Module manager: Sarah Astill
Email: S.L.Astill@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
First year of a programme in SBMS, or equivalent
| BMSC2241 | Physical activity across the lifespan |
SPSC2242
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The module covers definitions of physical activity and recommendations for different populations by national (Chief Medical Office, UK) and Global health bodies (World Health Organisation). Students will learn about impact of the environment (space and communities) on physical activity and consider concepts such as cultural tailoring of physical activity and the ableist notion of physical activity. Examining the use of the growth of wearables and technology (e.g., Fitbits, Ora rings) we consider how to measure physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Finally, this module investigates how to design, and measure the impact of physical activity programmes for specific populations throughout the life and health span.
This module aims to cover the concept of physical activity and provide an understanding of key influencers on physical activity patterns and physical activity assessment. The module investigates and evaluates the effects of interventions to increase physical activity at the community/population level rather than the individual level.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Define and outline the concepts of physical activity / sedentary behaviour and understand how culture and environment impacts activity status.
2. Design, communicate and evaluate interventions to promote physical activity and decrease sedentary behaviour.
3. Understand complex concepts underpinning physical activity and appreciate research techniques (i.e., assessment methods) with reference to published scientific literature.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Managing knowledge: collecting, organising, analysing and interpreting data – application of IT skills.
2. Professional relationships: teamwork, cooperation, decision marking, learning from others and peer review.
3. Presentation skills: visual presentation of data and scientific academic writing.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-line Learning | 9 | 1 | 9 |
| Seminar | 8 | 2 | 16 |
| Tutorial | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Independent online learning hours | 4 | ||
| Private study hours | 168 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 28 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Short answer problem-solving exercises will be regularly delivered in seminars / workshop sessions with formative feedback.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation | Online presentation (30% group presentation, 50% individual written answer - 10-mins, c10 slides) | 80 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 80 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Online Time-Limited assessment | 2.0 Hrs Mins | 20 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 20 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 07/08/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team