NuFS/HuP 163- Physical Fitness and Nutrition
Departments of Human Performance and Nutrition & Food Science
San Jose State University

ORAL PRESENTATION TOPICS

Below are suggested presentation topics. Student groups will be assigned one of the following:

NUTRITION TOPICS

• - Modified Fats and Fat Substitutes Developed by the Food Industry
• - Interventions and Treatment of Disordered Eating
• - Protein-Related Dietary Supplements and their Physiologic Effects on the Body
• - Pharmacological Agents Used for Weight Control
• - Physiological Consequences of Protein Deficiency and Protein Excess
• - Individual Needs for Vitamins and Minerals Based on Phase of Lifespan and Gender
• - Specific Nutritional Recommendations in Reducing the Risk of Chronic Diseases
• - Effects of Physical Activity on Nutritional Requirements for Men and Women

FITNESS TOPICS

• - Effects of Exercise on Aging and Disease Prevention
• - Individual Responses to Exercise Under Heat Stress and Cold Conditions
• - Short and Long Term Effects of Performance Enhancement Drugs and Ergogenic Aids
• - Factors Influencing Responses to Exercise Stress in Males And Females
• - Factors Affecting Children and Their Response to Physical Activity
• - The Impact of Exercise and Physical Activity on Diverse Populations
• - Physical Activity Modifications for Individuals with Disabilities
• - Direct and Indirect Assessment of Body Composition

NuFS/HuP 163- Physical Fitness and Nutrition

GUIDELINES FOR ORAL PRESENTATION

Using the assigned general topics, each group will be required to engage in a cooperative effort whereby each individual in the group will be allowed approximately 5 minutes to lead a discussion on a specific concept/issue related to the assigned topic. Each individual should take a different issue that can be discussed adequately in the time allotment. The nutrition and fitness issues can come from ideas from the appropriate chapters in each of the textbooks. However, the presentation should go beyond the scope of the textbook. Your instructor can assist you in determining topics for your presentation. Students are encouraged to pick current topics in nutrition and exercise and/or controversial issues. Please check with your instructor if there is any doubt regarding the appropriateness of your topic.

Preparation

To prepare for this presentation, each student is required to use at least three original research articles (primary references), but can also use textbooks for additional background and supportive material. The information from these articles must be incorporated into the presentation, and references must be cited during the presentation when they are used.

Presentation

• The presentation should include an evaluation (critique) of the research articles, including the purpose of the research, methodology, results, conclusions, limitations, and applications to the "real" world. Studies should be compared and contrasted, and students are encouraged to evaluate studies that vary in their findings. Students should be creative and use any or all of the following in their presentations: demonstrations, visual aides (such as overheads, charts, handouts), and other techniques to inform and interest the class. If you need University audio visual equipment, you must place your request at least 7 days before your presentation.
• Each student should prepare a question based on the material covered in his/her presentation. Questions will be posed to the other students and then discussed in class as a means of assessing the students' knowledge of the presented material. Material in these oral presentations will then be tested in class exams.

Paper

Each student must also provide a Summary Paper (typed) to the instructor prior to the presentation. The paper will be a summary of the presentation, including an introduction, critique of the research studies reviewed, conclusions, and applications. A complete reference list in American Psychological Association (APA) format must be included, and references need to be properly cited in the paper. This paper will be corrected by your instructor and returned to you. It will not be included in the grade, other than credit received (10 points) for completing and turning in at time of presentation. However, all required elements of the paper must be completed (introduction, critique of studies, conclusions and applications) to receive full credit. The written paper will serve as feedback of your writing skills and ability to critically analyze scientific research.

EVALUATION OF THE ORAL PRESENTATIONS

The instructors will evaluate the assignment based on the following criteria:

1. Adherence to time guidelines
2. Organization of presentation/preparedness
3. larity and evidence of understanding the material
4. Effectiveness of oral presentation (delivered without excessive reliance on notes)
5. riginality of material presented (not copied verbatim from references)
6. Adequate review of research articles
7. Ability to critically evaluate scientific research
8. Ability to define/demonstrate practical application of the material
9. Effective use of visual aids/ability to interest audience
10. Appropriateness of nutrition/fitness topic

This assignment is worth a total of 50 points and grades will be assigned as follows:

1. Up to 20 points for each individual contribution
2. Up to 20 points as a group grade (the group grade will be calculated as an average percentage of the sum of the individual grades)
3. 10 points for on-time submission of completed typed Summary Paper