Physiology, Metabolic and Biomolecular Functions of Physical Exercise

The course consists of frontal lectures, seminar activities, and small group workshops. Through a multidisciplinary approach the course provides knowledge on the body's response and adaptation to exercise. Topics include the physiology of muscle exercise at the competitive and the recreational level, as well as exercise-related adaptive mechanisms in the cardiac, respiratory, and energy systems. Particular focus is directed to the factors limiting maximum aerobic performance (ventilatory, diffusion, convection, peripheral) and to the metabolic and endocrinological aspects of sports. Another area of focus is analytical biochemical/molecular methods to monitor and optimize training results.

Students will acquire knowledge in physiological, cardiovascular, hormonal, metabolic, and molecular response to exercise and high-intensity exercise. Students will also acquire skills in the use of biochemical/molecular biomarkers for optimizing the effects of training.