Nutrition, Exercise and Sports from edX

Are you involved in sports or regular exercise and do you want to have a better understanding of the role of nutrition on performance and health? Do you want to learn whether certain nutritional strategies could be relevant for your own athletic performance and/or muscle growth? Are you a dietitian, personal trainer, physiotherapist or a health/sport coach and do you want to be able to provide proper nutritional advice for your clients? Or, are you none of the above but interested in nutrition, exercise and sports and do you want to make your own informed decisions about your daily food intake?

Then this online course Nutrition, Exercise and Sports is for you! Nutrition is crucial to live an active and healthy life, to support training, and to optimize performance. In this online course, researchers and teachers from Wageningen University & Research will familiarize you with the nutritional aspects of exercise and sports. What are the basic concepts in exercise physiology and sport nutrition science? How is exercise being fueled for the different types of sports like; power sports, sprinting and endurance exercise? And how does protein support skeletal muscle mass and performance? In this online course you will learn to estimate energy needs and understand thermoregulation and fluid balance. You will learn about the role of micronutrients and supplements in exercise performance. Moreover, you will be introduced to some health issues related to doing exercise.

This online course also touches upon how the lessons learned from nutrition and sports research can be applied during ageing. For example, what are the benefits of extra protein in vulnerable age groups?

Be aware that this course will not tell you exactly what to eat. Instead, you will learn and understand the nutritional aspects of exercise and sport, so you can make your own informed decisions and critically evaluate nutritional advices and claims.

For whom?

The online course Nutrition, Exercise and Sports is especially useful for:

Sport- and health coaches, Physiotherapists and Dietitians
People working in the (sport) food industry
Athletes and professional sporters
Everyone with a healthy appetite for knowledge about nutrition, exercise and sports

Ready to join the MOOC Nutrition, Exercise and Sports? This online course contains several interesting and inspiring interviews with nutrition and sport professionals. It will provide basic understanding of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, and contains challenging assignments that will give you insight in nutritional needs and performance benefits for (your) athletes, your clients or yourself.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The key concepts of exercise physiology and sports nutrition science
Important nutritional aspects of exercise including energy, carbohydrates & fats, protein metabolism and fluid balance
Why certain nutritional strategies can enhance exercise and sports performance

The role of micronutrients and supplements in exercise and sports
The relationship between exercise, nutrition and health, also during ageing
Develop a critical mind-set in the field of nutrition, exercise and sports

The key concepts of exercise physiology and sports nutrition science
Important nutritional aspects of exercise including energy, carbohydrates & fats, protein metabolism and fluid balance
Why certain nutritional strategies can enhance exercise and sports performance
The role of micronutrients and supplements in exercise and sports
The relationship between exercise, nutrition and health, also during ageing
Develop a critical mind-set in the field of nutrition, exercise and sports

Syllabus

Week 1 | Introduction to Sport Nutrition (Science)

Key topics:

An introduction into Sports, Exercise and Nutrition, including types of Sports, Sport Nutrition Pyramid. An introduction into Sport Nutrition Science - including empirical cycle, study designs, critical issues and performance measurements.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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Develops expertise in the role of nutrition for performance and health, especially for athletes and fitness enthusiasts

Might require prior knowledge in exercise physiology and sport nutrition

Taught by recognized researchers and teachers from Wageningen University & Research

Covers essential topics such as energy needs, thermoregulation, fluid balance, micronutrient function, and supplements

Includes real-world applications and interviews with nutrition and sport professionals

Reviews summary

Solid foundation in sport nutrition

According to learners, this course provides a solid scientific foundation and a comprehensive overview of nutrition, exercise, and sports. Students found the content to be clear and well-structured, making complex topics accessible. Many appreciated the focus on understanding underlying principles rather than prescriptive advice, which helps them critically evaluate nutritional claims. Reviewers consistently mention its usefulness for athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals looking to deepen their knowledge or apply it professionally. The course seems particularly strong in covering macronutrients, energy balance, and micronutrients, although some felt certain areas could be more in-depth for advanced learners. Overall, the feedback is largely positive, highlighting the course's value as an excellent starting point.

Some topics less in-depth than others.

"While comprehensive, some modules could go into more detail for those with prior knowledge."

"Great overview, but advanced practitioners might find some sections too basic."

"I wished they had explored certain topics, like specific supplements, in greater depth."

Encourages evaluating nutritional information.

"Loved that it teaches you how to critically evaluate claims, rather than just giving meal plans."

"It equips you with the tools to understand the science behind recommendations."

"Helps develop a skeptical and analytical mind regarding supplements and diets."

Excellent as an introductory course.

"An excellent introductory course for anyone new to the field of sports nutrition."

"Provides a great foundation, but don't expect deep dives into every niche topic."

"Perfect if you need to build basic understanding before moving to advanced studies."

Well-organized and easy to follow.

"The course structure is logical and easy to follow, week by week."

"Explanations are clear and concise, making complex information digestible."

"The lectures and readings were well-organized and easy to understand."

Covers a wide range of essential topics.

"A comprehensive overview of essential topics like macronutrients, energy needs, hydration, and supplements."

"It touches upon exercise physiology and its link to nutrition effectively."

"Covers all the core aspects needed to start understanding sports nutrition."

Highly relevant for coaches, trainers, dietitians.

"Extremely useful for my work as a personal trainer, helping me advise clients better."

"As a dietitian, I found this course a great way to refresh and expand my sports nutrition knowledge."

"This course gives coaches practical knowledge they can use immediately with their athletes."

Provides a solid, evidence-based foundation.

"The course provides a solid scientific foundation for understanding the relationship between nutrition, exercise, and sports performance."

"It covers the key concepts with clear explanations grounded in research."

"Really appreciated the evidence-based approach throughout the modules."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Nutrition, Exercise and Sports with these activities:

Review the basics of human physiology

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A strong understanding of human physiology will help you connect the concepts of nutrition to athletic performance.

Browse courses on Human Physiology

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Review the structure and function of the major organs and systems of the body.
Pay particular attention to the respiratory, cardiovascular, and muscular systems.

Read 'The Sports Nutrition Handbook, 6th ed.' by Louise Burke

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This book is a comprehensive guide to the latest sports nutrition research and practical applications. It will help you understand the key concepts of sports nutrition and how to apply them to your own training and nutrition plan.

View Clinical Sports Nutrition 6th Edition on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly.
Take notes on the key concepts.
Apply the concepts to your own training and nutrition plan.

Compile a list of online resources for sports nutrition

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Compiling resources will help you become familiar with the key concepts and sources of information in the field of sports nutrition.

Browse courses on Sports Nutrition

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Identify reliable sources of information on sports nutrition, such as scientific journals, websites, and books.
Categorize the resources according to topic, such as energy metabolism, protein intake, and hydration.
Create a master list of resources, including the title, author, publication date, and a brief summary of the content.

Five other activities

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Nutrient Calculations

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Repetition of nutrient calculations will help you strengthen your ability to determine individual nutrient needs.

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Review the basics of calculating daily calorie needs and macronutrient ratios.
Practice calculating nutrient needs using online calculators or spreadsheets.
Create a personalized meal plan that meets your calculated nutrient needs.

Macronutrient Timing

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Following tutorials on macronutrient timing will provide you with the knowledge and skills to optimize your nutrient intake for performance and recovery.

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Research different macronutrient timing strategies and their potential benefits.
Experiment with different timing protocols to determine what works best for you.
Track your progress and make adjustments as needed.

Discuss Nutritional Strategies

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Engaging in discussions with peers will allow you to share and exchange knowledge, experiences, and ideas related to nutritional strategies.

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Join online forums or discussion groups dedicated to sports nutrition.
Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your own insights.
Collaborate with peers on projects or assignments related to nutrition.

Create a personalized nutrition plan

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This project will allow you to apply the concepts of sports nutrition to your own life. You will learn how to assess your nutritional needs, develop a personalized nutrition plan, and track your progress.

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Assess your nutritional needs.
Research different nutritional approaches.
Develop a personalized nutrition plan.
Track your progress.

Develop a personalized nutrition plan for a specific sport or athlete

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Creating a personalized nutrition plan will help you apply your knowledge of sports nutrition to real-world scenarios.

Browse courses on Sports Nutrition

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Gather information about the athlete's sport, training schedule, and dietary habits.
Calculate the athlete's energy needs and macronutrient requirements.
Develop a meal plan that meets the athlete's nutritional needs and preferences.
Monitor the athlete's progress and make adjustments to the plan as needed.

Career center

Learners who complete Nutrition, Exercise and Sports will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sports Nutritionist

A Sports Nutritionist focuses on providing nutrition advice and counseling to athletes and sports teams to help them optimize their performance by providing them with personalized nutrition plans. Registered Dietitians are typically employed as Sports Nutritionists. The course helps build a foundation in sports nutrition science, as well as familiarizes the learner with important nutritional aspects of exercise, like energy, carbohydrates, fats, protein metabolism, and fluid balance. Someone who wishes to become a Sports Nutritionist may be particularly interested to learn about the role of micronutrients and supplements in exercise performance discussed in this course.

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Strength and Conditioning Coach

A Strength and Conditioning Coach helps athletes improve their strength, power, and endurance by providing them with personalized training programs. Someone who wishes to become a Strength and Conditioning Coach may be particularly interested in the course's discussion of the key concepts of exercise physiology and sports nutrition science, as well as its introduction to skeletal muscle anatomy and physiology. Learning about energy and fluid balance is also important for those working with athletes.

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Exercise Physiologist

An Exercise Physiologist helps people improve their health and fitness by providing them with personalized exercise and nutrition advice. Someone who wishes to become an Exercise Physiologist may be particularly interested in the course's discussion of the key concepts of exercise physiology and sports nutrition science, as well as its introduction to skeletal muscle anatomy and physiology. This course is especially helpful for those looking to work with athletes and sports teams to help them optimize their performance.

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Nutritionist

A Nutritionist helps people improve their health and well-being by providing them with personalized nutrition advice. Someone who wishes to become a Nutritionist may be particularly interested in the course's discussion of the key concepts of exercise physiology and sports nutrition science, as well as its introduction to skeletal muscle anatomy and physiology. Learning about energy and fluid balance is also important for those working with athletes.

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Wellness Coach

A Wellness Coach helps people improve their health and well-being by providing them with personalized advice on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle. Someone who wishes to become a Wellness Coach may be particularly interested in the course's discussion of the key concepts of exercise physiology and sports nutrition science, as well as its introduction to skeletal muscle anatomy and physiology. Learning about energy and fluid balance is also important for those working with athletes.

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Health Coach

A Health Coach helps people improve their health and well-being by providing them with personalized advice on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle. Someone who wishes to become a Health Coach may be particularly interested in the course's discussion of the key concepts of exercise physiology and sports nutrition science, as well as its introduction to skeletal muscle anatomy and physiology. Learning about energy and fluid balance is also important for those working with athletes.

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Dietetic Technician

A Dietetic Technician helps people improve their health and well-being by providing them with personalized nutrition advice. Someone who wishes to become a Dietetic Technician may be particularly interested in the course's discussion of the key concepts of exercise physiology and sports nutrition science, as well as its introduction to skeletal muscle anatomy and physiology. Learning about energy and fluid balance is also important for those working with athletes.

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Registered Dietitian

A Registered Dietitian helps people improve their health by providing them with personalized nutrition advice and counseling. Someone who wishes to become a Registered Dietitian must take the course because it helps build a foundation in sports nutrition science. As a Registered Dietitian, you may work with athletes and sports teams to help them optimize their performance by providing them with personalized nutrition plans.

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Personal Trainer

A Personal Trainer helps people improve their health and fitness by providing them with personalized exercise and nutrition advice. Someone who wishes to become a Personal Trainer may be particularly interested in the course's discussion of the key concepts of exercise physiology and sports nutrition science. Those interested in training professional athletes may find it especially helpful to learn about the role of micronutrients and supplements in exercise performance.

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Athletic Trainer

An Athletic Trainer helps athletes prevent and treat injuries by providing them with personalized care and rehabilitation. Someone who wishes to become an Athletic Trainer may be particularly interested in the course's discussion of the key concepts of exercise physiology and sports nutrition science, as well as its introduction to skeletal muscle anatomy and physiology. Learning about energy and fluid balance is also important for those working with athletes.

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Food Scientist

A Food Scientist develops and improves food products by applying the principles of science. Someone who wishes to become a Food Scientist may be particularly interested in the course's discussion of the key concepts of exercise physiology and sports nutrition science, as well as its introduction to skeletal muscle anatomy and physiology. Learning about energy and fluid balance is also important for those working with athletes.

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Biomedical Engineer

A Biomedical Engineer designs and develops medical devices and technologies. Someone who wishes to become a Biomedical Engineer may be particularly interested in the course's discussion of the key concepts of exercise physiology and sports nutrition science, as well as its introduction to skeletal muscle anatomy and physiology. Learning about energy and fluid balance is also important for those working with athletes.

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Epidemiologist

An Epidemiologist investigates the causes and distribution of diseases in populations. Someone who wishes to become an Epidemiologist may be particularly interested in the course's discussion of the key concepts of exercise physiology and sports nutrition science, as well as its introduction to skeletal muscle anatomy and physiology. Learning about energy and fluid balance is also important for those working with athletes.

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Health Policy Analyst

A Health Policy Analyst develops and evaluates policies that affect the health of populations. Someone who wishes to become a Health Policy Analyst may be particularly interested in the course's discussion of the key concepts of exercise physiology and sports nutrition science, as well as its introduction to skeletal muscle anatomy and physiology. Learning about energy and fluid balance is also important for those working with athletes.

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Health Educator

A Health Educator develops and implements educational programs that promote health and well-being. Someone who wishes to become a Health Educator may be particularly interested in the course's discussion of the key concepts of exercise physiology and sports nutrition science, as well as its introduction to skeletal muscle anatomy and physiology. Learning about energy and fluid balance is also important for those working with athletes.

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