Nutrition for Physical Activity & Health

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Dr. Elena Pereira (Assistant Professor of Nutrition)
• Email: epereira@university.alkimi.ai
• Office: Calder Health Sciences Building 324
• Office Hours:
  • Monday & Thursday: 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (In person, Calder Health Sciences Building 324)
  • Friday: 9:00–10:00 a.m. (Virtual via Zoom; link posted in Canvas)
  • Also available by appointment.

Course Description

Macronutrient and micronutrient metabolism, energy balance, hydration, dietary supplements, and nutrition strategies for exercise, sport, and chronic disease prevention. KINE 340 examines the foundational biochemistry of nutrient metabolism and its practical application to physical activity, athletic performance, and long-term health. Students explore the digestion, absorption, and cellular utilization of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, alongside fluid balance, electrolyte dynamics, and vitamin/mineral function. Integrating guidelines from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), the course prepares students to evaluate dietary supplements, calculate energy balance, and design evidence-based nutritional strategies for active individuals and chronic disease prevention.

Prerequisites

CHEM 101.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of KINE 340, students will be able to:

1. Analyze Macronutrient and Micronutrient Metabolism: Examine the digestion, metabolic pathways, and biochemical roles of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals during resting and exercising states.
2. Calculate Energy Expenditure and Balance: Quantify total daily energy expenditure, basal metabolic rate, and thermic effect of food using empirical equations and dietary analysis tracking software.
3. Formulate Hydration and Fueling Strategies: Design individualized pre-, during-, and post-exercise hydration, carbohydrate loading, and protein intake protocols aligned with ACSM and ISSN consensus statements.
4. Critically Appraise Dietary Supplements and Ergogenic Aids: Evaluate the efficacy, physiological mechanisms, safety profiles, and regulatory status of popular sports supplements and ergogenic substances.
5. Design Nutrition Plans for Health and Disease Prevention: Develop targeted nutritional interventions addressing metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, osteopenia, and the female and male athlete triads.

Required Course Materials & Approximate Costs

1. Fink, Heather Hedrick, and Alan E. Mikesky. Practical Applications in Sports Nutrition. 6th ed., Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2021. Approx. $90 print, $55 digital rental.
2. Dunford, Marie, and J. Andrew Doyle. Nutrition for Sport and Exercise. 5th ed., Cengage Learning, 2022. Approx. $80 print or digital.
3. Total estimated cost: $85 to $130.

Generative AI Policy (AI Level 2: AI Permitted with Disclosure for Specified Tasks)

In accordance with Alkimi University Academic Policies (Student Handbook §5.8), KINE 340 operates under AI Level 2.

• What is permitted: You may use generative AI tools to assist in brainstorming nutrient-dense recipe modifications, checking arithmetic on dietary macronutrient calculations, and proofreading the written discussion of your personal dietary analysis project.
• What is prohibited: You may not use generative AI to generate dietary intake records, formulate clinical nutrition recommendations, write case analysis submissions, or complete examination questions. Submitting automated dietary assessments without personal data collection is prohibited.
• Disclosure: Each major project must include an AI disclosure statement detailing any tools used, queries submitted, and how AI responses were integrated or revised. If no AI tools were used, state: 'No generative AI tools were used in preparing this work.'

Grading Components and Weights

• Examination 1: 15% (In class, Thursday, October 1)
• Examination 2: 15% (In class, Thursday, November 12)
• Three-Day Dietary Assessment & Energy Balance Project: 20% (Due Friday, October 23 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Athlete Fueling Strategy Case Analysis: 15% (Due Friday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Weekly Canvas Quizzes & Nutrition Calculations: 15% (Due Mondays at 11:59 p.m. in Canvas; lowest quiz score dropped)
• Final Examination: 20% (Monday, December 14, 2026, 1:00–3:00 p.m.)

Grading Scale (Alkimi University Standard)

• A: 93–100% | A-: 90–92%
• B+: 87–89% | B: 83–86% | B-: 80–82%
• C+: 77–79% | C: 73–76% | C-: 70–72%
• D+: 67–69% | D: 60–66% | F: Below 60%
• Extra credit: No individual extra credit assignments are offered in KINE 340.

Course Schedule (Fall 2026)

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Regular class attendance and engagement in case problem-solving are expected. Discussions in class explore clinical controversies, nutrient timing calculations, and dietary case evaluations that cannot be replicated independently. If you miss class due to illness or an excused university event, please contact Dr. Pereira as soon as possible. Students who miss the first two class meetings without notifying the instructor may be dropped. Students may miss class for religious observance without penalty if they notify the instructor in writing within the first two weeks of the semester (by Wednesday, September 9, 2026). Absences for university-sponsored activities (athletics, performances, conferences) are excused with a letter from the sponsoring office at least one week in advance.

Late Work Policy

Late project submissions will incur a deduction of 10% per calendar day up to a maximum of three days. Submissions after 72 hours will receive no credit unless a medical or family emergency is verified through Academic Advising. Quizzes close on Canvas at the stated time and cannot be submitted late.

Scope of Practice and Ethics

Students will learn the legal and professional boundaries distinguishing registered dietitians (RD/RDN) from certified strength coaches and personal trainers. Prescribing medical nutrition therapy without licensure is illegal and violates professional standards of conduct.

Final Exam Policy

The final examination (Monday, December 14, 2026, 1:00–3:00 p.m.) is scheduled by the University Registrar and can't be moved without the Dean's written approval (Faculty Handbook §5.5). A student with three or more final exams on the same calendar day may reschedule one of them. Requests go to the instructor of the middle exam by the last day of classes. For this term, send the request by Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (Student Handbook §6.4).