Psychology of Exercise Physical Activity and Health

Before taking this module it is advised that you should have passed:
? Psychology of Sport (SPS9B4)
? or Psychology of Sport (SPSU9B4)

Prohibited Combinations
You may not take this module if you have previously passed:
? Psychology of Exercise Physical Activity and Health (SPS9F6)

Module Description
This is a core module for Sport and Exercise Science students to take in semester 6. It is an option module for Sports Studies students which can be taken in semester 6 or semester 8. It is recommended that Sports Studies students registering for this module will have completed SPSU9C5.
This module explores the relationship between physical activity (and inactivity), sedentary behaviour and mental health, the correlates of physical activity and sedentary behaviour, theoretical models to explain physical activity and sedentary behaviour, interventions to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour, and an overview of the Scottish National Strategy for physical activity.

Module Objectives
The module Psychology of Exercise, Physical Activity and Health is concerned with the impact of physical activity and sedentary behaviour on health. The objectives for this module are fourfold:
(1) to provide an overview of the role of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in public health, with a particular focus on mental health outcomes.
(2) to introduce key theoretical models and factors that influence physical activity and sedentary behaviour and examine how these could be used in efforts to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour.
(3) to examine intervention design and the evidence for the effectiveness of physical activity and sedentary behaviour interventions.
(4) to introduce key policy documents that underpin Scotland?s response to the physical activity issue.
Details of Learning and Teaching Activities
Delivery of this module will consist of a mixture of lectures, seminars and 1-to-1 feedback/guidance sessions.
Core Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module you should be able to:
? Describe the patterns of physical activity participation in Scotland and elsewhere in a range of population groups.
? Explain and critically appraise the key theoretical models and factors used to understand physical activity and sedentary behaviour and apply these models to the promotion of physical activity and reduction of sedentary behaviour.
? Describe and evaluate interventions to promote physical activity in a range of populations and settings.
? Discuss critically the evidence for the effect of exercise/physical activity on mental health and the possible mechanisms for the effect.
? Explain key government policies related to physical activity.

Introductory Reading and Preparatory Work
British Heart Foundation (2013). Making the case for physical activity. Available at:www.bhfactive.org.uk
The Department of Health (2011). Start active, stay active: A report on physical activity for health from the four home countries? chief medical officers. London,England: The Department of Health; Available at :www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_128209

Delivery
Total Study Time 200 hours
Scheduled Learning & Teaching 27 hours: lectures, seminars, practical classes and workshops, external visits, scheduled on-line discussions or similar
Guided Independent Study 173 hours: both directed learning undertaken in student's own time, and their own self-directed study for assessment
Placements 0 hours
Fieldwork 0 hours

Attendance Requirements
Attendance at all lectures and seminars is expected. All seminars are ?prescribed classes? as they are designed to fulfil specific learning outcomes and general transferable skills. In exceptional circumstances students are allowed to miss up to one third of prescribed classes. In such cases students are required to self-certify their absence for any issue lasting up to 7 days. Students can access the Self-certification form via the portal and should submit this within 5 days of returning to the University. Should the issue last longer, independent evidence (e.g. a medical certificate) will be required. Any student who misses more than one third of prescribed classes will have their module mark capped at 40% regardless of the circumstances.
Assessment
Assessment will consist of 2 pieces of coursework:
? 1 online MCQ;
? 1 Powerpoint presentation (not presented but submitted as a written piece with notes pages);
and an end of module examination.
All assessment on the module is compulsory.
Coursework 50%
Examination 50%
Practical 0%