University of Colorado Boulder

Science of Exercise

361,190 already enrolled

Included with Coursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(4,572 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 9 hours
Learn at your own pace
96%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(4,572 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 9 hours
Learn at your own pace
96%
Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

  • Explain the relationship between exercise and the body's physiological responses, including carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism

  • Describe the role of nutritional choices and their impact on health and training

  • Summarize the factors that contribute to muscle soreness, fatigue, and the dangers associated with performance-enhancing drugs

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

4 assignments

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Placeholder
Placeholder

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV

Share it on social media and in your performance review

Placeholder

There are 4 modules in this course

In this module you will learn about the various metabolic pathways (carbohydrates, fats and proteins) that are activated in order to supply the necessary energy required for the mechanical work of skeletal muscles during exercise. How these pathways are regulated, the methods for assessing the extent to which specific fuels are being utilized and the overall estimation of your metabolic rate will be addressed. Additionally, the importance of the chemical energy stored in ATP and its requirement for muscular work will be discussed.

What's included

8 videos1 reading1 assignment2 discussion prompts

In this module you will learn how a number of key physiological systems (muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine and immune systems) are regulated during exercise to help maintain homeostasis. These adjustments are critical for exercise to continue for any significant duration. This will include: how the respiratory system adjusts during exercise to ensure proper oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide removal from active muscles; how the cardiovascular system responds to ensure adequate blood flow to various organs, including muscle, during exercise; how the endocrine system plays a major role in regulating key biochemical and physiological responses to exercise and; how exercise influences the immune system and your ability to fight infections.

What's included

7 videos2 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt

This module will teach you about the training guidelines needed to optimize your endurance and strength adaptations associated with a regular exercise program. Important nutritional requirements for both endurance and strength training will be addressed. The causes of both muscle soreness and fatigue will be explained. Finally, the effectiveness and mechanisms whereby performance enhancing drugs exert their effect will be covered.

What's included

7 videos2 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt

In this module you will learn about the role of exercise as medicine in both the prevention and treatment of various diseases. This will include: the contribution of diet and exercise in weight control including the prevention and treatment of obesity; the many health benefits from participation in a regular exercise program related to major risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and cancer will be addressed. Finally, the benefits of exercise associated with healthy aging and brain function will be discussed.

What's included

7 videos5 readings1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.8 (1,327 ratings)
Robert Mazzeo, Ph.D.
University of Colorado Boulder
1 Course361,190 learners

Offered by

Recommended if you're interested in Basic Science

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Learner reviews

Showing 3 of 4572

4.8

4,572 reviews

  • 5 stars

    85.57%

  • 4 stars

    11.87%

  • 3 stars

    1.39%

  • 2 stars

    0.43%

  • 1 star

    0.72%

JK
5

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2020

BM
5

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2020

NR
5

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2021

New to Basic Science? Start here.

Placeholder

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

Frequently asked questions