MA531 Psychology of Exercise and Physical Activity (Autumn 2023)

Introduction

This course offers an in-depth in psychology of exercise and physical activity, leading to an understanding of antecedents, experiences and outcomes of such activities. Topics include aspects such as motivation, behavior change, and physical and mental health. Different subgroups are also covered, such as children, adults and elderly. This course is particularly relevant for those who aim to work in exercise, physical activity and health settings.

 

English is the primary language of the course, however those students who wish can complete the assignments and the exam in Norwegian.

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course, students should be able to

 

• reflect critically on potential antecedents, barriers and outcomes of exercise and physical activity

• explain and apply models of behavior change in relation to exercise and physical activity behavior

• design and evaluate programs design to facilitate exercise and physical activity behavior in specific subgroups

• communicate scientific knowledge on topics related to exercise and physical activity

Learning methods and activities

Three-week intensive course

 

• Preparation for lectures

• Active participation in lectures and seminars (with a lecturer present)

• Student presentations

 

The students are expected to participate actively and sufficiently in the classes and forfeit the right to take the final examination (see below) if the group assignments are deemed unsatisfactory.

Work requirements

Mandatory group assignment; group presentation, must be approved before final examination.

Assessment/exam

An individually written literature review based on the curriculum. Graded A-F.

Core literature

As we are in a transition phase between two systems, we refer to the Study Handbook 2023-2024 for literature for courses in the 2023-2024 academic year: https://www.nih.no/studier/program-og-emneplan-arkiv/2023-2024/.