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 has/can:

• Broad knowledge of the relationship between physical activity and health in the general population, and in selected groups in relation to obesity, type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular disease and mental illness
• Give an account of current recommendations for various types of physical activity, and their effect on the general population and the groups mentioned above.

Skills

The candidate can:

• Plan, organize and conduct training sessions for people from the general population and for patients with obesity, type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular disease and mental illness
• Reflect on their role as instructor, and is able to make adjustments to this role after guidance.

General competence

The candidate has/can:

• Through practical training, gained insight into relevant professional and ethical issues
• Plan and carry out various tasks related to the practical training field of physical activity and health.

Course Description

The course focuses mainly on practical training, but also includes theoretical lectures/seminars. It alternates between student-led and teacher-led instruction. Students will acquire a broad knowledge of training methods and principles, exercises, techniques, and how to adapt physical activity for various groups. In the practical training sessions, emphasis will be given to functional training, analysis of movements, appropriate use of training and test equipment, communication, organization and planning.

Students may take their internships at, for example, health centres, fitness centres, hospitals, sports kindergartens, community mental health centres and rehabilitation centres.

• Planning and implementation of training that is specifically aimed at various target groups and/or lifestyle diseases
• Functional training for groups under rehabilitation/retraining
• Adapting training methods to increase endurance and strength among various target groups
• Use of key physical, physiological and anthropometric tests

Teaching and Learning Methods

Teaching methods vary between lectures, practical training sessions that are teacher-directed/student-directed, and practical training in internships. Students must fulfil an 80% attendance requirement before they will be permitted to take the course examination. The internship consists of (1) eight hours observation and mediation practice in the community, (2) two consecutive weeks in January with external observation and mediation practice with full working days, and (3) mediation practice for events for selected audiences. The student is responsible for finding an internship position. The course includes up to four day visits to relevant institutions during the academic year (students are required to attend and participate in at least three of these).

Assessment Methods

• Individual practical-methodical examination in the spring semester, followed by an oral examination in which students will be examined in relation to completed sessions and the course syllabus; the grade counts for 100% of the final grade.
• Students must fulfil an attendance requirement of at least 80% active participation before they will be permitted to take the practical and methodological examination. The attendance requirement for students who are enrolled on the course under special arrangements will depend on separate agreements.
• The internship and report must be approved before the student will be permitted to participate in the final assessment in the spring semester.

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