Module SPRT1311: Introduction to Physical Activity

Department: Applied Social Sciences (Sport)

SPRT1311: Introduction to Physical Activity

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• to introduce the students to the definitions, terminology and classification systems of physical activity, physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour, health, fitness and wellbeing;
• to provide students with an understanding of how lifestyle factors and environmental structures influence decisions for physical activity;
• to provide students with an understanding of the current recommendations for appropriate levels of physical activity for health, as well as current prevalence data for physical activity in the UK, and wider global trends;
• to provide students with an introduction to some of the challenges of measuring physical activity in light of government recommendations and policy;
• to introduce students to key theories and a research evidence base in physical activity.

Content

• This module provides students with an introduction to the key theories, debates and issues for physical activity in the UK. It addresses definitions and classification systems of physical activity, and explores its relationship to health, well-being and physical fitness. The module also examines the current recommendations for physical activity and introduces students to some of the challenges of measuring physical activity. The module provides an introduction to the key issues in health-related and disease management aspects of physical activity, discusses some of the challenges for promoting and increasing physical activity among hard to reach population groups. The module also introduces students to some of the issues and challenges of adapted physical activity for people with disabilities. Physical activity and health promoting campaigns and initiatives targeted at different population groups will also be addressed. Finally, the module will introduce students to a research and theoretical evidence base in physical activity.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module, the typical student will be able to:
• demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of how physical activity relates to health, well-being and physical fitness;
• demonstrate an understanding of how lifestyle factors and environmental structures influence decisions for physical activity (and inactivity);
• demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the key theories, concepts and issues in physical activity;
• demonstrate an understanding of some of the challenges of measuring physical activity in light of government recommendations.

• By the end of this module, the typical student will be able to:
• reflect upon the definition and measurement of physical activity;
• reflect upon the issues of interpreting different recommended levels of physical activity, and using these to inform advice to patients and communities;
• apply theories and perspectives to the study of physical activity;
• interpret physical activity related research;
• interpret current prevalence rates for both physical activity and sedentary behaviour in specific target populations of the UK.

• By the end of this module students will be able to:
• employ basic research methodologies to analyse, evaluate and interpret data;
• demonstrate written communications skills;

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures, seminars/workshops, independent study, assessed coursework and examinations.
• Lectures will introduce students to the basic concepts and key theories underpinning physical activity;
• building on the material delivered in the lectures, seminars / workshops will include small group activities where students will discuss the theories, concepts, current issues and empirical research in physical activity;
• independent study: in addition to timetabled contact, students will be required to invest time in directed reading, research activities, seminar preparation and study tasks;
• a formative essay will allow students to research, analyse and interpret current physical activity prevalence data in the UK;
• a summative essay will allow students to critically consider current examples of national and local initiatives to promote and enhance physical activity levels at a community level;
• a summative exam will test the breadth and range of understanding and application of the learning outcomes for this module.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Compulsory 1,000 word assignment.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University