Celebrating Physiology Week at BCU: Exploring the physiological demands on elite athletes

To celebrate Physiology Week 2026, we are running a special workshop for BTEC Sport Science students which explores the physiological challenges faced by athletes competing at the highest level. Students will investigate how environmental factors such as heat, altitude and humidity impact performance, and how athletes adapt to competing in demanding conditions.

The workshop will explore the varying physiological demands of different sports, with a focus on exercise intensity and duration across both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Students will gain insight into the increasing pace and intensity of modern sport, examining how athletes push the limits of human performance.

A key feature of the session is the opportunity to experience our specialist environmental chamber, providing a practical demonstration of how changing environmental conditions affect the body during exercise.

Students will:

• Explore the effects of heat, altitude and humidity on athletic performance.
• Examine aerobic and anaerobic energy systems in sport.
• Understand how exercise duration and intensity influence physiological responses.
• Investigate the physical demands of modern elite sport.
• Gain hands-on experience through an interactive environmental chamber demonstration.

This free workshop provides an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their understanding of applied sport and exercise science while experiencing industry-standard facilities and equipment.

Perfect for BTEC Sport Science groups looking to deepen their understanding of physiological performance in a practical and engaging learning environment.