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This course will focus on physical activity as a health issue to enable students to extend their understanding of health and wellbeing issues. The connection between the health of the population and levels of physical activity has been a topic of intense discussion and research over the past two decades. Students undertaking this course will develop an understanding of a range of issues related to the connection between health and physical activity levels of the population. Students will explore information on the prevalence of obesity and other chronic conditions across the lifespan and how this has a significant impact on the health status of the population. Students undertaking this course will appreciate how professionals in areas of health, fitness and sport have challenges and responsibilities in addressing the issue. Because of the importance of being proactive students in this course will complete activities associated with designing and evaluating population level interventions – based on best practice – in order to increase physical activity levels and reduce sedentary behaviour of the population across the lifespan (including for those people with special needs such as disability and chronic disease).

This course outlines contemporary thinking with regard to health promotion, particularly as it relates to the levels of physical activity of the population. The course will examine a range of health programs and agencies, including the importance of using theoretical frameworks, behaviour change theory and partnerships when planning population level physical activity programs. Physical activity levels across the lifespan and within special populations will be presented and interventions to improve health and fitness (and associated psychological aspects) will be examined. Research and other information from other areas of health, sport and exercise will be outlined and related to the course as a way of improving the health status of the population.

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1. Describe the broad structure of the Australian health system and the roles of Exercise Scientists.
2. Explain the role of sedentary behaviour and physical activity in the aetiology, prevention and management of chronic conditions, mental health and disability.
3. Describe the potential impact of public policy on promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour in diverse populations and identify agencies involved in the promotion of physical activity and identify potential partners to assist with this promotion.
4. Apply and evaluate population-level recommendations and Australian guidelines for optimising physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour across the lifespan.
5. Relate the benefits and risks of physical activity and apply evidence-based principles to recommend appropriate levels of physical activity for diverse populations.
6. Identify and assess populations at risk of insufficient physical activity or sedentary behaviour to inform development of appropriate recommendations and/or interventions.