Postgraduate Course: Psychology of Physical Activity (SPRT11002)
Course Outline
| School | Moray House School of Education |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Course type | Standard |
Availability | Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Credits | 20 |
| Home subject area | Sport |
Other subject area | None |
| Course website |
None |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
| Course description | This course will focus on the psychological determinants and consequences of physical activity. Specifically, the course will draw from current psychological theory and critically examine its contribution to understanding physical activity behaviour. Additionally, the course will consider the relationship between physical activity and mental health. Lecture material will be supplemented with practical activities and seminars. |
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
| Additional Costs | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? | No |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course students will be able to:
1.Explain and evaluate the psychological determinants for participation and non-participation in physical activity and how critically evaluate how these relate to an ecological model of physical activity behaviour
2.Demonstrate understanding of the consequences of physical activity on psychological health
3.Examine how psychology is related to current public health physical activity agendas
4.Reflect on how knowledge acquired relates to own personal and work experiences
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Assessment Information
Total mark for the course will be a weighted average of the two assessments.
Task 1 (25%) - Critical appraisal of relevant research paper (1000 words)
Task 2 (75%) - Critical essay (3000 words). For example; Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of current research examining the relationship between physical activity and depression. |
Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
It is likely that the syllabus will be:
Week 1 - Introduction and understanding psychological perspectives to physical activity
Week 2 - Theoretical perspectives on physical activity: Competence based theories
Week 3 - Theoretical perspectives on physical activity: Self-determination theory
Week 4 - Theoretical perspectives on physical activity: The Transtheoretical model
Week 5 - The role of the social environment on physical activity
Week 6 - Using theory to enhance practice(exercise consultations/motivational interviewing)
Week 7 - Physical activity and mental health: Depression
Week 8 - Physical activity and mental health: Body image
Week 9 - Physical activity and mental health: The problem with exercise
Week 10 - Review and tutorials on essay
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| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Key references for this course include:
Biddle, S. J. H., & Mutrie, N. (2008). Psychology of physical activity. London: Routledge
Roberts, G. C., & Treasure, D. C. (Eds) (2012). Advances in motivation in sport and exercise. (3rd ed). Champaign, Il: Human Kinetics,
Faulkner, G. & Taylor, A. (2005). Exercise, health and mental health: Emerging relationships, London: Routledge.
Specific readings from various journals including Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Journal of Physical Activity and Health, Preventive Medicine
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| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords | physical activity, psychology, exercise, mental health |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Ailsa Niven
Tel: (0131 6)51 6679
Email: ailsa.niven@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | |
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