Program Presentation
Both nutrition and the physical activity are the pillars for the general population to stay healthy. The benefits have been supported by many researches that evidence that an adequate nutritional status and exercising influence diverse metabolic and physiologic processes, consequently improvement the individual’s quality of life.
As well, ensuring the energy and nutritional requirements of the athlete during training, competition, the recovery and the rest period are key to improve the athlete’s performance as they are in preventing injuries. Currently, athletes acknowledge the nutrition's highlighted role, so they keep adequate food habits, adapted to their sports discipline.
For that reason, and due to this group of population’s increasing interest on taking care of an optimal health status (people who exercise themselves and athletes), as well as the addition of nutrition, exercise and sports in programs made by governments and institutions to promote a good health status, the need for the population to have available highly skilled health professionals and trained in nutrition, physical activity and sports is justified.
In this regard, the Master in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Sports for health professionals who wish to have a career in the nutrition field, physical activity and sports, through a high-level academic program, with two clear divisions: physical activity and nutrition to promote a good health status, and nutrition and sports for the performance.
Who is the programme for?
The proposed training methodology together with the design’s clarity, extension and didactic makes that the Master in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Sports is aimed at professionals who are interested in physical activity and nutrition towards the promotion fo a god health status, nutrition and sports for performance.
The Master in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Sports is aimed at:
- People holding a Nutrition Degree wishing to improve their professional performance specializing in nutrition aimed at people who exercise themselves and athletes.
- People holding other degrees related to the Health Sciences Degrees who wish to deep into nutrition in the physical activity and sports field.
- People holding a Degree in Physical Activity Sciences and Sports who are interested in completing their training in nutrition, sports and physical activity.
Diploma
Successful completion of the Program will enable you to be awarded the degree in Master in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Sports.
After successfully completing the Program, the student will receive the degree as awarded by the University where they have enrolled.
Program Structure
Estimated time for the completion of the Master in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Sports is 2 years.
Regarding time distribution:
- Since it is an online program, it does not have a specific starting date, so that the student can register at any time, provided that there is enough place.
- The maximum time available to complete this Program is 24 months. During this period of time, the student must have passed all the pertinent evaluation tasks.
The credits distribution of the Master in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Sports is stated as follows:
| ECTSa | LENGTHb | HOURS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module 1: Research and methodology | 10 | 2 | 100 |
| Module 2: Physical Activity and Nutrition to promote health | 25 | 6 | 250 |
| Module 3: Nutrition and Sports for the performance | 45 | 12 | 450 |
| Module 4: Master’s Degree Final Project | 12 | 4 | 120 |
| TOTAL | 92 | 24 | 920 |
a. The equivalence in credits may vary according to the University that issues the Diploma. One (1) ECTS credit (European Credit Transfer System) corresponds to 10 + 15 hours. If students attending the program are enrolled in a university not belonging to the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), the relationship between credits and hours may vary.
b. Length in months
Note: Before starting this master’s degree, Module 0 is introduced: Prerequisites, made up by the subject “Healthy nutrition”. Students who lack of enough training in nutrition will have to take it.
Objectives
General Objective
- Training specialists with a multi-discipline profile in the main knowledge areas related to the physical activity and nutrition to promote a good health, nutrition and sports for the performance.
Specific Objectives
- Assessing the nutrition, exercise and sports’ importance to keep a good health status.
- Assessing the physical activities and nutrition’s role as means for prevention and therapy in prevailing conditions.
- Estimating the nutrition's relevance in the sports performance, prevention of injuries and the athlete’s health status.
Career Opportunities
Some career opportunities of the program in Master in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Sports are:
- Nutritional assessment in health institutions (health care centers, hospitals, etc).
- Nutritional assessment in high performance centers, fitness/wellness centers, sports clubs and centers.
- Health agent in public and private entities that promote health.
- Teacher in formal and non-formal education programs aimed at health professionals, chronically -ill patient associations, schools, civic centers, sports centers, etc.
- Researchers at research centers related to nutrition, physical activity and sports.
- Counselor in the Research and Development Marketing or Quality department in companies from the food, nutrition and sports sectors.
Note: Professional practice is subject to each country’s legislations.
Study Plan
Before starting this Master in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Sports, Module 0 is introduced: Prerrequisites, made up by the subject “Healthy nutrition”. Students who lack of enough training in nutrition will have to take it.
The Master in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Sports is made up by the following modules:
- MODULE 1: RESEARCH AND METHODOLOGY (100 HOURS)
This module determines the essential aspects of the scientific method’s techniques and phases, the research process, the statistical process for the research process and the final report’s development.
The corresponding subjects and credits of the program are shown in the following table:
| MODULE 1: RESEARCH AND METHODOLOGY | ||
|---|---|---|
| # | SUBJECTS | CREDITS |
| 1 | Scientific Research Methods | 5 |
| 2 | Biostatistics | 5 |
| TOTAL | 10 | |
- MODULE 2: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND NUTRITION TO PROMOTE HEALTH (250 HOURS)
This module deepens in the importance of having a healthy nutrition and doing exercise to take care of and promote the individuals’ health status at different physiological and pathological situations.
The corresponding subjects and credits of the program are shown in the following table:
| MODULE 2: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND NUTRITION TO PROMOTE HEALTH | ||
|---|---|---|
| # | SUBJECTS | CREDITS |
| 1 | Psychosocial Factors of Physical Activity for Health | 5 |
| 2 | Recommendations on Physical Activity and Nutrition for Health | 5 |
| 3 | Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents | 5 |
| 4 | Physical Activity Nutrition in Elderly People | 5 |
| 5 | Physical and Nutrition for Health in Different Conditions | 5 |
| TOTAL | 25 | |
- MODULE 3: NUTRITION AND SPORTS FOR THE PERFORMANCE (450 HOURS)
This module contextualizes the adequate nutrition for the sports performance, the prevention of injuries and the athlete’s care.
The corresponding subjects and credits of the program are shown in the following table:
| MODULE 3: NUTRITION AND SPORTS FOR THE PERFORMANCE | ||
|---|---|---|
| # | SUBJECTS | CREDITS |
| 1 | Kinesiology | 5 |
| 2 | Athlete’s functional assessment | 5 |
| 3 | Athlete’s nutritional status assessment | 5 |
| 4 | Sport psychology | 5 |
| 5 | Biomarkers: adaptation to exercise, injury and fatigue | 5 |
| 6 | Determinants for the performance and nutrition in different sports disciplines | 5 |
| 7 | Sports nutrition applied to specific groups of population | 5 |
| 8 | Ergogenic aids, doping substances and genetic doping in sports | 5 |
| 9 | Eating disorders in sport | 5 |
| TOTAL | 45 | |
- MODULE 4: MASTER’S DEGREE FINAL PROJECT (120 CREDITS)
The Master’s Degree Final Project must be professional and related to the work environment to which the studied program is attached.
The student must develop the Master’s Degree Final Project according the Final Project Guidelines.
The corresponding credits of the module are shown in the following table:
| MODULE 4: MASTER’S DEGREE FINAL PROJECT | ||
|---|---|---|
| # | FINAL PROJECT | CREDITS |
| 1 | Final Project | 12 |
| TOTAL | 12 | |
Note: The contents of the academic program may be subject to slight modifications, depending on the updates or the improvements made.
Description of the Subjects
MODULE 1: RESEARCH AND METHODOLOGY
- SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The subject presents the research process’ stages and its techniques, with the aim of that the student can get a closer look on the scientific method to be able to use it in order to contribute with some work to the applicable working field.
It consists of the following topics:
Epistemological aspects of the scientific research. Scientific research process. How to start an investigation? Project: starting point. Construction of the theoretical framework. Design of the methodological strategy. Research report. Research as an information source in the relationship between psychosocial factors and habits in physical activity.
- BIOSTATISTICS
This subject presents the statistical tools, the most adequate descriptive statistic techniques depending on the study’s typology in the health field.
It consists of the following topics:
Descriptive statistics. Frequency distribution. Descriptive statistics. Centralization and dispersion measures. Descriptive statistics. Relationship between two variables. Relationship between three variables. Stratified analysis. Confusion and interaction. Proportions and probability. Bayes Theorem. Probability distributions: binomial, Poisson and normal. Statistical inference with a proportion. Normal distribution and central limit theorem. Statistical inference with an average. Statistical inference with two averages. Statistical inference with two proportions. Sample size for estimation. Case-control design. Contingency tables. Variance analysis. Linear regression. The Bayesian Inference. Statistical power of a research and sample size for tests.
MODULE 2: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND NUTRITION TO PROMOTE HEALTH
- PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR HEALTH
This subject studies the influence of the social and psychological aspect in doing physical activity.
It consists of the following topics:
Psychological factors related to doing physical activity. The importance of the family in the development of the physical activity. Other social and personal factors influencing the adherence to the physical activity. Physical activity, adherence and health Psychological and social problems. Strategies to prevent quitting and improve health. Motivation in physical activity for health: types and theories. Motivation’s assessment and participation reasons in the physical activity. Self-confidence, self-efficacy and beliefs in doing physical activity. Attitudes and values in the physical activity for the health. Physical activity and health program design and development. Setting health goals through sports and physical activity.
- RECOMMENDATIONS ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND NUTRITION FOR HEALTH
This subject analyzes the benefits and risks associated with the lifestyle that affect health as well as the nutritional and physical activity recommendations aimed at the healthy population.
It consists of the following topics:
Benefits and risks associated with the lifestyle. Pre-participation test and risk’s stratification. Assessment of the physical ability. Physical activity problems. Healthy nutrition foundations. Diet planning for healthy populations. Nutritional and physical activity recommendations for healthy populations.
- PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
This subject stresses the relevance of a healthy lifestyle as a means for promoting integral health in children and adolescents, highlighting the influence of physical activity and nutrition.
It consists of the following topics:
Childhood and adolescence characteristics. Health and quality of life promotion in young population. Healthy physical condition in young people. Physical activity for overweight or obese children. Physical activity at school. Chronic disease and social exclusion risk associated with obesity and physical activity in childhood and youth: from theory to practice.
- PHYSICAL ACTIVITY NUTRITION IN ELDERLY PEOPLE
This subject estimates the benefits of the healthy lifestyle in elderly people, highlighting the influence of physical activity and nutrition.
It consists of the following topics:
Physiological, psychological and social aspects of aging. Health exam and pre-participation to an exercise program. Assessment of the physical ability. Assessment of the physical activity level. Flexibility, strength and aerobic endurance training. Nutrition, food and health in elderly people. Aging, illness and physical activity.
- PHYSICAL AND NUTRITION FOR HEALTH IN DIFFERENT CONDITIONS
This subject deepens in the preventive and therapeutic role of the physical activity and nutrition on diverse high prevalence conditions.
It consists of the following topics:
Preventive and therapeutic role of the physical activity and nutrition on overweight and obesity. Preventive and therapeutic role of the physical activity and nutrition on cardiovascular conditions. Preventive and therapeutic role of the physical activity and nutrition on AHT. Preventive and therapeutic role of the physical activity and nutrition on respiratory conditions. Preventive and therapeutic role of the physical activity and nutrition on diabetes mellitus. Preventive and therapeutic role of the physical activity and nutrition on cancer. Preventive and therapeutic role of the physical activity and nutrition on osteoporosis. Preventive and therapeutic role of the physical activity and nutrition on rheumatic diseases. Preventive and therapeutic role of the physical activity and nutrition on osteoarthritis. Preventive and therapeutic role of the physical activity and nutrition on osteoarthritis.
MODULE 3: NUTRITION AND SPORTS FOR THE PERFORMANCE
- KINESIOLOGY
This subject describes the physiological and biomechanical principles in physical activity and sports.
It consists of the following topics:
Concept and evolution of the exercises’ systematic. Movement’s and physical exercises’ classification. Kinesiology and generalities of the mechanic analysis and physical exercise. Superior trunk. Spinal column. Inferior trunk. Mechanical analysis of the physical exercise.
- ATHLETE’S FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT
This subject analyzes the applicability of the functional assessment of the sports performance.
It consists of the following topics:
Concept and importance of the athlete’s functional assessment. Analysis of the questionnaires and tests for the functional assessment based on the scientific evidence. Determination of the athlete’s physical status and implementation of the rests in relation to the sports modality and seasonal moment. Athlete’s functional assessment and its importance in the prevention of injuries.
- ATHLETE’S NUTRITIONAL STATUS ASSESSMENT
This subject distinguishes the tools to determine the nutritional intake and the anthropometric and body assessment action protocols.
It consists of the following topics:
Determination of the athlete’s nutritional intake. Anthropometric techniques and body assessment. Analysis of the relevant biochemical parameters and biological markers for the athlete’s health.
- SPORT PSYCHOLOGY
This subject studies the psychological factors that are present in the participation and sports performance, the exercise and other types of physical activity.
It consists of the following topics:
Introduction to sports psychology and its uses in the sports field. Sports psychologist description and functions. Applications of the sports psychology according to the sports modality and needs of the adherents. Useful techniques and tools to improve the athlete’s psychological field. Determination of the athlete’s psychological needs along an injury.
- BIOMARKERS: ADAPTATION TO EXERCISE, INJURY AND FATIGUE
This subject presents the physiological mechanisms showed in fatigue, muscle damage and athlete’s injury.
It consists of the following topics:
Muscle damage. Oxidative stress and fatigue. Muscle injury markers. Biochemical parameters. Genetic proneness in the athlete. Muscle regeneration.
- DETERMINANTS FOR THE PERFORMANCE AND NUTRITION IN DIFFERENT SPORTS DISCIPLINES
This subject deepens in the action of the energy systems depending on the sports discipline, length, intensity and exercise type, as well as the diet plan adapted to the different sports modalities.
It consists of the following topics:
Physiology, energy systems and nutrients in the sports practice. Sports dietetics planning. New trends and nutritional strategies for the sports performance. Mid- and long-distance sports. Swimming. Rowing-related sports. Speed and jumping-related sports. Endurance and launching-related sports. Outdoor team-related sports. Indoor team-related sports. Racket-related sports Gymnastics and aesthetic sports. Combat sports. Pilot sports. Sea sports. Winter sports. Extreme-environment sports.
- SPORTS NUTRITION APPLIED TO SPECIFIC GROUPS OF POPULATION
This study studies the patterns that healthy nutrition adapted to the specific groups of population that is adhered to the physical activity.
It consists of the following topics:
Nutrition in athlete children and teenagers. Nutrition in female athletes. Nutrition of veteran athletes. Nutrition in the space. Fasting training. Sports clinical nutrition. Other groups.
- ERGOGENIC AIDS, DOPING SUBSTANCES AND GENETIC DOPING IN SPORTS
This subject presents the ergogenic aids that, with a contrasted scientific evidence, boost the maximum sports performance, as well as the doping substances at an international level and the methods to detect them.
It consists of the following topics:
Concept of ergogenic aid and fatigue in sport. Supplements’ classification according to the scientific evidence. Athlete’s hydration. Prescription and periodization of the ergogenic aids according to the sports practice. Doping, doping substances, legislation and detection.
- EATING DISORDERS IN SPORT
This subject present the most frequent food disorders in athletes.
It consists of the following topics:
Eating disorders and food intake disorders in sports. Etiopathogenesis. Diagnostic criteria for the food disorders stated in the DSM-V, Eating disorders consequences. Clinic. Preventive actions. Treatment of the eating behavior disorders. Prognosis.
MODULE 4: FINAL PROJECT (FP)
The Final Project must be professional, it must contain a proposal and/or the implementation of an intervention with the aim of responding to the detected needs in a given real professional context, related to the work environment to which the studied program is attached, that is to say, to the physical activity and nutrition for the promotion of health or sports nutrition for performance.
Students must develop their Final Project according to the Final Project Guidelines provided by the institution, which can be used as a guide, especially if they have no experience in developing projects of this kind.
Management
Direção acadêmica
- Dr. Maurizio Antonio Battino. Researcher in Biochemistry and professor in the Scuola di Specializzazione in Scienza dell'Alimentazione. Professor in the Università Politecnica delle Marche. Scientific Director of the European University of the Atlantic.
Coordenação Geral Acadêmica
- Dr. Álvaro Velarde Sotres. International Coordinator of the Sports Area.
- Dr. (c) Anna Marín. Coordinator in the Nutrition Area.
- Dr. (c) Irma Domínguez. International Coordinator in the Health Area.
Teaching staff and Authors
- Dr. Amélia Cristina Stein. Doctorate in Sport and Physical Activity Sciences, University of León. Professor at the International Iberoamerican University.
- Dr. Andrea Arreguín. Doctor and Master's Degree in Nutrigenomics and Personalized Nutrition from the University of the Balearic Islands. Professor at the International Iberoamerican University.
- Dr. Angélica Quintero Flórez. Doctor in Health Sciences from the University of Jaén. Professor at the International Iberoamerican University.
- Dr. Claudia Nelly Orozco. Doctor of Public Health Sciences from the University of Guadalajara. Professor at the International Iberoamerican University.
- Dr. Isabel Martorell. Doctorate in Biomedicine, Rovira i Virgili University. Professor at the International Iberoamerican University.
- Dr. Mercedes Briones. Doctor in Human Nutrition and Dietetics in the international program between the University of Granada and the Institute of Chemical, Biological, Biomedical, and Biophysical Research in the Mariano Galvez University of Guatemala. Professor at the International Iberoamerican University.
- Dr. Montserrat González Gómez. Doctor of Public Health Sciences from the University Center of Health Sciences, University of Guadalajara. Professor at the University of Guadalajara. Professor at the Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Sciences S.C. Professor at the University of Valle de México.
- Dr. Nohora Milena Martínez. Doctor in the Mental Health Program: Genetics and environment by the Universitat Rovira i Virigili and University of Almería.
- Dr. Nuria Garatachea. Doctorate in Sport and Physical Activity Sciences. Professor from the University of Saragossa.
- Dr. Priscilla Almeida. Doctor in Biomedicine, University of Zaragoza. Professor at the International Iberoamerican University
- Dr. Rosa Elena Yáñez. Doctorate in Nutrition and Metabolism, Rovira i Virgili University. Professor at the International Iberoamerican University.
- Dr. Sandra Sumalla. Doctor in Health and Nutrition Projects at the International Iberoamerican University. Dean and Professor of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the European Univerity of the Atlantic.
- Dr. Sara Márquez. Professor in the Physical Activity and Sports area, University of León. President of the Spanish Federation of Psychology in Sports.
- Dr. Susana Aznar. Doctor in Sport and Exercise Science Professor in the University of Castilla La Mancha.
- Dr. Susana Martínez. Doctor in Biology from the University of León. Professor at the European University of the Atlantic.
- Dr. Alfonso Salguero del Valle. Doctorate in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences. Professor at the University of Leon.
- Dr. Álvaro Velarde Sotres. Doctor in Health Projects from the International Iberoamerican University. Professor at the European University of the Atlantic.
- Dr. Antonio Jesús Bores. Doctorate in Sport and Physical Activity Sciences. Professional physical trainer and professor at the European University of the Atlantic.
- Dr. Aurelio Olmedilla. Doctor in Psychology. Professor at the Catholic University of San Antonio de Murcia.
- Dr. Carlos Lago Fuentes. Doctor in Sports Science, Physical Education and Healthy Physical Activity from the University of Vigo. Professor at the European University of the Atlantic.
- Dr. César Octavio de Loera. Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences. Professor at the University of Guadalajara.
- Dr. Enrique Garcés. Doctor in Psychology. Professor in the University of Murcia.
- Dr. Enrique Roche Collado. Professor of Nutrition and Deputy Director of the Institute of Bioengineering at Miguel Hernández University.
- Dr. Felipe García Pinillos. International Doctorate in Sport and Physical Activity Sciences, University of Jaen. Professor at the European University of the Atlantic.
- Dr. Iñaki Elío. Doctor in Health and Nutrition Projects from the International Iberoamerican University. Academic Director and professor of the Degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics in the European University of the Atlantic.
- Dr. Néstor Vicente Salar. Doctor in Biology from the University of Miguel Hernández. Degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Alicante.
- Dr. Rafael Sánchez de Torres-Peralta. Docotr by the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Researcher in Nutrition, Exercise, and Healthy Lifestyle at the Polytechnic University of Madrid.
- Dr. Alejandra María Corona Romero. Doctor of Public Health Sciences from the University of Guadalajara. Professor and researcher.
- Dr. (c) Alba Moreno. Doctoral Candidate in Health and Psychology from the Autonomous University in Madrid. Master's Degree in Multidisciplinary Intervention in Eating Disorders, Personality Disorders, and Emotional Disorders from the University of Valencia.
- Dr. (c) Anna Marín. Doctoral candidate in Education. Professor at the European University of the Atlantic.
- Dr. (c) Carlota Castro. Doctoral candidate in Medicine by the University of Barcelona. Master in Nutrition and Metabolism by the Universitat Rovira i Virgili.
- Dr. (c) Irma Domínguez. Doctoral candidate in Education by the Iberoamerican International University. Professor at the European University of the Atlantic.
- Dr. (c) Olga Muñoz. Master in Nutrition and Metabolism by the Universitat Rovira i Virgili. Degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from Ramon Llull-Blanquerna University.
- Dr. (c) Patricia Elena Garrido. Doctoral candidate in Food and Nutrition. Official Master's Degree in Food Safety from the University of Barcelona.
- Dr. (c) Thania Chio. Doctoral candidate in Education. Professor at the International Iberoamerican University and collaborating universities.
- Dr. (c) Josep Alemany. Josep Alemany Iturriaga. Doctoral candidate in Education. Extensive professional experience as a basketball coach. Professor of the Technical Committee of the Catalan Basketball Federation.
- Dr. (c) Leonardo de Jesús Hernández Cruz. Doctoral student in Education at the International Iberoamerican University. Master’s Degree in Physical Activity. Professor at the International University do Cuanza.
- Dr. (c) Martín Barcala Furelos. Doctoral student in Physical Activity, Physical Education, and Sports at the Pontifical University of Salamanca. Professor at the International Iberoamerican University.
- Dr. (c) Jesús Francisco García Gavilán. Doctoral candidate and Master's degree in Nutrition and Metabolism from the University Rovira i Virgili. PFIS Pre-doctoral scholarship in the Human Nutrition Unit of the Rovira i Virgili University.
- Mg. Laura Martín. Master in International Health and Cooperation, and Expert in Digital Health Communication and Marketing. Consultant/Auditor of Food Quality. Professor at the International Iberoamerican University.
- Mg. María Eugenia Delvaux. Master in Nutrition and International Dietetics. Professor at the International Iberoamerican University.
FUNIBER Training Scholarships
The Iberoamerican University Foundation (FUNIBER) allocates periodically an extraordinary economic item for FUNIBER Training Scholarships.
To apply, please fill out the information request form that appears in the web of FUNIBER or contact directly the Foundation’s headquarters in your country that will inform you if you need to provide some additional information.
Once the documentation is received, the Evaluation Committee will determine your application's eligibility for the FUNIBER Training Scholarship.