Learning outcome

After successfully completing the course, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence.

Knowledge

The candidate:

• Can register and test physical fitness in various population groups
• Can critically assess the impact of various measures to increase physical activity levels in various population groups
• Can critically reflect on the relationship between physical activity and health, the importance of physical activity and exercise from a physiological, psychological/educational and sociological perspective, as well as critically reflect on their own role as instructor
• Is familiar with the effects of physical activity and the relationship between physical activity and health in children/young people, the elderly and pregnant women.

Skills

The candidate can:

• Plan, organize, implement and evaluate physical activity measures for different sectors of the population. This includes the general inactive adult population and patient populations with obesity, type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular disease and mental illness. In addition, he/she can plan, organize, implement and evaluate sessions for children/young people, the elderly and pregnant women

• Carry out simple diet records and provide elementary dietary advice related to physical activity and exercise
• Plan, organize, implement and evaluate personal training for different target groups in the population
• Critically reflect on their own role as instructor.

General competence

The candidate:

• Has knowledge of relevant professional and ethical issues
• Can convey key subject material, in writing and orally, to various audiences
• Can exchange views and experiences with other professionals, thereby contributing to the development of good practice in the field of physical activity and health.

Course Description

The course aims to increase the student’s knowledge, understanding and reflection in the field by developing the student’s understanding of various target groups in relation to physical activity and health, both practically and theoretically. The field of practical training constitutes the main focus, so most of the student’s work will be of a practical nature. He/she will gain the ability to use theoretical perspectives and reflect on the choices he/she makes in practical training. The contents of the course are the following:

• Training of groups with various health challenges, particularly heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, musculoskeletal disorders and mental disorders
• Training of the elderly
• Training of pregnant women
• Personal training
• Health profile assessment
• Registration of nutrition and diet recommendations

Teaching and Learning Methods

The main focus of the course is the acquisition of knowledge and competence in the field of practical training. The student’s experiences from practical training will be followed up by discussion seminars and joint tutorials, where these experiences will be presented to fellow students and teachers. The course also includes introductory seminars which will provide students with topics and themes that they can focus on during their practical training.

The practical training will include the following elements: 1) a minimum of 40 hours practical training in groups organized by Frisklivssentralen in Bo/Sauherad or the equivalent, 2) a minimum of 40 hours practical training focusing on personal training, and 3) a minimum of three consecutive weeks external practical training. The practical training and practical training seminar are mandatory, and there is a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at seminars and joint supervision sessions.

Assessment Methods

In order to be awarded a final passing mark for the course, the student must fulfil the following assessment critieria:

• Approved practical training
• Submission of a reflection paper
• Individual, oral presentation of a reflection paper, which carries a graded mark that counts for 100% of the final grade (spring semester)

All components must be receive passing marks in order to be awarded a final passing grade.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean