Psychosocial Aspects of Health and Physical Activity

Unit code: SPE3100 | Study level: Undergraduate
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Footscray Park
N/A
Overview
Enquire

Overview

This unit explores the range of psychosocial influences on health, physical activity, sport and exercise contexts in contemporary society. Students will examine sociological, historical, and psychological concepts that influence health and physical activity including interactions of personal, social and environmental factors. Topics include the relationship between health and physical activity, psychosocial and health benefits of physical activity participation, physical activity across the lifespan, theories of physical activity participation, physical activity and health promotion interventions and initiatives, inclusiveness and diversity in physical activity, methods of assessing physical activity and sedentary behaviour, national physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines, and the role of organisations in promoting physical activity and health. Understanding is developed through researching, analysing, applying contemporary practices in health and movement fields. Students will gain authentic practical experience of recreational and lifelong physical activities underpinning delivery of movement experiences and engagement in health and physical activity such as aquatics, challenge and adventure activities, minor games and modified sports. The unit will enable students to implement psychosocial understandings of lifelong health and participation in physical activity into practice within physical education and exercise and sport science.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Critically evaluate the influence of psychosocial factors on health, physical activity, sport and exercise contexts in contemporary society;
  2. Use theoretical knowledge and practical skills to critique health and physical activity promotion initiatives and the assessment of physical activity and sedentary behaviour;
  3. Identify and describe how personal, social and environmental contexts shape and provide opportunities for health and physical activity behaviours;
  4. Contextualise the importance of participation in recreational and lifelong physical activities as movement experiences in promoting engagement in health and physical activity; and
  5. Plan, prepare and participate in appropriate, safe and inclusive movement experiences to support lifelong health and physical activity participation.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Journal
|
Grade: 20%
Workbook
Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 50%
Evidence-based group report and presentation
Assessment type: Assignment
|
Grade: 30%
Inquiry Project

Required reading

Selected readings will be made available via the unit VU Collaborate site.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

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