EXSS3080
10 units
3000 level
Course handbook
Description
The decline in physical activity is having an adverse effect on health in many populations globally, and much of the decline has a behavioural cause. Successful interventions that improve physical activity and address sedentary behaviours are built on an understanding of the Australian health care system, recommendations and guidelines for diverse populations, health determinants and evidence-based behaviour change strategies. This course will cover the key psychological theory as well as explore the tools and strategies that underpin successful interventions aimed at improving physical activity behaviours and health outcomes. Further, this course will provide an understanding of the Australian health care system and policies around physical activity and health and explore the impact of poor physical activity behaviours. The course will expand upon past interventions targeted at improving physical activity behaviours for review and critique. By the end of the course, students will be able to use psychological skills to assess, evaluate and recommend population-level interventions based on evidence-based principles aimed at improving physical activity behaviours across the lifespan.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Ourimbah
- Semester 1 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Explain the role of sedentary behaviours and physical activity in the aetiology, prevention and management of lifestyle-related chronic diseases, mental health and disability (ESSA 12.2.1 & 13.2.2);
2. Describe the potential impact of public policy on promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour in diverse populations and identify agencies/potential partners to assist with this promotion (ESSA 12.2.2 & 12.2.3);
3. Identify, evaluate and apply population-level recommendations and Australian guidelines for optimising physical activity in diverse populations and reducing sedentary behaviour across the lifespan (ESSA 12.2.4);
4. Identify and assess populations at risk of insufficient physical activity or sedentary behaviour and develop evidence-based population interventions that employ appropriate behaviour change strategies (ESSA 12.2.5 & 12.2.6).
5. Describe common social determinants of health and analyse factors that influence physical activity and exercise adherence (ESSA 13.2.1 & 13.2.4);
6. Demonstrate effective communication skills for clients from diverse populations and provide tailored strategies to change their health and physical activity behaviours (ESSA 13.2.5 & 13.2.6).
Content
- Structure and public policies of the Australian health care system
- Guidelines and recommendations for physical activity for diverse populations
- Health impacts of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in relation to prevention and management of chronic conditions, mental health and disability
- Determinants of health and how they impact behaviour change across the lifespan
- Evidence-based population-level recommendations and interventions to address insufficient levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviours
Assumed knowledge
EXSS2030
Assessment items
Online Learning Activity: Online quizzes
Written Assignment: Physical activity intervention proposal
Presentation: Physical activity intervention presentation
Formal Examination: Formal exam
Contact hours
Semester 1 - 2024 - Ourimbah
Online Activity-1
- Online 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Workshop-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
- Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.
Course outline
Course outline not yet available.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.