
- Energy systems and athletic performance.
- How to train the energy systems.
Unit 2: Nutrition and Fluid Intake before during and after exercise
Learners who successfully complete this unit will understand the requirements for nutrition and fluid control for peak energy performance. The learner will understand how and when the body requires nutrition and fluid to perform. The learner will understand the detrimental effect of incorrect preparation on sports performance.
- Water and its importance to athletic performance.
- Fluids and the detrimental effects of dehydration.
- Assessing fluid requirements for different sports intensities.
- Assessing nutritional intake for sports.
- Nutrition fluid and sports durations.
- Individual assessments of nutritional requirements.
- The energy balance and nutritional intake before, during and after exercise.
Unit 3: Weight Management for Sports and Exercise.
Learners who successfully complete this unit will be able categorise and understand eating disorders. The learner will need to understand average expected BMI and metabolic rates to diagnose any unusual measurements. A general empathy and diagnostic approach with overweight and underweight issues is required along with a keen understanding of how to administer the correct nutritional advice.
- Highlight the range of eating disorders and how they affect the body.
- Describe the effect these issues can have on the body over time.
- Understand Weight management and the effects of obesity on the body.
- Described Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and its relevance to daily nutrition.
- How can BMR help assess sports nutrition and performance.
- Understand weight management strategies and how they can improve general health and fitness.
- Explain the range of tests that can be used to assess body composition.
- Explain the energy balance equation and how it affects sport performance and general weight management.
- Highlight weight management strategies and how they have developed over time.
- Explain how different people will require different weight management programmes.
- Describe programme content for different clients with varying weight, nutritional issues and requirements.
- Create approaches to address weight and nutritional issues and how these programmes are manages to effect change.
- Highlight the physiological and psychological advantages of a healthy weight and correct BMI.
- Nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.
Unit 4: Micronutrients Supplementation and Ergogenic Aids.
On completion of this unit the learner will have a working knowledge of micro and macro nutrients. The learner will understand their physiological importance and how they impact on athletic performance. The learner will always be cognisant of the caloric impact of all foods, supplementation, ergonomic aids and daily nutritional requirements.
- Classification of dietary constituents
- Role of macronutrients and micronutrients in the diet including their sources, functions and energy values as well as what constitutes a balanced diet.
- The role of macro and micro nutrients in reducing body fat and increasing muscle mass.
- Macronutrients and micronutrients in sports performance.
- Positive and negative effects of macro and micro nutrients.
- Caloric Breakdown of Macronutrients and correct ratios for sports performance.
- Creation of improved athletic performance through supplementations.
- Use of Ergonomic aids for improved sporting performance.
Entry Requirements / Prerequisites:
- QQI / FETAC Level 5 in a Sports area or equivalent qualifications and/or relevant life and work experiences.
- As this programme is delivered through distance learning, students must be capable of studying on their own initiative.
Assessments Techniques:
- Project 50%
- Assignment 20%
- Examination 30%
Assignment:
The internal assessor will devise a brief that require the candidates to produce evidence that demonstrates an understanding and application of a range of specific learning outcomes.
The brief for this assignment will focus on the nutritional requirements for sports specific athletes.
Micro and Macro Nutrients are an essential element to successful sports performance. Discuss the range of macro and micronutrients and explore the positive and negative effects of their use on sporting performance
- Show an understanding of the range of Macro and Micro nutrients.
- Indicate how the utilisation of these macro and micro nutrients is important for peak sports performance.
Project:
This brief will ask the learner Identify weight management issues, how to assess for suitable weight in athletes and prescribe nutritional and behavioural change programmes to address any weight management issues referring to the indicative course content.
Examination:
The internal assessor will devise a theory based examination that assesses candidates’ ability to recall, comprehend and apply the theory learned in the module by answering both short and longer structured question types.
The examination will be based on a range of specific learning outcomes from each of the units in the module.
The online examination will be 2 hours in duration. The format of the examination will be as follows:
Section A
12 short answer questions. Candidates must answer 10 (4 marks each)
Section B
4 structured questions. Candidates must answer 3 (20 marks each)
Grading:
- Pass 50 – 64%
- Merit 65 – 79%
- Distinction 80 – 100%
Accreditation:
- Following successful completion you will receive a QQI Level 6 component Certificate in Sports Nutrition (6N4651).
- QQI (Quality & Qualifications Ireland) is the national awarding body for further education and training in Ireland. The Open College is registered with QQI to offer programmes leading to QQI awards in the National Framework of Qualifications in Ireland. Click here for details of the National Framework of Qualifications.
This QQI Level 6 Sports Nutrition (6N4651) programme is delivered by our sister College, The Open College. This programme is the latest CAS awards validated by QQI and The Open College.
