Biology of Exercise

Specific Foundation

Knowledge Deepening / Consolidation

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: • Understand exercise-induced biological adaptations and the biological mechanisms for maximizing human performance. • Recognize the integrative analysis and interdisciplinary approach of exercise biology. • Highlight the dialectical relationship among the biological sciences of exercise (molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, physiology, nutrition, statistics). • Develop a critical perspective on contemporary issues raised by exercise biology, such as the limitations of biological information derived from blood tests. • Design and evaluate studies, measurements, and experimental protocols in order to address research questions and hypotheses in the field of sports biological sciences.

COURSE PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION The course Biology of Exercise focuses on the biological adaptations induced by physical exercise and the underlying mechanisms that drive them, with the aim of optimizing human performance. Students are introduced to a complex and interdisciplinary approach to exercise, incorporating knowledge from molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, statistics, and other related sciences. The course emphasizes the importance of critically interpreting research data and prepares students to design and conduct experimental protocols within the field of exercise biology. COURSE OBJECTIVES The course aims to: - Understand the biological mechanisms activated through exercise. - Develop interdisciplinary thinking in relation to exercise biology. - Familiarize students with core concepts and modern methodologies of experimental investigation. - Enhance the ability to interpret and synthesize data across different levels of biological organization (molecule, cell, system). - Strengthen students’ capacity to formulate and evaluate research questions in the context of exercise biology. LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: Knowledge - Describe the key biological adaptations to exercise and the mechanisms behind them. - Understand the importance of integrating biochemical, physiological, and molecular data to analyze exercise responses. Skills - Analyze multi-level biological data related to exercise. - Interpret current research findings and assess the limitations of information derived from standard biological measurements (e.g., blood tests). - Design and implement basic experimental protocols in exercise and health sciences. Competencies - Critically engage with theoretical and research issues in exercise biology. - Apply scientific knowledge in applied or experimental settings. - Collaborate in interdisciplinary research and professional environments related to exercise and biology. COURSE CONTENT AND ALIGNMENT WITH LEARNING OUTCOMES 1. Interdisciplinary perspective of exercise biology Introduction to exercise biology as an interdisciplinary field linking physiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and anatomy. Learning Outcome: Students will understand the multifactorial nature of exercise science and the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration. ⸻ 2. Epistemological issues in the production of biological data Discussion of theoretical foundations, limitations, and interpretations of experimental biological data. Learning Outcome: Students will develop a critical perspective on the interpretation and evaluation of scientific evidence in biology. ⸻ 3. Statistical and theoretical biology of exercise Analysis of the role of statistics and theoretical models in forming biological hypotheses related to exercise. Learning Outcome: Students will connect quantitative measurements to the theoretical justification of biological phenomena. ⸻ 4. From molecule to organism Description of the hierarchy of biological levels, from gene and cell to body systems. Learning Outcome: Students will understand how molecular events influence organismal function. ⸻ 5. Blood, tissues, and organs Structural and functional overview of major tissues and organs involved in exercise and performance. Learning Outcome: Students will understand the biological basis of blood and tissue function during exercise. ⸻ 6. Communication between blood, tissues, and organs Analysis of endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine signaling mechanisms during exercise. Learning Outcome: Students will recognize the communication pathways that maintain homeostasis under physical stress. ⸻ 7. Homeostasis of the organism Study of the mechanisms maintaining internal equilibrium under the influence of exercise. Learning Outcome: Students will understand the concept of homeostasis and its biological importance for adaptation. ⸻ 8. Redox biology of exercise Focus on free radical production, oxidative stress, and the role of antioxidant systems during exercise. Learning Outcome: Students will interpret the impact of redox status on health and performance. ⸻ 9. Molecular biology of exercise Analysis of gene expression, transcriptional signaling, and molecular adaptation mechanisms. Learning Outcome: Students will understand core concepts of the molecular response of the organism to exercise. ⸻ 10. Comparative biology of exercise Comparison between human and non-human organisms to understand adaptations and biological limitations. Learning Outcome: Students will identify evolutionary strategies and physiological differences across species. ⸻ 11. Experimental models in exercise biology Presentation of animal models and cell cultures used in relevant research. Learning Outcome: Students will assess the advantages and limitations of various research approaches. ⸻ 12. Systems and signaling biology of exercise Holistic view of body function through biological networks and signaling mechanisms that control responses and adaptations to external stimuli. Learning Outcome: Students will recognize the link between cellular pathways and organism-level reactions to exercise stimuli. ⸻ 13. Example of a holistic approach: exercise-induced muscle damage Study of an integrated biological analysis, from injury to recovery. Learning Outcome: Students will be able to synthesize multiple levels of biological information to interpret complex phenomena.

exercise biology, physiological systems, adaptations, performance evaluation

15-06-2025