Sports nutritionists are crucial to enhancing the performance of amateur and elite athletes through supplementation and diet. The nutritional requirements vary significantly between individuals and from one sporting or athletic pursuit to another. As a result, understanding sports nutrition from a holistic and scientific way is essential to making appropriate choices.
The Certificate of Sports Nutrition is a unique online professional development course that will develop your knowledge and understanding of sports nutrition and will cover food for fitness, the role of supplements in sport and the critical relationship between performance, individual health and diet.
In this sports nutrition course, you will also explore the fundamentals of human and sports nutrition, understand energy output, the competition diet and the importance of fluids. You will also discover the athlete’s body composition, weight management techniques and training for size.
On completion of this course, you will have the foundation knowledge and skills to explore a role in the sports nutrition industry or to improve your own sporting performance through diet.
Course Structure
Unit - Sports Nutrition
Unit 1 – Introduction to Human and Sports Nutrition
- Dietary nutrients
- Daily intake of nutrients (RDI)
- Daily intake of protein and energy
- Daily intake of selected vitamins
- Daily intake of selected minerals
- The balanced diet
- The food pyramid
- Carbohydrates, proteins and fats
- The glycaemic index
- Food composition tables
Unit 2 – Energy
- Chemical energy
- Calories
- Sources of energy in food
- Calorie content
- Energy systems in the human body
- Sources of energy in the form of ATP
- The calorie cost of everyday activities
Unit 3 – Energy in the Human Body
- Aerobic capacity
- Metabolism
- Respiratory quotient (RQ OR RE)
- Energy expenditure
- Exercising
- Energy sources during exercise
- Proteins
- Fitness testing / assessment
- Body weight and percentage fat
- Body mass index
- Electronic / light body composition analysers
- Heart rate
- Lung capacity
- Cardiovascular score
- Aerobic fitness
- Cardiorespiratory endurance
- 12 minute fitness test
- Before fitness testing
Unit 4 – The Training Diet
- Carbohydrates
- Protein
- Fats
- Other nutrients
- Meal timing
- Recipes
Unit 5 – The Competition Diet
- Carbohydrate loading
- Pre competition eating
- Eating during competition
- Competition, fatigue and nutrition
- Recovery requirements
- Training and fatigue
- Training response
- Recovery from exercise
Unit 6 – Fluids
- Function of water in the body
- How much fluid is needed?
- Water and solute regulation
- Electrolytes
- Water and body temperature regulation
- Fluid intake before, during and after exercise
- Intravenous fluid replacement
- Fluid loss during exercise
Unit 7 – The Athletes Body Composition
- Body composition
- Body composition to performance
- Body mass index
Unit 8 – Weight Management
- The mechanics of weight loss
- Why athletes want to lose weight
- Weight loss and physical performance
- Weight change and low energy diets
- Tips for losing body fat
- Safe weight reduction diets
- Eating disorders
- Conversion tables
Unit 9 – Increasing Body Mass and Using Sports Supplements
- Training for size
- Gaining muscle mass
- Sports supplements
- Drug testing
- Glossary of sports terminology
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.
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
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
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.
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