Performance Enhancing Drugs, Nutritional Supplementation and Athletic Performance

This course examines the science behind many of the commercially available ergogenic aids in today's society, including: caffeine, protein supplements, fat burning supplements, creatine, and sodium bicarbonate. Students will also explore the scientific aspects of illegal performance enhancing drugs (PED) used by both amateur and professional athletes, musicians, and surgeons, including: Amphetamines, Steroids, Growth Hormone, IGF-1, Beta-blockers, and Erythropoeitin (EPO). Students in this course will investigate the mechanisms by which PED and Nutritional Supplements deliver their effects, and the detrimental side effects of improper or prolonged usage.