None

Access to an appropriately specified PC, with accompanying Word, PowerPoint, Adobe and Java software.

Hardman E, Stensel D.J (2009) Physical activity and health: the evidence explained 2nd Edtion. Routledge.
Exercise physiology in special populations.Ed. Buckley J.P). Elsevier Press, 2008.

Students will follow a twelve week guided study programme and access support material via Blackboard. Students will be required to access additional support material independently. Core required tasks will amount to an average of 8 hours of engagement per week, representing a total of 96 activity engagement hours for the module.

The number of independent study hours is 204, representing a combination of further and additional reading and a series of optional tasks (96 hours) and specific preparation for the module assignments (108 hours).

This module will adopt a collaborative approach to learning where, via a series of on-line discussions (that will form part of the assessment process) students will demonstrate their developing understanding of often different and divergent approaches to the control and coordination of sport related skill.

Central to this approach will be a series of on-line debates or discussion issues that will arise out of the `Activities' and accompanying 'Tasks' undertaken within the module. Students will be required to initially outline, defend and subsequently reflect on a position or viewpoint offered, that will be critically commented on by fellow students.

A single assignment length 4500 words weighted at 100% that will assess all LO's

Students will be required to complete a single piece of summative assessment from a choice of 2: either;

Produce a position statement from a UK perspective of the benefits of physical activity for one of the following;
a) Atherosclerosis and blood lipid profile
b) Mechanobiology and bone mineral content
c) Blood glucose control and insulin sensitivity
d) Guidelines for physical activity in children

Or

Critically discuss the statement that the Government spend in `physical activity is the best buy in public health'

Students will receive formative feedback throughout the module comprising of a combination of task related feedback and also comments directed through discussion boards during the course of the delivery of the module.

This module will present a broad overview of the scientific evidence of the health benefits of physical activity. The anthropological and biological implications for a sedentary lifestyle are briefly reviewed. The historical background and some of the main concepts of epidemiology in relation to physical activity will be illustrated using landmark research studies. The cause-effect relationship between physical inactivity, disease, mortality and quality of life will be presented. The role of physical activity in the primary prevention and treatment (secondary prevention) of the following chronic diseases will be presented: cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders (obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance syndrome), osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.