This module is aimed principally at students who wish to take up a career in the exercise/health/fitness sector. Students will critically explore exercise-related and nutritional factors that are relevant to a more sedentary individual (client), who may also have specific exercise, health and dietary needs. Practice will focus on the prior establishment of client medical, dietary and exercise history, measurement of health, fitness and diet, and exercise and dietary prescription and advice. Students will learn how to apply theoretical knowledge of exercise prescription and diet, and to be critical of recommendations, through analysis of the literature. Students will be given the opportunity to develop their professional and employment-related skills and competencies that are required when dealing with individuals in a healthcare context. They will be encouraged to develop and reflect on these skills through mock practice sessions.

Contact Hours: (32)
10 x 1 hour tutor-led lecture programme
9 x 2 hour tutor-led laboratory sessions
2 x 2 hour student-led laboratory session

Independent Study Hours: (118)
30 hours of background reading for lectures and student-led seminars
30 hours researching for their project
6 hours in 1-to-1 contact with their client
25 hours preparing for their assignment
27 Hours writing up their assignment

Appropriately-equipped lecture room
Appropriately-equipped laboratory
Appropriate technical support
Appropriate IT with contemporary software packages and support, including dietary analysis software
Internet access sufficient to access blackboard

ACSM (2009). Guidelines for exercise testing and prescription. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins.
Bouchard, C., Blair, S. N., & Haskell, W. L. (Eds.) (2007). Physical activity and health. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Maud, P. J., & Foster, C. F. (2006) Physiological assessment of human fitness (2nd ed). Human Kinetics.

This module will be assessed by a 3000-word written report worth 100% of the mark, and assessing learning outcomes 1 to 3.

The report will involve students planning, designing and carrying out a battery of tests to monitor the health, fitness and diet of a client, who wishes to improve their lifestyle. The client will receive a written report of their results as well as advice on how they could improve aspects of their health, fitness and diet. Students will also be required to produce a scientific report to support their comments, including a section on an aspect of health which is pertinent to the client, and a critical reflection of their performance during the testing process.

Additional Assessment Details (including formative feedback / assessment:
Role play and case studies in seminars and labs will be used to allow students to practice key skills in data collection, planning and designing test battery, professional conduct, and report writing. Feedback will be provided via group or 1-to1 discussion.