Module SPRT1311: Introduction to Physical Activity, Diet and Health

Department: Sport and Exercise Sciences

SPRT1311: Introduction to Physical Activity, Diet and Health

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, diet, fitness and wellbeing;
• to provide students with an understanding of how lifestyle factors and environmental structures influence decisions for physical activity and diet;
• to provide students with an understanding of the current recommendations for appropriate levels of physical activity and dietary intake for health, as well as current prevalence data for physical activity and diet in the UK, and wider global trends;
• to provide students with an introduction to some of the challenges of measuring physical activity and diet 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, diet and health in the UK. It addresses definitions and classification systems of physical activity, and explores its epidemiological relationship to health, well-being and physical fitness through introduction to key non-communicable health states which can be modified by physical activity and also, where relevant, dietary change. The module also examines the current recommendations for physical activity and dietary intake and introduces students to some of the challenges of measuring both of these. 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 and diet.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module, the typical student will be able to:
• demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of how physical activity and diet relates to health, well-being and physical fitness;
• demonstrate an understanding of how lifestyle factors and environmental structures influence decisions for physical activity, inactivity and diet;
• demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the key theories, concepts and issues in physical activity, diet and health;
• demonstrate an understanding of some of the challenges of measuring physical activity and diet 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 and diet;
• 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, diet and health;
• interpret physical activity and dietary-related research;
• interpret current prevalence rates for physical activity, sedentary behaviour diet and health factors in specific populations of the UK.

• By the end of this module the typical student will be able to:
• employ basic research methodologies to analyse, evaluate and interpret data;
• demonstrate written communication skills;
• Actively contribute to a group-based assessment project.

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 and related areas. In term 2, seminars will engage students in preparatory tasks for summative 2;
• 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;
• a summative essay will allow students to critically consider current examples of national and local initiatives to promote and enhance physical activity levels;
• a group-based summative infographic will test the breadth and range of understanding of diet and associated health parameters.

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