Dr Ben Duncan

dr-ben-duncan

Course Leader for MSc Applied Sports Science and Lecturer (Teaching) in Sport and Exercise Science

Academics

Contact Details

email: benedict.duncan@worc.ac.uk
tel: 01905 542920

Room number: BN G005

Ben joined the University of Worcester in December 2016 after completing his BSc Honours degree in Sport and Exercise Science (2010) and being awarded his PhD at the University of Brighton (2017). Ben’s PhD entitled 'The metabolic effects of acute and prolonged hypoxia' examined the potential use of hypoxia (altitude) as a preventative and treatment tool for metabolic disorders, namely obesity.

Whilst studying for his doctorate Ben worked as a research assistant, technical instructor and visiting lecturer at the University of Brighton on the Sport and Exercise Science BSc and MSc courses. Ben also lectured at St Mary’s University, Twickenham on the Health and Exercise Science course and at Sussex Downs College on a range of Foundation degree courses.

Ben has a particular interest in environmental physiology and endurance performance and has provided support to a variety of athletes. Support for individuals undertaking ultra-challenges including the North Pole marathon, the Marathon de Sables and the Jungle Marathon were of particular interest, as was working with endurance athletes from Sussex County England Athletics and power athletes in the sports of Team Gym and British Bobsleigh.

Outside of work Ben enjoys distance running and following AFC Wimbledon.

Qualifications:

  • PhD - The metabolic effects of acute and prolonged hypoxia, University of Brighton (2017)
  • BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science, University of Brighton (2010)

Teaching & Research

Current Teaching:

Level 4 (1st Year Undergraduate)

  • Introduction to the Scientific Study of Sport
  • Physical Activity, Exercise and Health

Level 5 (2nd Year Undergraduate)

  • Scientific Analysis of Sport Coaching
  • Scientific Underpinnings of Physical Activity, Exercise and Health

Level 6 (3rd Year Undergraduate)

  • Physiological Support of the Elite Athlete
  • Physical Activity in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease
  • Independent Study

Level 7 (MSc) Applied Sport Science

  • Enhancing Human Performance
  • Applied Sport Science Research Project

Research Interests:

The impact of environmental extremes on metabolic parameters.

The regulation of energy balance and the impact of appetite and taste.

Factors affecting endurance performance.

PhD Project Ideas

Professional Bodies

BASES member

Publications

Academic Publications:

Gibson, O.R., Richardson, A.J., Hayes, M., Duncan, B. and Maxwell, N.S. (2014) Prediction of physiological responses and performance at altitude using the 6MWT in normoxia and hypoxia. Wilderness and Environmental Medicine.

Richardson, A.J., Maxwell, N.S., Hayes, M., Gibson, O.R. and Duncan, B. (2014) Learning Through Adventure. The Sport and Exercise Scientist. 41, 18-19.

Conference Proceedings:

Duncan, B., Richardson, A.J. and Watt, P.W. (2015) Metabolic responses to acute hypoxia and moderate intensity normoxic exercise in humans. In. European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Malmö, Sweden 24th 27th June 2015.

Duncan, B., Richardson, A.J. and Watt, P.W. (2014) An 18 day sojourn to 3,400m alters body mass, energy expenditure, fuel utilisation and taste sensation in healthy human participants. In. Birmingham Medical Research Expeditionary Society (BMRES) Altitude Research Conference, 22nd November.

Duncan, B., Richardson, A.J. and Watt, P.W. (2012) Effect of hypoxic exposure and physical activity on fat metabolism, body composition and weight loss in humans. In. Chelsea School Exhibition, University of Brighton, May 2012.

Duncan, B., Richardson, A.J. and Watt, P.W. (2011) The Chair Lift to Weight Loss The effect of hypoxic physiology on weight loss in overweight and obese populations. In. University of Brighton Research Poster Competition, April 2011.

Duncan, B. and Richardson, A.J. (2010). The effect of intermittent hypoxic exposure and hydration status on a self-paced 3,000m time trial. In. British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) student conference, Aberystwyth University 2010.