Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Bioenergetics & Sports Nutrit (Online)

KIN 6100-70I

Course: KIN 6100-70I
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: PEHP
CRN: 11155

Course Description

This course will emphasize understanding how macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and water are digested and absorbed for metabolism and/or anabolism and the role of diet in promoting optimal adaptation to training for recreational to elite athletes. (Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): KIN 6080 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C Can be taken concurrent with KIN 6080 Registration Restriction(s): Sports Conditioning and Performance majors only

Required Texts


Your textbooks include:

  • Practical Applications in Sports Nutrition, 7th edition, Fink and Mikesky. ISBN-10: 1284284301; ISBN-13:‎ 978-1284284300

  • Please Note - The textbook is part of the Inclusive Access program so you have day-one access to required course materials at the lowest possible cost.


  • You automatically receive digital course materials in canvas unless you choose to opt out through your Canvas account. If you prefer to source your course materials from elsewhere (such as if you want the hardcopy), be sure to opt out. These opt-out deadlines follow the add/drop date of the university’s class schedule.

Learning Outcomes


By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of basic nutrition principles and how they are applied within the context of sport nutrition.
  2. Describe macronutrient digestion, absorption, transport, and storage.
  3. Describe the three energy systems and discuss the relative importance and contribution of each in regard to meeting energy demands during various forms and intensity of exercise. 
  4. Apply evidence-based macronutrient and hydration recommendations and calculate macronutrient requirements for before, during, and after exercise to a variety of athletes with diverse energy demands.
  5. Identify micronutrient functions, common deficiencies, micronutrient food sources and the benefits/risks of supplementation.
  6. List and describe common nutritional ergogenic aids/dietary interventions intended to improve sport performance and their respective benefits and risks in various populations. 
  7. Explain the mechanisms by which specific nutritional ergogenic aids/dietary interventions improve performance and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the supporting/refuting evidence.  
  8. Analyze and evaluate the dietary intake of various athletes and make evidence-based recommendations based on your findings.   
  9. Create example dietary and hydration programs that align with evidence-based sport nutrition best practices as well as individual preferences, calculated needs, and sport-specific and population-specific nutrition and hydration recommendations.

Course Requirements



The following grading standards will be used in this class:

Assignment CategoryPointsApproximateIntro Discussion | 15 | 2%
Discussions 5 @ 25 points each  | 125 | 24%
Quizzes 8@ 15-35 points each | 210 | 40%
Ergogenic Aid Midterm & Prep Assignments | 85 | 15%
Dietary Analysis and Recommendations Final Project & Prep Assignments | 100 | 19%
Total | 530 | 

Discussions


There will be 5 online discussions @ 25 points each (not including the Intro Discussion). Each online discussion is open for five days and for full credit you must participate on at least two days. You may make as many posts as you like, but to be eligible for full credit, you must post at least one original statement that includes correct/complete answers to the discussion questions at least  48 HOURS PRIOR TO DISCUSSION DUE DATE, at least three replies to posts made by other students (or myself), and at least one of these replies must be made at least 24 HOURS PRIOR TO DISCUSSION DUE DATE.  You must also review posts made by other students (or myself) and ANSWER any posts directed to you (if they are posted more than 24 hours before discussion closes). 


 


Discussion points will be earned through meeting the minimum participation requirements AND on the QUALITY of your posts. Posts should be well thought, appropriately referenced, and any responses should be respectful and professional.  Vulgarity, unprofessional and disrespectful comments will NOT be tolerated and your grade will be significantly reduced if such behavior occurs.  This is a learning forum for sharing ideas, questions and exploring concepts in greater depth.  Additional details can be found https://suu.instructure.com/courses/1032591/modules/items/27249575 . Discussion Topics are FAIR GAME for Quizzes. Discussion Topics are listed below.


 


  Intro Discussion - Course Details, Welcome to the Class, What do you hope to learn this semester 


  Discussion 1: Macronutrient Digestion, Absorption, Transport, Storage and Utilization 


  Discussion 2: Dietary Carbohydrates: Recommendations and Performance Implications


  Discussion 3: Dietary Protein: Recommendations and Performance Implications  


  Discussion 4: Nutritional Ergogenics: What Works? How Does it Work? What Does it Improve and at What Cost?    


  Discussion 5: Weight Management Considerations for Athletes.

Quizzes


There will be 8 quizzes @ 15 - 35 points each (one quiz may cover multiple modules). Each quiz will emphasize the content since the previous quiz (1-4 chapters, currently assigned articles and Discussion Topics). However, previously covered material may be included on each quiz– specifically if previous concepts are needed to understand the current material. The quizzes will be available for four days. You may take the quiz anytime during the availability period, but there will be a time limit (30 - 90 minutes) so you will need to be familiar with the materials to complete the quiz in the allowed time. Quizzes are open book, open notes, but CLOSED INTERNET (LockDown Browser required), NO AI, no use of other digital devices (such as a phone or tablet), and you must take all quizzes alone (no taking quizzes in groups or using other individuals as information resources). A proctoring software program will be used to ensure quiz integrity.  Late exam submissions are not possible, Canvas automatically closes the exam at the time and date noted on the Modules and Quizzes page.

Ergogenic Aid Synthesis Matrix and Research Analysis (Midterm Assignment) - 85 Points


This assignment requires you to research and report on a current ergogenic aid/dietary supplement/specific dietary intervention commonly used by athletes to IMPROVE PERFORMANCE.  You can request a topic – but ALL topics must be approved in advance. This paper will be submitted online using the tool "Copy-Leaks" plagiarism and AI detection tool. To submit your paper, you must have a <30% match, not including references. Papers with more than a 30% match or more than 30% AI generated content will not be graded (a zero). ALL Papers are to be submitted via Canvas using Word or Google Docs (PDFs will NOT be accepted).  Late papers will incur a 10% deduction per day late and will not be accepted more than one week late. More details and the complete grade rubric can be found on the modules page.

Dietary Analysis and Recommendations (Final Project) - 90 Points


This assignment requires you to complete a nutritional consultation and develop a nutrition program for an athlete. You should recruit an apparently healthy athlete (competitive and in-training) to interview for this assignment. Since most of you are not nutrition professionals, you are NOT providing an actual DIETARY PRESCRIPTION for this individual.  However, you can complete a nutritional consultation and dietary analysis along with recommendations and a one-week nutritional program to address dietary weaknesses for your athlete.  More details and the full grade rubric can be found on the modules page.

Course Outline


Course Summary
Date Details
Wed Jan 14, 2026 Discussion Topic Introduction Discussion due by 11:59pm
Quiz Week 1: Quiz 1 due by 11:59pm
Wed Jan 21, 2026 Discussion Topic Week 2: Discussion 1 - Nutrient Digestion, Absorption, and Transport due by 11:59pm
Wed Jan 28, 2026 Quiz Week 3: Quiz 2 - Chapter 2: Nutrient Digestion & Bioenergetics due by 11:59pm
Wed Feb 4, 2026 Discussion Topic Week 4: Discussion 2 - Carbohydrates due by 11:59pm
Wed Feb 11, 2026 Quiz Week 5: Quiz 3 - CHO & Fats due by 11:59pm
Wed Feb 18, 2026 Discussion Topic Week 6: Discussion 3 - Proteins and Performance due by 11:59pm
Wed Feb 25, 2026 Quiz Week 7: Quiz 4 - Protein, Vitamins, and Minerals due by 11:59pm
Assignment Week 7: Midterm Topic Proposal due by 11:59pm
Wed Mar 4, 2026 Quiz Week 8: Quiz 5 - Hydration due by 11:59pm
Assignment Week 8: Midterm References due by 11:59pm
Fri Mar 20, 2026 Quiz Week 11: Quiz 6 - Ergogenic Aids due by 11:59pm
Wed Mar 25, 2026 Discussion Topic Week 10: Discussion 4 - Ergogenic Aid Research due by 11:59pm
Wed Apr 1, 2026 Quiz Week 11: Quiz 7 - Dietary Assessments (CH 10) due by 11:59pm
Wed Apr 8, 2026 Discussion Topic Week 12: Discussion 5 - Weight Management Considerations for Athletes due by 11:59pm
Assignment Week 11: Final Project Progress Assignment  
Assignment Week 13: Prep. Work for Final Project  
Quiz Week 13: Quiz 8 - Weight Management, Sport Specific and Special Population Nutrition Considerations  
Assignment Week 14: Final Project  



Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Late Policy: Discussion submissions posted after the discussion closes are not eligible for credit. Late discussion submissions, posted before the discussion closes, are eligible for partial credit (see discussion rubric). Quizzes can not be taken after the quiz closes. Late Midterm and final projects will incur a 10% deduction per day past the due date and will not be accepted more than one week late. Exceptional circumstances that can be verified may be eligible for policy exceptions, in such cases, please contact me as soon as possible for the best outcome.

Attendance Policy


Attendance:
This is a fully asynchronous online course; there are no required live meetings.




ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.