Faculty: INSTITUTE OF GRADUATE PGROGRAMS This major provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of nutrition as they apply to athletes and physically active individuals. Students will explore key topics such as macronutrient and micronutrient needs, hydration, supplementation, and the role of nutrition in performance optimization and recovery. The major emphasizes the integration of theoretical knowledge and practical skills to prepare students for careers in sports nutrition, athletic training, and health coaching. **Learning Objectives:** - Understand the fundamental principles of athlete nutrition and their role in enhancing athletic performance. - Develop skills in assessing the nutritional needs of athletes based on their sport, training regimen, and individual goals. - Learn techniques for designing and implementing personalized nutrition plans for athletes. - Explore the principles of macronutrient and micronutrient metabolism and their impact on performance. - Understand the role of hydration, supplementation, and recovery nutrition in athletic success. - Analyze the challenges and opportunities of working in the field of athlete nutrition. - Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address contemporary issues in sports nutrition. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to Athlete Nutrition** - Overview of athlete nutrition, its history, and its significance in sports performance. 2. **Macronutrients and Performance** - Study of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and their roles in energy production and muscle repair. - Techniques for optimizing macronutrient intake for different types of athletes. 3. **Micronutrients and Health** - Fundamentals of vitamins and minerals, and their importance for immune function, bone health, and overall well-being. - Techniques for ensuring adequate micronutrient intake in athletes. 4. **Hydration and Electrolyte Balance** - Principles of hydration, including fluid needs, electrolyte balance, and strategies for preventing dehydration. - Techniques for developing hydration plans for athletes. 5. **Nutrition for Training and Competition** - Study of pre-, during, and post-exercise nutrition strategies to enhance performance and recovery. - Techniques for tailoring nutrition plans to specific sports and events. 6. **Supplementation and Ergogenic Aids** - Analysis of dietary supplements, their efficacy, and their role in athletic performance. - Techniques for evaluating and recommending supplements based on scientific evidence. 7. **Weight Management and Body Composition** - Fundamentals of weight management, including strategies for gaining muscle, losing fat, and maintaining optimal body composition. - Techniques for assessing and monitoring body composition in athletes. 8. **Emerging Trends in Athlete Nutrition** - Impact of emerging trends, such as personalized nutrition, plant-based diets, and gut health, on athlete nutrition. - Techniques for integrating new trends into sports nutrition practice. **Assessment Methods:** - Practical projects and case studies to evaluate skills in designing nutrition plans for athletes. - Written assignments and research papers to assess knowledge of nutritional principles and their application in sports. - Presentations and reports on nutrition strategies for specific sports or athletic goals. - Participation in group discussions and debates on contemporary issues in athlete nutrition. **Recommended Textbooks:** - "Sports Nutrition: A Practice Manual for Professionals" by Marie Dunford and J. Andrew Doyle. - "Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook" by Nancy Clark. - "Advanced Sports Nutrition" by Dan Benardot. **Prerequisites:** Basic knowledge of nutrition, biology, and exercise science is recommended. This major is suitable for students in nutrition, dietetics, sports science, and related fields. **Major Duration:** Typically, this major runs for four academic years, with a combination of lectures, practical exercises, and internships. **Certification:** Upon successful completion, students may receive a degree in Athlete Nutrition, depending on the program and institution. **Target Audience:** This major is designed for undergraduate and graduate students in nutrition, dietetics, sports science, and related fields, as well as professionals seeking to enhance their skills in athlete nutrition. This major prepares students and professionals to excel in the field of athlete nutrition, leveraging theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and an understanding of emerging trends to optimize athletic performance, support recovery, and promote overall health.