EPN-V2

MAVIT5600 Physical Activity and Exercise in a Life Course Perspective and with a Special Focus on Aging Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Fysisk aktivitet og trening i et livsløp med spesielt fokus på aldring
Study programme
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Physiotherapy for Children and Adolescents
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Physiotherapy for the older adult
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Rehabilitation and Habilitation
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Nursing; Clinical Research and Professional Development
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Health
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Psychomotor Physiotherapy
Master's Programme in Health Sciences
Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Occupational Therapy
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2025/2026
Curriculum
SPRING 2026
Schedule
Programme description
Course history

Introduction

Language of instruction: Norwegian.

This course has a focus on knowledge about the interaction between disease mechanisms and exercise and specific physical activities. This includes basic insight into disease manifestations and mechanisms seen in conjunction with prevention, treatment and rehabilitation from a life course perspective. The course looks at the prescription of physical activity and exercise with a view to elaborating on the general guidelines in terms of components frequency, intensity, type and duration.

Required preliminary courses

The student must have been admitted to the Master’s Programme in Health Sciences.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

  • can analyse current theories, examination methods and exercise/rehabilitation measures intended to improve/maintain health and physical function
  • can assess relevant exercise principles and theories related to components, frequency, intensity, type and duration
  • can describe the body’s structure and function considering the preconditions for physical activity and exercise
  • can assess which factors can impede or promote physical activity and exercise
  • can analyse and assess theory, concepts and problems related to the advisory role in physical activity and exercise
  • can interpret basic scientific methodology and critically assess the use of sources

Skills

The student

  • can assess and test physical condition and functioning using relevant assessment methods
  • can identify persons with clinical conditions who require special consideration when exercising and being tested
  • can adapt different exercise programmes individually and in groups for persons with various levels of functioning and health condition, based on the user’s wishes and needs, current research/guidelines and own clinical experience (evidence-based practice)
  • can critically assess and implement research-based and experience-based knowledge considering contextual factors and individual preferences

General competence

The student

  • can integrate knowledge and skills from relevant disciplines and professions in a common perspective on physical activity, exercise and rehabilitation

Teaching and learning methods

The course will use varied, student-active work methods. Work methods include flipped classroom, seminars with group work that will include round-table discussions, presentations and discussions. Lectures will be in both traditional and digital form. The course assumes a high degree of self-study and supervision on assignments. Skills training also forms part of the course, where the students will be taught how to determine the dosing of exercise.

Course requirements

The following must have been approved in order for the student to take the examination:

  • a minimum of 80% attendance in group supervision and seminars where students present their assignments
  • an individual written and oral presentation of an individually-adapted exercise programme with appropriate dosage for an older adult.

Assessment

Individual home examination over three weeks, including a description of an exercise program for an elderly person with reduced function. Scope: 2,500 words (+/- 10 %).

If the course is taught in English, students who wish to do so can answer the exam in Norwegian.

Permitted exam materials and equipment

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Grading scale

Pass/fail.

Examiners

All answers are assessed by one examiner.

An external examiner is used regularly, at a minimum of every third completion of the course. When selecting answers for external evaluation, a minimum of 10 percent of the answers shall be included, with no fewer than 5 answers. The external examiner’s assessment of the selected answers shall benefit all students.