Course

Exercise Physiology

Faculty
Science & Technology
Department
Sport Science
Course code
SPSC 2275
Credits
3.00
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
30
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Lab
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
Fall
Winter
Summer

Overview

Course description
This course explores the scientific training principles and concepts associated with the effects of exercise on human movement and performance. The relationship between physical activity and the cardio-respiratory and neuromuscular systems of the body are the primary areas of focus.
Course content

Metabolism and the energy systems

  • Fuel sources for exercise
  • Fuel systems used during exercise
  • Fatigue
  • Metabolic adaptations to exercise
  • Training principles for metabolic enhancement

Neurological control of movement

  • Structure and function of the nervous system
  • Sensory-motor integration
  • Motor response to acute exercise
  • Neuromuscular adaptations

Effects of exercise on the cardiovascular system

  • Structure and function of the cardiovascular system
  • Cardiovascular dynamics
  • Regulation of the cardiovascular system during exercise
  • Cardiovascular response to acute exercise
  • Chronic adaptations

Effects of exercise on respiratory regulation

  • Structure of the pulmonary system
  • Regulation of pulmonary ventilation
  • Gas exchange and transport
  • Respiratory response to exercise
  • Ventilation and energy metabolism
  • Respiratory limitations to performance
  • Respiratory adaptations to exercise

Effects of excessive training

  • Tapering
  • Sport nutrition
  • Exercise and body composition
  • Ergogenic aids
  • Special populations
Learning activities

Class time will be used for lectures, lab activities, discussion groups and group projects.

Means of assessment

Assessment will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:

Test(s) 20-30%
Final exam 20-30%
Laboratory reports   10-40%
Quizzes 10-40%
Project 0-20%
Total 100%
Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • explain the functions of the neuromuscular system, energy systems, cardiovascular system, respiratory system and hormonal regulation in physical activity and training;
  • explain the interrelationships of the neuromuscular system, energy systems, cardiovascular system, respiratory system and hormonal regulation in physical activity and training;
  • explain the acute sport physiological responses of the body to physical activity;
  • explain the sport physiological adaptations of the body systems to training;
  • administer fitness assessment protocols;
  • interpret fitness assessment data.
Textbook materials

Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:

Wilmore, J., & Costill, D. (Current Edition). Physiology of Sport and Exercise. Human Kinetics Publishers.

Requisites

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

Course Transfers to Other Institutions

Below are current transfer agreements from Douglas College to other institutions for the current course guidelines only. For a full list of transfer details and archived courses, please see the BC Transfer Guide.

Institution Transfer details for SPSC 2275
Camosun College (CAMO) CAMO KIN 210 (3)
Capilano University (CAPU) CAPU KINE 275 (3)
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) No credit
Simon Fraser University (SFU) SFU BPK 1XX (3)
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) TRU PHED 1230 (3)
Trinity Western University (TWU) TWU HKIN 191 (3)
University of British Columbia - Okanagan (UBCO) UBCO HES_O 105 (3)
University of British Columbia - Vancouver (UBCV) UBCV KIN_V 275 (3)
University of British Columbia - Vancouver (UBCV) UBCV KIN_V 235 (3)
University of Northern BC (UNBC) UNBC HUMN 2XX (3)
University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) UFV KIN 163 (3)
University of Victoria (UVIC) UVIC EPHE 2XX (1.5)
Vancouver Island University (VIU) VIU KIN 2nd (3)

Course Offerings

Winter 2026

CRN
13009
section details
CRN Days Instructor Status More details
Maximum seats
30
Currently enrolled
0
Remaining seats:
30
On waitlist
0
Building
New Westminster - North Bldg.
Room
N2217
Times:
Start Time
10:30
-
End Time
12:20
Building
New Westminster - North Bldg.
Room
N2221
Times:
Start Time
10:30
-
End Time
12:20
Building
New Westminster - North Bldg.
Room
N2223
Times:
Start Time
10:30
-
End Time
12:20
Section notes

SPSC 2275 001 - Registration is restricted to Sport Science Diploma and Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching students until December 1st, 2025. Registration in this course provides registrants with a 'time conflict' error. This error can be disregarded for this course as it is due to a required room booking overlap.

CRN
13010
section details
CRN Days Instructor Status More details
Maximum seats
30
Currently enrolled
0
Remaining seats:
30
On waitlist
0
Building
New Westminster - North Bldg.
Room
N2217
Times:
Start Time
10:30
-
End Time
12:20
Building
New Westminster - North Bldg.
Room
N2221
Times:
Start Time
10:30
-
End Time
12:20
Building
New Westminster - North Bldg.
Room
N2223
Times:
Start Time
10:30
-
End Time
12:20
Section notes

SPSC 2275 002 - Registration is restricted to Sport Science Diploma and Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching students until December 1st, 2025. Registration in this course provides registrants with a 'time conflict' error. This error can be disregarded for this course as it is due to a required room booking overlap.