Cellular Functions and Exercise
| Title | ΚΥΤΤΑΡΙΚΕΣ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΕΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΣΚΗΣΗ / Cellular Functions and Exercise |
| Code | ΙΑ2600 |
| Faculty | Physical Education and Sport Science |
| School | Physical Education and Sport Science (Serres) |
| Cycle / Level | 1st / Undergraduate |
| Teaching Period | Winter/Spring |
| Common | No |
| Status | Active |
| Course ID | 260000576 |
Programme of Study: UPS of School of Physical Education and Sports Science in Serres (2014)
Registered students: 73
| Orientation | Attendance Type | Semester | Year | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KORMOS | MATHĪMA EMVATHYNSĪS FRONTISTĪRIAKOU TYPOU | Winter/Spring | - | 8 |
| Academic Year | 2025 – 2026 |
| Class Period | Winter |
| Faculty Instructors |
|
| Instructors from Other Categories | |
| Weekly Hours | 4 |
| Total Hours | 52 |
| Class ID | 600275710
|
| Section | Instructors |
|---|---|
| 1. Τμήμα Α (Δευτέρα 10:00-11:30 & Τρίτη 10:00-11:30) | Konstantina Dipla, Chrysovalanto Staneloudi |
| 2. Τμήμα Β (Δευτέρα 11:30-13:00 & Τρίτη 11:30-13:00) | Konstantina Dipla, Chrysovalanto Staneloudi |
| 3. ΦΟΙΤΗΤΕΣ ΠΑΛΑΙΟΤΕΡΩΝ ΕΤΩΝ (μόνο για εξετάσεις) | Konstantina Dipla, Chrysovalanto Staneloudi |
EPIChallenges
- Global Health
Type Of Offer
- Disciplinary Course
Course Type 2021
Specific Foundation
Course Type 2016-2020
- Scientific Area
Course Type 2011-2015
Knowledge Deepening / Consolidation
Mode of Delivery
- Face to face
- Distance learning
Digital Course Content
- e-Study Guide https://qa.auth.gr/en/class/1/600275710
- eLearning (Moodle):
Language of Instruction
- Greek (Instruction, Examination)
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Describe the structure and basic functions of cellular organelles, as well as the key biological molecules involved in cellular metabolism.
2. Analyze the cellular processes related to muscle contraction, ion transport (e.g., calcium), and the regulation of intracellular homeostasis.
3. Identify the types of muscle fibers and their metabolic/functional properties, as well as the effects of different types of exercise (endurance, strength) on these fibers.
4. Relate metabolic pathways (glycolysis, citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, lipid and protein metabolic pathways) to the energy demands of muscle cells during exercise.
5. Interpret the cellular adaptations that result from training or immobilization, and the effects of aging on cellular metabolism.
6. Evaluate the impact of ergogenic aids, protein and energy supplements, and doping on cellular function mechanisms and health.
7. Develop basic presentations or reports that interpret data related to cellular adaptations to exercise and connect them with improvements in health or performance.
General Competences
- Retrieve, analyse and synthesise data and information, with the use of necessary technologies
- Adapt to new situations
- Make decisions
- Work autonomously
- Work in teams
- Work in an international context
- Work in an interdisciplinary team
- Generate new research ideas
- Design and manage projects
- Be critical and self-critical
- Advance free, creative and causative thinking
Course Content (Syllabus)
Course Purpose and Description
The course "Cellular Functions and Exercise" explores the cellular processes that influence and are influenced by physical exercise, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms of muscle contraction, metabolism, and adaptation to inactivity, aging, and systematic training, as well as the impact of external interventions such as doping.
It analyzes the metabolic pathways involved in the breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins during exercise and recovery, as well as cellular adaptations to different types of physical load (endurance, strength, overload) from childhood to old age. The mechanisms of hypertrophy and atrophy (as outcomes of systematic exercise or physical inactivity) are examined, along with the protein signaling pathways involved.
The course also investigates cellular mechanisms activated by exercise that contribute to health promotion. The oxygenation of muscle cells is studied, along with the effects of ergogenic substances and anabolic agents, aiming to understand the cellular actions of doping and its long-term consequences.
Overall, the course aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the cellular mechanisms associated with exercise and their role in maintaining and promoting health, both in healthy individuals and those with chronic conditions.
Detailed Course Content and Alignment of Learning Outcomes with Teaching Units
Lecture Topic Learning Outcomes
1 Basic elements of cell structure Understand the basic cellular structure and the function of cellular organelles.
2 Biological compounds – Introduction to metabolism Describe the main biological compounds and understand their role in cellular metabolism.
3 Physiological cellular functions at rest – Control of intracellular environment – Muscle fiber types – Myosin isoforms Explain cell physiology at rest and describe muscle fiber types and myosin isoforms.
4 Muscle proteins – Metabolic characteristics of muscle fibers – Training adaptations – Mitochondrial biogenesis – Effects of immobilization and detraining Describe key muscle proteins and fiber metabolism, and analyze training/detraining adaptations.
5 Muscle contraction – Neurotransmitters – Cellular energy – Calcium homeostasis – Measurement of contraction/relaxation – Functional evaluation Explain contraction mechanisms, the role of neurotransmitters and calcium, and assess muscle function.
6 Acute and chronic cellular adaptations – Cardiac cell function – Hypertrophy and atrophy models – Long-term training effects Analyze cellular adaptations to exercise, focusing on the heart, hypertrophy, and atrophy.
7 Metabolic pathways – Energy sources and high-energy bonds Describe main energy pathways and the importance of high-energy bonds in the cell.
8 Phosphagen system (ATP-Creatine) Explain how the phosphagen system works and its role in immediate energy supply.
9 Creatine supplements and their role in contraction Recognize the role of creatine supplementation in performance and contraction.
10 Glycolysis Describe the glycolysis process and its role in energy production.
11 Glycolysis regulation during exercise
Glycemic control Explain mechanisms controlling glycolysis during physical activity.
12 Citric acid cycle and its regulation Describe the citric acid (Krebs) cycle and its regulatory mechanisms.
13 Oxidative phosphorylation and electron transport chain – Training adaptations – Health applications Understand oxidative phosphorylation, adaptations from training, and implications for health.
14 Gluconeogenesis and the Cori cycle Explain gluconeogenesis and the Cori cycle and their role during exercise.
15 Lipids I (Introductory concepts) Describe fundamental characteristics of lipid biochemistry.
16 Lipids II Analyze lipid structure and metabolism.
17 Lipid metabolism Explain fatty acid metabolism and how energy is derived from lipids.
18 Exercise, fat oxidation, weight loss – Health applications Relate fat oxidation to exercise and weight loss, and link to health benefits.
19 Proteins I (Introductory concepts) Understand the basic structure and function of proteins.
20 Proteins II Analyze protein synthesis and breakdown mechanisms.
21 Protein metabolism and use during exercise – Strength training Explain the role of proteins in exercise and muscle strengthening.
22 Protein supplements – Exercise-induced changes in synthesis and breakdown Describe protein supplement use and exercise effects on protein turnover.
23 Doping in exercise: anabolic steroids, EPO, blood doping – Gene expression and exercise Recognize the effects of doping on cell function and its long-term consequences.
24 Review lecture Deepen understanding and connect concepts taught throughout the course.
25 Q&A session Evaluate and clarify understanding of the entire course content.
26 Final exam Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the course topics.
Keywords
cell, exercise, metabolism, contractility, cellular hypertrophy, atrophy, exercise, metabolism, excitation contraction coupling, muscle contraction, glycolysis, fat oxidation, obesity, hyperglycemia, protein metabolism, doping, hormones, metabolism
Educational Material Types
- Notes
- Slide presentations
- Interactive excersises
- Book
Use of Information and Communication Technologies
Use of ICT
- Use of ICT in Course Teaching
- Use of ICT in Laboratory Teaching
- Use of ICT in Communication with Students
- Use of ICT in Student Assessment
Course Organization
| Activities | Workload | ECTS | Individual | Teamwork | Erasmus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 123 | 4.7 | ✓ | ||
| Seminars | 50 | 1.9 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Tutorial | 35 | 1.3 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Total | 208 | 8 |
Student Assessment
Description
Assessment Policy and Tools
Assessment of students includes both formative and summative methods to evaluate the achievement of Learning Outcomes:
1) Written assignments during the semester:
• Assignment 1: Comprehension questions covering the first four lectures (2,5% of the final grade).
• Assignment 2: Comprehension questions on lectures related to energy sources and carbohydrate metabolism (2,5% of the final grade).
• Assignment 3: Comprehension questions on lectures on lipid metabolism (2,5% of the final grade).
• Assignment 4: Comprehension questions on lectures on protein metabolism (2,5% of the final grade).
2) Final written examination:
• Multiple choice questions (40% of the final grade).
• Short-answer questions covering the entire syllabus through the e-learning platform (40% of the final grade).
• Fill in the blank questions covering the entire syllabus through the e-learning platform (10% of the final grade).
The scoring criteria for each exam question are clearly indicated in the final exam document.
The final grade will be calculated based on the weighted contribution of each assessment component.
To successfully pass the course, students must achieve at least 50% in each individual assessment section.
The grading criteria are provided at the end of the detailed syllabus and are made available in writing to students from the beginning of the semester.
The course content is published online and included in the department's study guide.
Additionally, throughout the semester, students have the opportunity to self-assess their knowledge and understanding by answering sample questions.
A detailed explanation of the exam format is provided during both the first and final class sessions.
Assignments, Grade Distribution & Deadlines both the first and last class sessions.
Assignments and Grading Breakdown
Assignments Grade Weight Submission Deadline
Written Report 1 2.5% Upon completion of Lectures 1–4
Written Report 2 2.5% Upon completion of Lectures 5–10
Written Report 3 2.5% Upon completion of Lectures 11–16
Written Report 4 2.5% Upon completion of Lectures 17–21
Final Multiple-Choice Exam (Part I) 40% During the examination week
Final Short-Answer Exam (Part II) 40% During the examination week
Final Fill the blank Answer Exam (Part II) 10% During the examination week
Student Assessment methods
- Written Exam with Multiple Choice Questions (Formative, Summative)
- Written Exam with Short Answer Questions (Formative, Summative)
- Oral Exams (Formative)
- Written Exam with Problem Solving (Formative)
Bibliography
Course Bibliography (Eudoxus)
1. Φυσιολογία της Άσκησης και του Αθλητισμού, Wilmore J., Costill D. ISBN: 9789604892914, Εκδότης): BROKEN HILL PUBLISHERS LTD
2. Β. Μούγιος: Βιοχημεία της άσκησης, ΕΚΔΟΣΕΙΣ ΠΑΣΧΑΛΙΔΗΣ, 2007
3. Κυτταρική Φυσιολογία M.P. BLAUSTEIN, J.P.Y. KAO, D.R. MATTESON Εκδόσεις ΠΑΡΙΣΙΑΝΟΥ ΑΝΩΝΥΜΗ ΕΚΔΟΤΙΚΗ ΕΙΣΑΓΩΓΙΚΗ ΕΜΠΟΡΙΚΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΙΑ ΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΟΝΙΚΩΝ ΒΙΒΛΙΩΝ
(1. Exercise and Sports Physiology, Wilmore J., Costill D. ISBN: 9789604892914, Publisher: BROKEN HILL PUBLISHERS LTD
2. Mougios V: Biochemistry of exercise, Publisher Pasxalidis, 2007
3. Cellular Physiology M.P. BLAUSTEIN, J.P.Y. KAO, D.R. MATTESON Publisher Parisianou)
Additional bibliography for study
Μελέτη πρόσφατων ερευνητικών άρθρων.
Current research articles suggested by the course instructor
Last Update
16-06-2025
