DIVISION OF EXERCISE

SCIENCE AND SPORTS

MEDICINE (ESSM)
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN BIOLOGY,
FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES,
UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN

BSc (Med)(Hons) Exercise Science (HUB 4041W)

STUDENT BROCHURE
2016
Course Convenor: Professor Mike Lambert
Course administrator: Mrs Ayesha Hendricks
Postal Address: Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine
Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town
P.O. Box 115, Newlands, 7725

Street Address: Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine

Sports Science Institute of South Africa
Boundary Road, Newlands, 7700

Phone: (021) 650 3108

Fax: (021) 650 1796
E-mail: enquiry@sports.uct.ac.za
Homepage: http://essm.uct.ac.za
www.ssisa.com
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Orientation programme for new students 2016

Wednesday 20 January 2016:

Time Title Coordinator

08h30 09h30 Arrival: SSISA cards and photos Lance Walbrugh and
Neezaam Kariem
09h30 10h30 Welcome and Introduction Mike Lambert , Jacolene Kroff
10h30 11h00 Tea (All)
11h00 12h30 Hons. Biokinetics (classroom 1) Jacolene Kroff
Hons. Exercise Science Mike Lambert
11h00 12h00 (classroom 2)
12h00 12h30 MSc and PhD (classroom 2) Mike Lambert
12h30 13h30 Lunch (All)
13h30 14h30 Desk Allocation (student lounge) David Leith & Sam Beckley
(class reps 2016)
nd
14h30 15h30 ESSM laboratory protocols (2 Dale Rae and Jamie Smith
floor)

Thursday 21 January 2016:

Time Title Lecturer

09h00 10h00 ICTS Introductory Session Trevino Larry
10h00 - 10h30 Tea (All)
10h30 12h30 Biochemistry lab and Tertius Kohn
fundamentals orientation
12h30 - 13h30 Lunch (All)
13h30 15h30 Q & A with recent graduate Lindsay Starling

Friday 22 January 2016:

Time Title Lecturer

08h30 - 10h00 ESSM Introduction Head of Division: Vicki
(classroom 1) Lambert
10h00 - 10h45 Cake and tea (All)
10h45 12h30 Speed dating (classroom 1) All (staff and students)
12h30 13h30 Lunch
13h30 14h15 Pearls of Wisdom & Student David Leith & Sam Beckley
Rules and codes of conduct
(classroom 1)
14h15 16h00 Registration at ESSM Lance Walburgh, Jacolene
(classroom 1) Kroff and Mike Lambert

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INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the BSc (Med)(Hons) Exercise Science (Course Code HUB4041W) course at the
University of Cape Town (UCT). We hope that you will enjoy the course and that it will be the
basis of a successful and fulfilling career. This brochure describes the history of the various
courses offered in our unit and explains how the Exercise Science honours course will be
organised in 2016.

The discipline of applying science to exercise is a relatively new and rapidly expanding area of
scientific investigation with a large international following. In most institutions, including our
own, a multidisciplinary approach is used to acquire an integrated understanding of the
effects of physical activity on the body.

BACKGROUND TO THE COURSE

In 1981, Professor Tim Noakes was appointed by UCT to establish an honours course in
Sports Science for scientists, physical educators, physiotherapists and doctors. The purpose
of the course was to satisfy the South African demand for a more scientific approach to the
maintenance of good health and success in sport. In 1991 the original honours course was
divided into Exercise Science and Biokinetics. As the field evolved specialist Sports Medicine
and Sports Physiotherapy MPhil courses started in 1990 and 1995 respectively, with the aim
of providing physicians and physiotherapists with a more evidenced-based approach to their
respective fields. The Biokinetics course was not offered in 2009 to enable the course
material to be restructured and aligned with the demands of the rapidly developing
Biokinetics profession. The revised course was launched in 2010 and a new MPhil course in
Biokinetics began in 2011.

During 2009 and 2010 the Exercise Science honours course merged with the Faculty of Health
Sciences honours programme. However, in 2011 the course reverted back to being based at
the Sports Science Institute, Newlands. The Exercise Science and Biokinetics courses are now
distinct with clearly defined learning objectives and outcomes. There are however certain
aspects which are common to both courses. This material will be presented in the Research
Design and Statistics course throughout the year.

Both honours courses are one year full-time courses while the Sports Physiotherapy, Sports
Medicine and Biokinetics MPhil courses are part-time courses which take about three years to
complete. Since the inception of ESSM in 1981, 670 students have been trained (DSc = 1, MD =
3, PhD = 79, MPhil (Sports Med) = 35, MPhil (physiotherapy) = 25, MPhil (Biokinetics) = 9,
MSc = 68, Exercise Science honours = 268, Biokinetics = 182

DIVISION OF EXERCISE SCIENCE AND SPORTS MEDICINE (ESSM)

Professor Noakes began his exercise research in a small laboratory in the basement of the
former Department of Physiology within the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape
Town, with one laboratory assistant and a single bicycle. By 1989, the research had grown to
such an extent that the Medical Research Council (MRC) and UCT agreed to fund a MRC/UCT
Bioenergetics of Exercise Research Unit (BERU). In August 1995 the Unit moved into the
Sports Science Institute of South Africa (SSISA) in Newlands and in 2000 changed its name to
the UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine (ESSM). With Professor
Noakes retirement at the end of 2014 the MRC funding came to an end and the research unit
became the Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine in the Department of Human
Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences.
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ESSMs Vision is; An active, healthy and winning nation through science.

The mission statement of ESSM is; A center of excellence for promoting a healthy, active
lifestyle and optimal physical performance, through research, innovation, teaching, training, and
clinical services.

The research aim of ESSM is to develop a novel understanding of integrated human function
during exercise and to use this knowledge:
to promote health and well-being
to treat and prevent specific chronic diseases
to treat and prevent injuries and medical conditions associated with sport and
exercise
to optimize exercise performance

The various research projects in ESSM fall within one of the following research groups;
Health and well-being
Exercise in the management of chronic diseases
Injuries and medical conditions associated with sport and exercise
Exercise performance

At any given time, there are at least 80 research projects underway. Funding for the research
is derived from UCT, the MRC, the National Research Foundation (NRF), the Training Human
Resources Industry Programme (THRIP) and contract research for various companies.

ESSM uses four exercise laboratories, two clinical laboratories, three molecular
biology/biochemistry laboratories, a biomechanics laboratory, an environmental chamber,
and a metabolic chamber to conduct its research.

SPORTS SCIENCE INSTITUTE OF SOUTH AFRICA (SSISA)

SSISA was built as a Section 21 (not for gain) company called Sports Science Share Block (Pty)
Ltd, with funds donated to UCT in 1994. SSISAs mission is to optimise the sporting
performance and health of all South Africans through the execution, application and
dissemination of science. Members of ESSM are involved in many of the programmes and
services provided by SSISA. More information about SSISA can be obtained from
www.ssisa.com.

OUTLINE OF THE HONOURS COURSES (HUB 4041W)

The course work consists of a biological techniques course, fundamentals of exercise science
module, 6 thematic modules, an elective module, and a course in research methods and
statistics. Students are also required to complete a research project. Students are assessed
continuously and also have to write 2 examinations and an oral examination.

Each student will receive an email inviting them to access the ESSM google calendar. Lecture
schedules will be maintained on this electronic calendar. Students are responsible for
ensuring that they are up to date with all lecture, tutorial and practical sessions. Course
material will be posted on the VULA intranet. Lecture times might change occcasionally, and
this is largely due to travel demands of staff. The different aspects of the course will be
discussed in more detail.
 4

Fundamentals of Exercise Science

These lectures will occur between 25th January and 4th February with the test being written
on the 8th February (09h00-12h00). The detailed programme is shown below.

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Overall objective of Fundamentals of Exercise Science
The objective of this module is to provide the student with a comprehensive and integrated
overview of the bodies response to exercise, emphasising the acute and long-term effects of
training on
the metabolic system
the nervous system
the cardiovascular system
the respiratory system
the muscular system
the skeletal-articular system
the endocrine system
the immune system
fluid balance
thermoregulation
biomechanics

After completion of this module, the student should be able to understand, define and
describe:


1. Overview of exercise science Professor Mike Lambert (1 lecture)

2. The metabolic systems - Dr James Smith (4 lectures)
Overview of metabolic pathways
Anaerobic metabolism:
o high energy phosphates, glycolysis, glycogenolysis,
Aerobic/oxidative metabolism
o mitochondria
o tricarboxylic acid cycle
o electron transport chain
o oxidative phosphorylation
Basic concepts of nutrition
Liver gluconeogenesis
Glucose transport and homeostasis
Adipose tissue and free fatty acids
Protein and amino acid metabolism

3. The nervous system Dr Yumna Albertus-Kajee (3 lectures)
Overview of anatomy and terminology of the central and peripheral nervous systems
Voluntary generation and control of movement
The concept of fatigue

4. The cardiovascular system Dr Tertius Kohn (3 lectures)
Overview of anatomy and terminology of the heart and blood vessels
Regulation and control of the cardiovascular system during exercise by means of
neurological, hormonal and metabolic inputs
Heart rate, cardiac output, stroke volume responses
Limitations to cardiac performance
Measurement of cardiovascular function during rest and exercise (e.g. ECG, heart rate)

 6
5. The respiratory system Dr James Smith (2 lectures)
Overview of anatomy and terminology of the lungs, airways and respiratory muscles
Mechanics and regulatory mechanisms of breathing during exercise
Principles of oxygen and carbon dioxide transport from the lungs to other systems
(particularly skeletal muscle) and venous return.
Measurement of respiratory function during rest and exercise (lung function test,
VO2max test)

6. The muscular system Dr Tertius Kohn (5 lectures)
Overview of anatomy and terminology of skeletal muscle, muscle fibres and the
contractile apparatus
Cross-bridge cycle and muscle mechanics
Metabolism energy providing pathways (creatine, carbohydrate, fat and amino
acids), metabolite transport
Neuromuscular control of muscle contraction
Muscle fibre type and its role in strength, power and endurance exercise
The concept of muscle fatigue
Damage, repair and regeneration

7. The skeletal-articular system - Dr Yumna Albertus-Kajee (2 lectures)
Overview of anatomy and terminology of bone, ligaments and tendons
Mechanical role in locomotion
Repair of bone, ligaments and tendons

8. The endocrine system Dr Dale Rae (3 lectures)
Overview of components of the endocrine system relevant to exercise
The importance of homeostasis
Regulation of the storage and mobilisation of metabolic fuels, blood pressure, heart
rate, temperature, fluid balance

9. The immune system - Dr Dale Rae (2 lectures)
Overview of components of the immune system relevant to exercise
Effects on immune system components (i.e. leukocytes, lymphocytes, natural killer cell
activity, immunoglobulins
The inflammatory response - cytokines
Delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS)
Endocrine regulation of immune function during exercise

10. Fluid balance- Dr Dale Rae (2 lectures)
Regulation of body fluids
Water balance and fluid shifts
Exercise-induced dehydration and rehydration
Exercise-induced hypervolemia

11. Thermoregulation - Dr Dale Rae (2 lectures)
Thermal balance and control

12. Biomechanics - Dr Yumna Albertus-Kajee (3 lectures)
Overview of basic anatomical terms of reference and direction
The concepts in biomechanics
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Mon 25 Jan Tue 26 Jan Wed 27 Jan Thu 28 Jan

Overview of Nervous system

(Yumna Albertus-Kajee)
9am-10am exercise science Endocrine system Muscular (Tertius
(Mike Lambert) (Dale Rae) Kohn


10am-11am
Metabolic system Muscular (Tertius
(James Smith) Kohn)
11am-12pm Endocrine system Cardiovascular
(Dale Rae) (Tertius Kohn

12pm-1pm break break break break

1pm-2pm Muscular (Tertius Cardiovascular

Nervous system Kohn (Tertius Kohn)
Metabolic system (Yumna Albertus-Kajee)
(James Smith)
2pm-3pm
Self study Self study
3pm-5pm Self study Self study

Mon 01 Feb Tue 02 Feb Wed 03 Feb Thu 04 Feb

Cardiovascular (Dr Skeletal articular Thermoregulation

9am-10am
Tertius Kohn (Yumna Albertus-Kajee) (Dale Rae)
Biomechanics
10am-11am (Yumna Albertus-Kajee)
Respiratory (Dr
James Smith)
Immune (Dale Rae) Fluid (Dale Rae)
11am-12pm

12pm-1pm break break break break

Skeletal articular
1pm-2pm (Dr Yumna Albertus- Self study Self study
Kajee)
game show

2pm-3pm

3pm-4pm Self study Self study Self study

Self study
4pm-5pm
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Physiological techniques course

Coordinator: Dr James Smith

This techniques module is a two week practical course where you will learn how to perform a
number of physiological tests on humans. You will learn some theory but the main focus will be on
actually performing the tests on yourselves. So get ready to be a guinea pig and find out about your
own physiology. You will learn how to set up the equipment, collect the data and interpret your
findings in a short report that you will have to hand in for assessment. Each practical session will be
run by an expert in the field and will range in scope from testing athletic performance to
metabolism to health. For example, you will do a VO2max test, assess running economy and
calculate fat and carbohydrate oxidation rates during exercise. In other session, you will learn how
to assess limb strength, running gait, muscle recruitment in hot environments, fatigue, physical
activity, cycling biomechanics, body composition, lung function, insulin resistance and eccentric
cycling rehabilitation. This module will give you a good idea of what your projects might entail
later in the year.

Mon 08
Tue 09 Feb Wed 10 Feb Thu 11 Feb Fri 12 Feb
Feb

8am-9am
Research
module
9am-10am
Exercise Exercise
TEST ON Physiology 1 Physiology 2
10am-11am FUNDAMENT (James Smith, (James Smith,
ALS Basic Life
Chris Webster, Chris Webster, ESSM Friday
Andrew Bosch) Andrew Bosch Support
meeting
course
11am-12pm

12pm-1pm Noakes Hour

Module
1pm-2pm Intoduction Self study
(James Smith)
Fatigue 1 Exercise
Biodex
2pm-3pm (training Physiology 3
strength/EM
load and (James Smith, Assessment
G (Yumna Chris Webster,
fatigue Albertus)
of physical
Andrew Bosch activity 1
manage- Self study
3pm-4pm ment) (Vicki Lambert)

(Mike
Lambert)

4pm-5pm Self study Self study Self study Self study

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Mon 07 Wed 09 Thu 10
Tue 08 March Fri 11 March
March March March

8am-9am
Research
Oral glucose
module
9am-10am tolerance test
Neuro- (Tertuis Kohn and
muscular Hendriena Victor)
Gaitlab* Lung Function
10am-11am (Janine Gray
activity in the
heat* (Yumna (Jacolene Kroff)
and Nic Tam) ESSM Friday
Albertus and Dale
Rae)
meeting
11am-12pm Self study

12pm-1pm Noakes Hour

Body comp
1pm-2pm Self study lecture Self study Self study
(Jacolene Kroff)
Grucox
2pm-3pm (Mike Posthumus)
Fatigue 2
Assessment of
(training load
Video analysis physical
Cycle Bio- (Ryan Williams)
and fatigue
activity 1 (Vicki
3pm-4pm mechanics management) Lambert
(Jeroen Swart) (Mike Lambert)

4pm-5pm

* class may split for this practical

Other (during elective slots)
heart rate variability (Laurie Rauch)
body composition practical (ISAK level certification) (Jacolene Kroff)
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Biological techniques course

Coordinator: Dr Tertius Kohn
A/Professor Alison September

Basic laboratory techniques Neezaam Kariem & MSc students (1 Day)
General laboratory safety and introduction to laboratory
How to keep a proper laboratory book Alison September
Buffers, pH, molarity and concentrations calculations and theory
Liquid handling (including pipettes), pH meters, weighing, centrifuges, distilled water,
fume hood practical

Molecular biochemistry techniques module Alison September (6 Days)
Association studies and its application in Sports Medicine
DNA isolation from blood and quality control
Principles of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and optimization (e.g. temperatures,
time, MgCl2 concentrations, etc.)
Genotyping of DNA using two PCR based methods (a) restriction fragment length
polymorphism analysis (RFLP) and (b) Taqman assays using the realtime PCR machine
principles, practical demonstrations and analysis of data
Compile a report describing the experimental design, results, discussion and
conclusions.

Histological techniques Tertius Kohn (3 Days)
Basic histology / immunohistochemistry and quality control - introduction and theory
Sectioning of frozen tissue
Staining to visualize sections
Immunohistochemistry using fluorescence, imaging and analyses
Light microscopy, imaging and analyses
Compile a report on the results

Biochemical separation and quantification techniques Tertius Kohn (4 Days)
Weighing, homogenization, sonication and centrifugation of tissue sample
Protein concentration quantification using standard protein curves using conventional
spectrophotometer and micro plate reader theory, quality control and practical
Kinetic enzyme activity assays using spectrophotometric and fluorometric methods
theory, quality control and practical
Protein separation and identification theory, quality control and practical
o SDS-PAGE and staining
o Identification of separated protein using Western blotting
o Imaging and quantification of specific separated protein
Compile a report on the results

Single muscle fibre techniques Tertius Kohn (1 Day)
Theory on single muscle fibre measurements (including dissection, metabolism, fibre
typing and contractility), applications and data analyses.
Practical session: Dissection and measurement of contractile properties of single
muscle fibres.
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Schedule for the biological techniques course

Mon 15 Feb 2016 Tue 16 Feb 2016 Wed 17 Feb 2016 Thu 18 Feb 2016 Fri 19 Feb 2016

8am-9am LECTURE:
Research
Histochemistry and
Laboratory IHC: Secondary module
9am-10am orientation immunohistochem
antibodies & mount
Photograph
histological
10am-11am Safety in labs sections & analyse
ESSM Friday
How to keep a meeting
11am-12pm proper laboratory Tissue sectioning
NADH: Mount
book LECTURE:
12pm-1pm Noakes Hour
Homogenation,
protein and enzyme
1pm-2pm assays
IHC: Fix, block &
primary: BAD5
2pm-3pm
Basic calculations Muscle
Bradford protein
3pm-4pm and solution Buffers & reagents homogenates and
assay - ELISA
preparation NADH stain SDS-PAGE sample
4pm-5pm

Mon 22 Feb 2016 Tue 23 Feb 2016 Wed 24 Feb 2016 Thu 25 Feb 2016 Fri 26 Feb 2016
Secondary antibody - LECTURE:
8am-9am LECTURES: SDS-
90 minutes Research
Principles of PCR,
PAGE, stains & Block 1 hour,
optimization and module
9am-10am Western blot Primary antibody
electrophoresis
overnight
SDS-PAGE
10am-11am construct LECTURE:
ESSM Friday
Expose Principles of real
11am-12pm time PCR meeting
Run SDS-PAGE 2 LECTURE:
12pm-1pm hrs
LDH assay - Spec Noakes Hour
Association studies
Scan gel & X-ray
and its application
1pm-2pm in Sports Medicine
Transfer gel PRACTICAL: Single
2pm-3pm overnight
LECTURE: Single
fibre contraction Bioinformatics
muscle fibres, fibre
assay tools
3pm-4pm typing, metabolism Primer design
and contractility
4pm-5pm Stain gel assays

Mon 29 Feb 2016 Tue 01 Mar 2016 Wed 02 Mar 2016 Thu 03 Mar 2016 Fri 04 Mar 2016

8am-9am DNA isolation PCR PAGE gel of DNA PAGE gel

from blood and amplification analyses Research
9am-10am quality control module

10am-11am ESSM Friday

11am-12pm DNA quality meeting

12pm-1pm RFLP Noakes Hour

1pm-2pm LECTURE: LECTURE:

Analyses of RT-PCR Statistical analyses
2pm-3pm Digest of DNA
Data of RT-PCR data
3pm-4pm

4pm-5pm
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Thematic seminars

The thematic modules start on the 7th March. Material in the thematic modules will be
presented in varying combinations of lectures, tutorials, self-learning projects, practical
exercises, presentations, assignments, and journal paper discussions. The modules are shown
below with the module coordinator in brackets. The modules will run concurrently. Each
module has been allocated about 20 hours of contact time. The topics are described below.
Each student will have to select 6 modules.

Biological basis of physical activity/inactivity and health (Vicki Lambert)
By completing this module, the students will develop a current and comprehensive
understanding of the putative mechanisms by which physical activity/inactivity may modify
the patho-physiology processes associated with the development of chronic, non-
communicable diseases. The students will able to interpret the scientific literature in order to
formulate testable hypotheses concerning the specific mechanisms associated with physical
activity and inactivity and conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and
hypertension. In particular, the focus will be on inter-organ cross-talk, neuro-humoral and
biological mechanisms, and dose-response effects.

Biology of musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries (Mike Posthumus)
By completing this thematic module, the student will understand how science can be applied
to understand the pathophysiology of common musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries.
Specifically students will be able to explain the common injuries, the risk factors associated
with these injuries and the various models that have been and are being developed to explain
the biological mechanism that cause these injuries.

High performance (Mike Lambert)
By completing this thematic module, the student will understand how science can be applied
to improve physical performance, while reducing the risk of injury. Specifically students will
be able to explain the training dose/response relationship and the concept of measurement in
managing high performance athletes.

Sports nutrition and exercise performance (Andrew Bosch)
With the increasing knowledge about the role of nutrition in increasing exercise performance,
it has become clear that carbohydrate, amino acids, protein and protein hydrolysate can play
an important role. By completing this thematic module, the student will understand how these
different nutrients can be used before, during and post-exercise to aid performance and
recovery.

Circadian rhythms and sleep in sport and health (Dale Rae)
The aim of this module is to provide students with the biological and physiological
understanding of the interplay between circadian rhythms, sleep, sport performance and
health. Specifically, the students will learn about (i) the importance of maintaining normal
rhythms and sleep patterns and (ii) the effects of disruption of the circadian system
or sleep on sports performance, sleep, and the development of diseases such as obesity,
diabetes and cancer.



 13
Exercise performance nature or nurture? (Tertius Kohn)
By completing this thematic module, the student will gain an understanding of the various
skeletal muscle parameters that define sprinters, endurance athletes, or both by comparing
various ethnicities and species. Specifically, the student will get a better understanding of the
metabolic, structural and functional differences, and whether it influences performance.
Additionally, the student will also get an in-depth knowledge whether these characteristics
are due to genetics or training.

Biomechanics of Sport and Health (Nic Tam)
This module will teach students how biomechanical techniques measuring human movement
can be applied to studies of sports performance and risk of injury. Students will gain specific
knowledge in the basic fundamentals in biomechanical modeling and how this influences the
interpretation of biomechanical data. Further, students will be exposed to clinical and applied
biomechanics in a variety of sport settings.

A typical week during this period (7th March to 20th May) is shown below.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Exercise
Research
9am-11am thematic thematic thematic science
design
elective
Exercise 10.30
11am-1pm thematic thematic thematic science Department
elective meeting
Exercise
Research
2pm-4pm thematic thematic thematic science
design
elective

Elective module

Students will meet on Thursdays for the Exercise Science elective (starting the 10th March and
continuing until the 26th May. During this time students will be exposed to laboratory
exercises (in addition to the biochemical laboratory techniques they learn in the block at the
beginning of the year), problem-based learning and data analysis. Students will also be a given
topics on which they have to prepare a lecture. Examples of topics follow:

Muscle damage and regeneration
Overtraining syndrome
Acute high altitude exposure
Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome
The effects of aging on the physiological systems and performance
The central governor how does it work?
Exercise and sport in children and adolescent populations
Talent identification
 14

Research methods and statistics

Module convenor: Professor Mike Lambert

The overall aims of this module are several-fold. Firstly, we are aiming to create a research
culture within the group of postgraduate students. Secondly, students must learn and apply
sound principles of research design, as it relates to their own research projects, and in
evaluating the work of others when reviewing the scientific literature. Therefore, in
conjunction with good research design, students will acquire and apply the skills of critical
appraisal. This will equip students to use an evidence-based approach to both research and
clinical decision-making.

In addition, students will acquire data management skills and a working knowledge of
introductory biostatistics, so that they can select and apply the appropriate biostatistical
techniques to specific research questions and data sets. Finally, students will be mentored in
scientific writing, such that they will be able to produce; 1) a well-structured and ethical
research proposal, 2) a topical and evidence-based literature review, and 3) scholarly
interpretations of data gathered and statistically analysed, in the form of an original
manuscript, suitable for peer review.

Learning objectives:

By the end of this section of the module, students will be able to:

Consider a research question and devise a testable hypothesis and an appropriate
research design;
Scan the available scientific literature related to a specific research question or topic, using
electronic media, in a systematic way;
Critically appraise existing evidence in a systematic way;
Develop a well-structured and ethical research proposal;
Produce an evidence-based review of the literature related to their specific research
question, suitable for publication;
Acquire and apply the basic skills for acquiring data, cleaning data, and organizing data;
Apply the basic biostatistical methods required to answer the specific research questions
related to their research projects;
Interpret data which have been gathered and analyzed and produce a scholarly
manuscript/s.

Assessment and evaluation:

Research proposal and protocol development: While it is the primary responsibility of the
project supervisors to apply for and secure ethical approval from the Human Research Ethics
Committee, Faculty of Health Sciences, each student will be expected to prepare a research
proposal for their project, independently. This proposal will follow the format that would be
used, if it were to be submitted to the Research Ethics Committee. This will count final 10%
toward the final module mark. This is due for handing in on the 11th April or anytime before.

The students will also be expected to prepare a 10 min PowerPoint or slide presentation
detailing their protocol (intro, research question or hypothesis, subjects, methods, analytical
 15
strategy, implications, ethical considerations) which will count 5% toward their final
module mark. This will be presented on the 11th and 18th March, or 8th April during the usual
Friday research meeting.


Class assignments: There will be 3 class assignments to be completed as part of the
Biostatistics component of the module. These will each comprise 5% of the final module mark,
and will be due one week after the lecture.


Research Methods and Biostatistics course outline

Topic Lecturer Date 2016 Time 2016
Introduction to the research process Mike Lambert 29-Jan 08h30-
(including ethics, good clinical and 10h15
laboratory)
Searching electronic databases for Mike Lambert 05-Feb 08h30-
references 10h15
Library orientation Gill Morgan 05-Feb 10h30-
12h00
Fundamentals of experimental design 1 Vicki Lambert 12-Feb 08h30-
10h15
Fundamentals of experimental design 2 Vicki Lambert 19-Feb 08h30-9h30
Defining variables 1 (variable types, Vicki Lambert 19-Feb 9h30-10h15
outcomes and exposure)
Defining variables 2 (testable hypotheses) Vicki Lambert 26-Feb 08h30-9h30
Writing a research proposal Mike Lambert 26-Feb 09h30-
10h15
Protocol development small group work Staff and 04-Mar 08h30-
supervisors 10h15
Questionnaire Development and Vicki Lambert 11-Mar 08h30-
measurement scales and scores 10h15
(ASSIGNMENT)
Literature reviews Mike Lambert 18-Mar 08h30-
10h15
Systematic reviews, meta-analyses Sharief Hendricks 08-Apr 08h30-
10h15
Measures of central tendency and Vicki Lambert 15-Apr 08h30-9h15
variability; univariate statistics
Sources of error and sample size and Vicki Lambert 15-Apr 09h15-
statisical power 10h15
Probability and hypothesis testing: 2 Vicki Lambert 22-Apr 08h30-
samples (t-tests) 10h15
Correlations and limits of agreement Mike Lambert 06-May 08h30-
(ASSIGNMENT) 10h15
Analysis of variance & post-hoc testing (1) James Brown 13-May 08h30-
10h15
Analysis of variance for repeated James Brown 20-May 08h30-
measures/ covariance (1) 10h15
Multivariate analysis (ASSIGNMENT) James Brown 27-May 08h30-
10h15
 16
Measures of occurrence, frequency, James Brown 22-Jul 08h30-
association & effect/ relative risk, odds 10h15
ratios
Non-parametric statistics Vicki Lambert 29-Jul 08h30-
10h15
Measurement error and smallest Mike Lambert 05-Aug 08h30-
worthwhile changes 10h15
Statistical planning and selecting Staff 12-Aug 08h30-
appropriate statistical tests to match 10h15
design
Practical exercises Mike Lambert 19-Aug 08h30-
10h15
Practical exercises Vicki Lambert 26-Aug 08h30-
10h15
RESE module open book test 16-Sep 9h00-12h00

Open book, final class test: There will be an open-book, final class test for the RESE module,
which will cover aspects of research design, biostatistical principals, and interpretation of
results. This is scheduled for the 8th September and will count 20% toward the final module
mark.

Literature review: Each student will be expected to prepare a STAND-ALONE manuscript that
is suitable for publication as a review article, on a topic related to their research project. The
literature review should be formatted in a pre-selected journal format, and will be evaluated
on the extent to which it would be suitable for publication as submitted. This literature
review will comprise 40% of the final module mark, and will be evaluated by at least 2
independent markers. It is due to be handed in on the 18th September.

The evaluation is comprised of:

Component % of final
module mark
Protocol presentation oral 5%
Project proposal written 10%
Class assignments x 3 15% (5% x 3)
Open Book Class test 30%
Literature review 40%

The final product of this process will be an honours research project, which is assessed
separately. This is discussed below.
 17

Research project

The assessment for the project reflects the students ability, in consultation with their
supervisors, to plan and propose a project and research methodology; to collect data with
excellent quality control; to manage and analyse the results, and interpret the results of this
research study in an evidence-based manner. The students projects will be selected from a
list of available projects that will be handed out within the first several weeks of the course.
Projects will be selected on the basis of suitability, and where possible, by choice. In most
cases, honours projects form smaller sub-projects under a larger, post-graduate or funded
study. Project teams will be formed consisting of staff, and senior students, who will be
working with honours students on these projects.

The supervisor will guide the student through the process of preparing a literature review
and project proposal. The proposal will then be presented to the Unit for critical input. The
data collection phase of the project should ideally be completed by the middle of September.
The completed project should be handed in on the 4th November. The research project will be
evaluated as a written report and also in an oral presentation (16th November). All the skills
required to conduct a successful research project will be presented in the Research Methods
and Statistics module described above.

Department meetings

On Friday mornings, honours students will then join staff and MSc and PhD students for tea
and cake from 10h15-10h30 and then a department meeting for about an hour and a half. At
the department meeting, various topics are presented and discussed. The presenter will either
be a student, staff member or visiting academic.

Noakes hour

On most Fridays Professor Tim Noakes will meet with the class from 12h30 for the Noakes
Hour. During this time, students will discuss research papers or any relevant topical issues.
The emphasis will also be on the integration of biological systems. These sessions will prepare
the students for the final examination in June where all the work that has been covered will be
evaluated in an integrative way. This schedule may change depending on Professor Noakes
availability, but these changes will be posted in the Google calendar.

Examinations

Final exams will consist of an oral exam (3rd June) and two 3-hour written papers. Paper 1
(1st June) will contain questions that are designed to integrate the knowledge of all the work
during the year, and Paper 2 (13th October) will test the students ability to critically analyse a
scientific paper. Assessment of the work of Modules and laboratory techniques, exams and
the research project will each constitute 25%, 15%, 25% and 35% of the final year mark,
respectively. Details of how these marks are derived are shown below:
 18

Contributions to the final marks from the tests, exams and the research project
M o d u l e s ( To t a l 2 5 % )
Research Exercise Fundamentals Thematic Thematic Thematic Thematic Thematic Thematic
methodology Science of exercise Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Module 5 Module 6
Module elective science (2.78%) (2.78%) (2.78%) (2.78%) (2.78%) (2.78%)
(2.78%) (2.78%) Module
(2.78%)
L a b o ra to r y te c h n i q u e ( To t a l 1 5 % ) *

F i n a l E xa m s ( To t a l 2 5 % )

Oral exam (8%) Paper 1 (comprehensive theory) (12%) Paper 2 (journal paper exam (5%)

Re s e a rc h P ro j e c t ( To t a l 3 5 % )
Written Report (33%) Oral Presentation (2%)

*marks from the laboratory exercises done during the Exercise Science elective contribute to this mark

Criteria to pass the course

To pass the course students must achieve a minimum of 50% for each of the following
sections:-
1. Combined mark of modules and final exams
2. Laboratory techniques
3. Research project
4. Final year mark

Pass marks of 50-59%, 60-69%, 70-74% or 75% and higher will earn either third (3), lower
second (2-), upper second (2+) or first class (1) degrees, respectively.

Students wishing to be considered for further postgraduate study in the department should
try to achieve an upper second class or first class BSc(Med)(Hons) degree. Postgraduate
students with a first class BSc (Med)(Hons) degree can apply for special scholarships.
Information about scholarships is available in the Postgraduate Bursary Office. Note that the
closing dates of many bursary applications are before October.


 19

TEXTBOOKS AND REFERENCE MATERIALS


Course Textbook
Exercise Physiology. Human Bioenergetics and its Applications, 4th edition, G.A. Brooks,
T.D. Fahey and K.M. Baldwin, McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, 2005. ISBN 978
0072556420

In addition to this textbook, each module will include pertinent reference material which will
be handed out either before or after the material. Most of this reference material is available
in either the Units Resources Centre or in the UCTs Medical Library.


ACADEMIC STAFF
Dr Yumna Albertus-Kajee
A/Prof Andrew Bosch
Prof Malcolm Collins
Nikhil Divehar
Dr Cathi Draper
A/Prof Julia Goedecke
Dr Janine Gray
David John (DJ) Hume
Dr Dheshnie Keswell
Dr Tertius Kohn
Dr Jacolene Kroff
Prof Vicki Lambert
Prof Mike Lambert
Dr Lisa Micklesfield
Prof Tim Noakes
A/Prof Edward Ojuka
Dr Mike Posthumus
Dr Dale Rae
Dr Laurie Rauch
A/Prof Alison September
Dr James Smith
Dr Jeroen Swart
20
Senior lecturer Yumna.Albertus@uct.ac.za 0216504560
Associate Professor Andrew.Bosch@uct.ac.za 0216504578
Professor, HOD, Human Biology Malcolm.Collins@uct.ac.za 0216504574
Research officer biomechanics
nikhil.divekar@uct.ac.za 0216504563
laboratory
Senior Research Officer Catherine.Draper@uct.ac.za 0216504570
Specialist Scientist for the South
Julia.geodecke@uct.ac.za 0216504573
African Medical Research Council -
Research Coordinator, Cricket South
janineg@cricket.co.za 0216504557
Africa; Honorary Lecturer, UCT
Assistant lecturer davidjohnhume@gmail.com 0216504640
NRF Career researchers Dheshnie.Keswell@uct.ac.za 0216504567
Senior Research Officer TA.Kohn@uct.ac.za 0216505234
Biokinetics Course Convener Jacolene.Kroff@uct.ac.za 0216505126
Professor; Head of Division Vicki.Lambert@uct.ac.za 0216504571
Professor and Exercise Science
Mike.Lambert@uct.ac.za 0216504558
Course Convener
Senior Researcher, WITS; Honorary
Lisa.Micklesfield@.uct.ac.za 0216503135
Research Fellow, UCT
Emeritus Professor Timothy.Noakes@uct.ac.za 0216504557
Associate Professor Edward.Ojuka@uct.ac.za 0216504576
Senior Research Officer Michael.Posthumus@uct.ac.za 0216504573
Senior Research Officer Dale.Rae@uct.ac.za 0216504577
Research Officer Laurie.Rauch@.uct.ac.za 0216504640
Associate Professor Alison.September@uct.ac.za 0216504559
NRF Career Researcher jah.smith@uct.ac.za 0216501976
Senior lecturer, Sports Medicine
jeroen.swart@uct.ac.za 021659 5644
Course convener

POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWS

Dr James Brown jamesbrown06@gmail.com 0216504567
Dr Sharief Hendricks sharief.hendricks01@gmail.com 0216504567
Dr Amy Mendham amy.mendham@uct.ac.za 0216504567
Dr Nancy Laguette nancylaguette@gmail.com 0216504567
Dr Marilize Burger marilizecb@gmail.com 0216504567
Dr Gerald Maarman MRMGER002@myuct.ac.za 0216504567
Dr Hlengiwe Madlala h.madlala@gmail.com 0216504567
Dr Nicholas Tam nicholas.tam@uct.ac.za 0216504567
Dr Monica Uys monica.uys@uct.ac.za 0216504567

ADMINISTRATIVE, SUPPORT AND TECHNICAL STAFF

Fiona Diedrick Research Finance Officer Fiona.Diedrick@uct.ac.za 0216504565
Ayesha Hendricks Academic Administrator Ayesha.Hendricks@uct.ac.za 0216503108
Neezaam Kariem Technical Officer, IT Support Neezaam.Kariem@uct.ac.za 0216504564
Trevino Larry Departmental Assistant Trevino.Larry@uct.ac.za 0216503037
Megan Lofthouse Senior Secretary, Personal Assistant Megan.lofthouse@uct.ac.za 0216502459
Nandi Sinyanya Research assistant 0216504575
Lesa Sivewright Financial Administration Lesa.Sivewright@uct.ac.za 0216504661
Hendriena Victor Chief Technical Officer Hendriena.Victor@uct.ac.za 0216504566
Ashleen Voskuil Research Assistant Ashleenvoskuil@gmail.com 0216504567
Lance Walbrugh Receptionist, Senior Secretary Lance.Walbrugh@uct.ac.za 0216504561
Ryan Williams Video Analyst Ryan.Williams80@gmail.com 0216505125
 21
DATES TO DIARISE

20 22 Jan Orientation week and registration
25 Jan 4 Feb Fundamental of exercise science
8 Feb Test on Fundamentals of exercise science
8 Feb 4 March Techniques course
7 March Start of Thematic modules
10 March Start of Exercise Science Elective
11,18 March and 8 April Hons Research project proposal presentations
11 April Research project proposal hand-in
24 Mar 3 Apr Term 1 vacation
--------------Term 2--------------
27 Apr Public holiday
2 May Public holiday
31 May June written exam (paper I)
2 Jun Oral exam (coursework)
13 Jun 13 Jul Term 2 vacation
--------------Term 3--------------
22 Jul 26 Aug RESE module (cont.)
9 Aug Public holiday
29 Aug 4 Sep Term 3 vacation
--------------Term 4--------------
9 Sep Literature review hand-in
16 Sep Stats open book test
29 Sep Article review exam (paper II)
4 Nov Research project (thesis) hand-in
16 Nov Research project presentations
December graduation (TBA)