Module manager: Dr Alison Divine
Email: a.divine@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
A suitable background in human biology/physiology to level 4 standard is required as well as some background understanding of concepts in psychology to A level PE/psychology standard or completion of a course in psychology at level 4
SPSC3318 - Exercise and Psychological Health SPSC3326 - Exercise Prescription in Health and Disease
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module explores the relationship between psychological health and clinical exercise prescription. Semester 1 will examine the general principles of clinical and performance exercise testing, health screening, and exercise prescription in the context of sport, health and disease. You will focus on the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of disease as well as limitations in athletic performance. You will evaluate contemporary guidelines regarding practical deployment of exercise prescription to target specific populations including endurance and power athletes as well as cases such as heart failure, the elderly and those with respiratory dysfunction. Semester 2 will include learning about the theoretical models underpinning behaviour change and considers the different contexts in which exercise can either promote or have maladaptive consequences for psychological health. Exercise adherence will also be covered, which is critical for maintaining health and well-being across the lifespan as well as success of performance training plans.
The aim is to equip students with the skills to prescribe exercise of a suitable modality and intensity to effect optimal responses in terms of improving performance or promotion of health. Students will become familiar with standard guidelines for exercise prescription as well as the key considerations to ensure safety of those undertaking the exercise programmes. Students will also learn key approaches to help ensure adherence and promote behaviour change to ensure exercise prescriptions are effective.
A series of case studies incorporating clinical and performance cases will be used to outline how the background of the individual and any pathophysiological constraints dictate appropriateness of different exercise prescription. Students will design their own exercise prescription based on a case study to gain practical experience. Lectures and workshops exploring aspects such as needs analyses and exercise promotion will equip students with skills to instigate and ensure effectiveness of any exercise prescription.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Discuss the mechanisms underpinning how exercise is used as a non-pharmacological intervention to promote physical and psychological health and well-being
2. Critically evaluate data to develop a justified exercise prescription for a specific individual appropriate to their needs and functional capacity.
3. Explain and employ the key theoretical models underpinning behaviour change and how to develop and apply behaviour change interventions to influence exercise behaviour.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
S1. Critical thinking as demonstrated by evaluation of data and evidence to support development of an appropriate exercise prescription as well as in explaining the basis for the use of exercise.
S2. Academic public-facing communication in producing a clear and justified prescription for an individual that could be followed in a clinical, health or sporting environment.
S3. Literature searching and use to identify key mechanisms and justification underlying suitable exercise for specific individuals.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Practical | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Seminar | 8 | 2 | 16 |
| Independent online learning hours | 22 | ||
| Private study hours | 150 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 28 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Some seminars will be designed to prepare students for both coursework and examination assessments. In-person formative feedback will be provided in workshop as students work through example case studies.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Exercise prescription case study | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 70 | |
Coursework involves creation of a detailed exercise prescription based on a given case (exercise prescription) to promote engagement with exercise for a focused group or individual.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2.0 Hrs Mins | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 30 | |
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: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team