Physical Inactivity, Health and Chronic Disease

Code

LIFE3104

School

Life Sciences

Level

3

Credits

10

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

This optional module will provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour, and its relation to health and chronic disease with particular focus on -

- Protocols and measurement of physical inactivity, physical activity and sedentary behaviours.
- Epidemiological understanding of associations between physical inactivity and cardiometabolic health and chronic disease. With specific focus on evidence-based practice and preventative healthcare.
- Mechanistic understanding of the effects of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour on neuromuscular function, muscle atrophy and insulin sensitivity, and the progression to chronic disease. 
- Consideration of the epidemiological associations between physical activity dose and health benefits from large scale population studies.

Target Students

BSc Hons Sport and Exercise Science U6USPEXS (C600) students only.

Classes

This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc

Assessment

• 100% Presentation 1: In class poster presentation (15 minutes).

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

A student who completes this module will be expected to be able to:

Define physical inactivity, with specific reference to sedentary behaviour, and the various research protocols and methods available.
 

Identify epidemiological associations between physical inactivity, markers of health and chronic disease progression and mortality rates in humans.
 

Acquire mechanistic understanding of the negative effects of physical inactivity on physiological homeostasis in humans (neuromuscular, muscle atrophy and metabolic homeostasis).
 

Understand the association between physical inactivity and chronic disease progression in humans and the mechanisms involved.
 

Critically appraise research related to physical inactivity and health.
 

Manage their own learning and use primary sources of knowledge to access and understand literature at the forefront of current research.
 

To devise and sustain arguments using ideas and information at the forefront of physical activity and health research.
 

Acquire information systematically, process it effectively and draw appropriate conclusions.
 

To apply accurately subject-specific techniques of analysis and enquiry.
 

Demonstrate numeracy and written and oral communication skills, including writing and constructing scientific documents (e.g.) research reports) using appropriate styles, conventions and terminology and making oral presentations on scientific topics.

Conveners

• Mr Matthew Jacques
• Professor Paul Greenhaff