Understanding how food fuels performance is a valuable skill in the competitive world of sports and fitness. Whether you are an athlete, personal trainer, or fitness professional, this course can lead to career opportunities in nutrition consulting and high-performance sports science.
The Certificate of Sports Nutrition is an online professional development course that examines how diet influences athletic performance, recovery, and overall health and well-being.
In this sports nutrition course, you will explore the relationship between diet and performance while learning to use key assessment tools, such as the glycemic index and food composition tables. You will also study how the body generates energy through ATP production, glycolysis, and oxidative metabolism.
You will learn about nutrition specifically for endurance, strength, team sports, and activities that depend on weight. You will also explore gut health, hydration (electrolyte balance, signs of dehydration) and innovative strategies for achieving peak performance. You will discover supplementation and nutrition strategies for recovery and competition, including supplementation, meal timing, pre- and post-exercise nutrition, and methods for managing fatigue and inflammation.
On completion of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of evidence-based nutrition strategies to optimise performance, recovery, and overall health.
Course Structure
Unit - Sports Nutrition
Unit 1 – Foundations of Sports Nutrition
- Introduction to macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
- The role of vitamins and minerals in athletic performance
- Understanding micronutrients and balancing intake
- Recommended Daily Intakes (RDI) for athletes
- Energy requirements and expenditure
- The principles of a balanced diet
- The relationship between diet and performance
- Tools for assessing food composition, including glycaemic index and food composition tables
Unit 2 – Energy Systems and Performance
- Overview of chemical energy and calories
- The role of energy balance in performance
- Body energy systems: ATP production, glycolytic system, and oxidative system
- Adaptations of energy systems through training
- Understanding calorie expenditure in different activities
- Energy metabolism and fuel utilisation in sports
- Practical applications for optimising energy use
Unit 3 – Tailored Nutrition for Different Sports
- Nutritional needs across various sports:
- Endurance sports
- Strength and power sports
- Team sports
- Aesthetic and weight-dependent sports
- Skill-based and recreational activities
- Strategies for balancing macronutrients for optimal performance
- Adjusting nutritional plans based on sport-specific demands
Unit 4 – Hydration for Optimal Performance
- The impact of hydration on athletic performance
- Identifying signs and symptoms of dehydration
- Guidelines for meeting individual hydration needs
- Understanding and managing electrolyte balance
- Long-term risks associated with dehydration
- Practical hydration strategies for training and competition
- Innovations in hydration: tools and technology
Unit 5 – Sports Supplements and Popular Diets
- Overview of sports supplements:
- Science-supported supplements
- Supplements with limited evidence
- Benefits, risks, and ethical considerations of supplementation
- Analysis of popular diets and their impact on athletic performance:
- Ketogenic diet
- Plant-based diets
- Intermittent fasting
- Customising diets for athletic goals
Unit 6 – Nutrition for Recovery and Competition
- Designing effective pre-competition meals and snacks
- Nutritional strategies for competition day
- Recovery nutrition principles:
- Timing of nutrient intake post-exercise
- Carbohydrate loading for endurance recovery
- Protein needs for muscle repair
- Managing fatigue and inflammation post-event
Unit 7 – Meal Timing and Strategic Planning
- Importance of meal timing for performance and recovery:
- Pre-exercise nutrition
- Nutrition during exercise
- Post-exercise nutrition
- Customising nutrition plans for individual needs
- Developing effective meal plans:
- Strategies for busy schedules, travel, and competition
- Planning for specific goals, such as weight management or muscle gain
Unit 8 – Advanced Topics in Nutrition
- Gut health and its influence on performance:
- The gut microbiome and its role in athlete health
- Strategies to support gut health
- Specialised nutrition for specific groups:
- Youth athletes
- Aging athletes
- Female athletes
- Recognising and addressing disordered eating patterns
- Emerging trends and research in sports nutrition
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Approval and Recognition
Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.
Testimonials
Experience was good
I.Compton, Pottsville, NSW | Certificate of Sports Nutrition
I really enjoyed studying this course. Tutors were extremely helpful with giving me guidance and feedback in my assignments. Course was easy to navigate through and work at your own pace.
Siimona | Keiraville, NSW | Certificate of Sports Nutrition
I really enjoyed studying here, it was super easy to follow and great that you can do it in your own time
Gemma | Bay of Plenty, New Zealand | Certificate of Sports Nutrition
It was seamless and easy to access all information, support was there if I needed it and I can log on and work at my own pace.
Melissa | Cashmere, QLD | Certificate of Sports Nutrition
Overall very good.
Michael | Casuarina, NSW | Certificate of Sports Nutrition
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY, Bank Transfer and Afterpay. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for BPAY, Bank Transfer and Afterpay.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Afterpay: Within 1-2 working days
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Sports Coaches
- Personal Trainers
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