EDF2607 - Community physical activity and wellness

Leader: Dr Trent Brown

Offered

Peninsula Second semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

In this unit, students are introduced to the concepts of community physical activity promotion as it relates to health/wellness. The unit builds upon work in EDF1605 and uses a theoretical framework about the 'upstream' contexts of physical activity including those of policy, engagement, community action and advocacy. Several physical activity promotion theories will be examined, however much of the content of this unit will be developed using a social-ecological framework. This framework will be applied to schools, local shires, youth groups, hospitals, parks and in built, social, community and natural environments. Field day experiences are used to consolidate learning in this unit.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Apply knowledge of lifespan physical activity and wellness in community wide approaches to physical activity promotion.
2. List and describe the determinants and conceptual approaches in intra- & inter-personal environments, micro-, meso- and macro- environments.
3. Understand the differences between down stream (choice-driven) and upstream (choice-enabling) physical activity promotion policies.
4. Define the terms: physical activity, epidemiology, inequality, inequity, risk factors, ecological fallacy and other related terms.
5. Develop quantitative and qualitative understandings of research design and approaches in community physical activity and wellness studies.
6. Engage with the professional literature on community physical activity promotion.
7. Develop appropriate strategies for the promotion of physical activity in community settings.
8. Critically reflect on community programs engaged to promote physical activity in the population.
9. Evaluate community settings using appropriate fieldwork measuring and interpretive devices.
10. Participate effectively in a community fieldwork setting

Assessment

Assignment 1 (1600 words): 40% ; Assignment 2 (2400 words): 60% ; and Satisfactory participation and completion of fieldwork is compulsory.

Contact hours

3 hrs per week (including 3-5 days community placement)

Prerequisites

EDF1605 Lifespan physical activity and wellness OR approved equivalent