University of Colorado Boulder

Science of Exercise

Taught in English

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341,416 already enrolled

Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

4.8

(4,434 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
9 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Explain the relationship between exercise and the body's physiological responses, including carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism

  • Describe the role of nutritional choices and their impact on health and training

  • Summarize the factors that contribute to muscle soreness, fatigue, and the dangers associated with performance-enhancing drugs

Details to know

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Assessments

4 quizzes

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There are 4 modules in this course

In this module you will learn about the various metabolic pathways (carbohydrates, fats and proteins) that are activated in order to supply the necessary energy required for the mechanical work of skeletal muscles during exercise. How these pathways are regulated, the methods for assessing the extent to which specific fuels are being utilized and the overall estimation of your metabolic rate will be addressed. Additionally, the importance of the chemical energy stored in ATP and its requirement for muscular work will be discussed.

What's included

8 videos1 reading1 quiz2 discussion prompts

In this module you will learn how a number of key physiological systems (muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine and immune systems) are regulated during exercise to help maintain homeostasis. These adjustments are critical for exercise to continue for any significant duration. This will include: how the respiratory system adjusts during exercise to ensure proper oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide removal from active muscles; how the cardiovascular system responds to ensure adequate blood flow to various organs, including muscle, during exercise; how the endocrine system plays a major role in regulating key biochemical and physiological responses to exercise and; how exercise influences the immune system and your ability to fight infections.

What's included

7 videos2 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt

This module will teach you about the training guidelines needed to optimize your endurance and strength adaptations associated with a regular exercise program. Important nutritional requirements for both endurance and strength training will be addressed. The causes of both muscle soreness and fatigue will be explained. Finally, the effectiveness and mechanisms whereby performance enhancing drugs exert their effect will be covered.

What's included

7 videos2 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt

In this module you will learn about the role of exercise as medicine in both the prevention and treatment of various diseases. This will include: the contribution of diet and exercise in weight control including the prevention and treatment of obesity; the many health benefits from participation in a regular exercise program related to major risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and cancer will be addressed. Finally, the benefits of exercise associated with healthy aging and brain function will be discussed.

What's included

7 videos5 readings1 quiz1 peer review1 discussion prompt

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.8 (1,287 ratings)
Robert Mazzeo, Ph.D.
University of Colorado Boulder
1 Course341,416 learners

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4.8

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