EDF3620 - Technology in physical activity and exercise

Leader: Dr M Dyson

Offered

Peninsula Second semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

Technology has played an ever increasing role in the development of physical activity and exercise and has been both beneficial and deleterious to individuals and the wider community. This unit will examine the place of technology in sport and for the health and wellbeing of individuals in society. Concepts in biophysical foundations, social sciences, philosophy and ethics that apply to the advances in physical activity and exercise will be introduced through theoretical and practical perspectives. Furthermore, students will apply their knowledge to develop an understanding about the complexities associated with these advances and their implications to a range of physical activity contexts.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. understand and appreciate the role of technology in sport and exercise;
2. possess an understanding of the concepts underlying word processing, desktop publishing, multimedia authoring, the Internet, presentation software, spreadsheets, and databases,
3. understand how and why technology has played a crucial role in Australian sport,
4. define and understand terms such as: sports science, kinematics, kinetics, electromyography, reaction time, peak power output, computer-based tracking, global positioning technology,
5. utilise computer applications for research,
6. identify and utilise computer communications and applications in the area of sport and exercise;
7. discuss the ethical considerations of technology in sport,
8. list and describe recent innovative science and technology projects in sport, eg cooling vests, virtual cycling and talent identification,
9. discuss issues of sports science technology in encouraging greater participation in physical activity,
10. identify areas of health and wellbeing risk and develop appropriate technologies/strategies for overcoming these,
11. use physical activity technology such as treadmills, ergometers, accelerometers, pedometers, power output measures, GPS technologies, and real-time sensors.

Assessment

Assessment Task 1 (1600 words): 40%
Assessment Task 2 (2400 words): 60%
attendance is required at practicals/tutorials and/or fieldwork.

Contact hours

3 hours per week