Psychology of Physical Activity, Health and Performance, 7.5 Credits

Contents

In this course, a variety of aspects of physical activity, and health psychology theories, concepts and models are discussed in relation to individual health, physical activity behavior and performance.  The course explores both the link between physical activity, performance and mental health as well as explores exercise as a means of preventing and managing mental health problems. Furthermore, the course deals with underpinning psychological issues and illnesses (i.e., depression, anxiety, eating disorders) that shape an individual's decision making in relation to physical activity participation within different population groups. The course also deals with identifying abnormal signs and symptoms during exercise training (e.g., over training/burnout, body dysmorphia) as well as the psychological barriers (e.g., motivation) to exercise compliance. Moreover, the course deals with identifying, handling and interpretating psychological assessment tools of individuals psychological health status (e.g., depression, anxiety, mood). The course content is presented in a format that promotes students' use of material to explain and interpret approaches to basic research methods and interventions. The course is delivered and assessed in English.

Expected learning outcomes

After completion of the course, the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
*    of central theories within physical activity and health including links between physical activity and mental health, for optimizing exercise participation, as well as sport performance
*    of psychological issues with acute and chronic illness and of clinical populations
*    of the psychological barriers to exercise compliance
*    of abnormal psychological symptoms during exercise training
*    of validated tools for measurement of psychological health status

Skills and ability
*      to interpret and explain physical activity and health psychology concepts in relation to exercise
  participation and performance across populations (including clinical populations)
*    to identify psychological barriers to exercise participation as well as offer strategies to overcome them
*    to identify identifying abnormal psychological symptoms of exercise training
*    in handling and interpreting psychological assessment tools
*    to communicate about physical activity, health and performance psychology in English.

Evaluation ability and approach
*    Critically review, interpret, and explain exercise and health psychology methods and literature
*    Summarize and discuss physical activity and health behaviors in consideration of different populations (e.g., non-clinical vs clinical population)

Required Knowledge

Form of instruction

The pedagogical approach to the course aims to promote students' active learning through the use of lectures (some will be online), seminars, practical activities, group work, and peer learning. The teaching iwill be based on campus or online. However, teaching resources are provided online and some aspects of communication will be exchanged via an Internet based course platform. This requires specific demands on technical equipment and individuals' IT competence.

The right to receive teaching and supervision applies only during the time the course, for which the student is registered to, is ongoing. The course is given in English.

Examination modes

Both written and oral examination will occur. Examination will be performed both individually and in groups.

Individually
*    Knowledge and understanding are examined by a written exam.
*    Skills and abilities, evaluation ability and approach are examined in workshops.

In groups
*    Skills, ability, evaluation ability, and approach are examined by a written group report and by oral presentation in groups.

Workshops and oral presentations can be held digitally.

Supplementary re-examination is individually adjusted based on the goal or goals that the student has not reached and takes place at the earliest two weeks after the students have received their results and at the latest two months after the regular examination. Only students who have not received a passing grade are eligible to make revisions in order to pass the exam. Revisions are not allowed for those who have already received a passing grade.

Examining elements are indicated in the schedule. All existing teaching within the course can be subject for examination. Decisions on any deviations from the current form of assessment will be made by concerned Director of studies.

Grade for the course / each module of the course will be assigned when the written test / tests and all mandatory elements are approved. The possible grades are 'Pass with distinction',' Pass' or 'Fail'. Students are entitled to retake the same examination five times. Students who do not pass the regular examination should be provided an opportunity for further examination according to the University's "Regulations for tests and examinations at the undergraduate and graduate levels." A student who has failed two tests for a course or a part of a course, is entitled to have another examiner appointed, unless there are specific reasons against it (HF 6 Chap. 22 §). Requests for new examiners are made to the head of the department of Psychology. Students have the right to be tested on the same curriculum as the regular examination at least two occasions up to two years after the first registration.

Deviations from the form of examination in the syllabus can be made for a student who has pedagogical support due to disabilities. Individual adjustments of the examination form is determined based on the student's needs. The examination form is adjusted within the framework of the expected learning outcomes of the syllabus. After a request from the student the study counselor shall, in consultation with the course coordinator and examiner, promptly decide on the adjusted form of examination. The decision is then to be announced to the student.