Exercise Sciences Summary

Introduction to Exercise Sciences

  • Course Overview: EXERSCI 101 introduces foundational principles of exercise and sport sciences.

Faculty Coordinators

  • Dr. Judy Thomas: Course Coordinator
  • Dr. Rebecca Meiring: Course Director
  • Waruna Weerasekera: Course Staff
  • Contact Information: judy.thomas@auckland.ac.nz, rebecca.meiring@auckland.ac.nz, waruna.weerasekera@auckland.ac.nz

Tuākana Programme

  • Aim: Enhance academic success among Māori and Pacific students through mentoring and support.
  • Student Mentor: Kieran Griffiths (kieran.griffiths@auckland.ac.nz)

Understanding Exercise Sciences

  • Definition: Systematic study of biophysical foundations of human movement.
  • Key Areas:
    • Exercise Physiology: Human movement mechanics, energy costs, nutritional effects on performance, response to physical activity.
    • Movement Neuroscience: Brain control of movement, skill acquisition, impact of fatigue and aging.
    • Biomechanics: Study of movement mechanics, injury potential, and gait analysis.
    • Exercise/Sport/Health Psychology: Psychological factors influencing exercise behavior and motivation.

Undergraduate Programme Pathways

  • BSc in Exercise Sciences: Specialization in applied exercise and sports sciences.
  • Options for multidisciplinary majors by combining with physiology, psychology, etc.
  • Contact for Advice: Angus McMorland (ugadvice-exercise@auckland.ac.nz)

Postgraduate Pathways

  • Options for MSc or clinical exercise physiologist training.
  • Career Opportunities: Personal trainer, sports physiologist, research, exercise rehabilitation, etc.

Course Structure

  • Lectures: Two weekly sessions.
  • Tutorials: Six bi-weekly tutorials beginning Week 2; attendance mandatory.
  • Assessment Types:
    • Quizzes: Assessing cumulative content.
    • Final Exam: Comprehensive assessment covering all course materials.

Learning Resources

  • Primary Textbook: Tortora et al. "Principles Of Anatomy & Physiology".
  • Available digitally and in short loan at library.

Cells

  • Basic Structure: Plasma membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm.
  • Function of Plasma Membrane: Regulates substance movement, communicates signals, identifies cells.

Organelle Functions

  • Nucleus: Stores genetic info, controls cell activities, assembles ribosomes.
  • Ribosomes: Protein synthesis sites.
  • Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the cell for ATP production. Generates ATP through aerobic respiration:
    C6H{12}O6 + 6O2
    ightarrow 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP