Module: Exercise as Medicine - Theory & Practice

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Exercise as Medicine - Theory & Practice
Module Code	HEA1049 (ITS: SS428)
Faculty	Health & Human Performance	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10

Description

This module is concerned with the practical application of theory and research in exercise psychology. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the psychological factors associated with health behaviour change. Students will learn to select appropriate intervention strategies based on motivational readiness and individual needs involving a client-centred approach.

Learning Outcomes

1. Defend choice of assessment tools
2. Assess readiness to change and select appropriate intervention strategies
3. Identify strategies for increasing exercise adherence and critically evaluate their effectiveness
4. Relate intervention strategies to behaviour change theory
5. Design an intervention programme based on theoretical and research evidence
6. Reflect on the likely effectiveness of the proposed interventions
7. Conduct an appropriate intervention programme and evaluate its effectiveness.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Seminars	3	No Description
Fieldwork	60	Completion of PA Intervention
Independent Study	48	No Description
Total Workload: 135

Section Breakdown
CRN	11601	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Hannah Goss	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Needs Analysis of Potential Client	20%	Week 6
Oral Examination	Interactive Oral 1- Intervention Proposal	40%	Sem 1 End
Oral Examination	Interactive Oral 2- Intervention Evaluation	40%	Sem 2 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

PA and Health

Changing Physical Activity Behaviour

Theories to Practise

Conducting a Needs Analysis

Co-production of Interventions

Working with Different Groups

Applying Intervention Strategies

Motivational Interviewing for Health Behaviour Change

Self-Monitoring for Health Behaviour Change

Assessment Methods and Tools

Evaluating Outcomes

Evaluating Implementation Effectiveness

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Marcus, B.H., & Forsyth, L.H. (2009). Motivating people to be physically active. 2nd Ed. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.: 2013, Exercise Psychology, Second, Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL,
Buckworth, J., Dishman, R.K., Oâ€™Connor, P. & Tomprowski, P.D: 2013, Exercise Psychology, Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL,

Articles:

Bauman, A., Reis, R.S., Sallis, J.F., Wells, J.C., Loos, R.J.F., Martin, B.W., & Lancet Physical activity series working group: 2012, Correlates of physical activity: Why are some people physically active and others not?, Lancet, 380, 258, 522232
2015: Interventions to increase physical activity among older adults: A meta-analysis., The Gerontologist, 55, 706-718., 522233, 1
Interventions to increase physical activity among healthy adults: Meta-analysis of outcomes: Am J Public Health, 101, 751, 522234, 1, Jonas, S., & Phillips, E.M.
Wolters Kluwer: London.: 522235, 1, Michie, S., 2013
46: 81, 522236, 1, Michie, S., Abraham, C., Whittington, C., McAteer, J., Gupta, S., 2009, Effective techniques in healthy eating and physical activity interventions: a meta-regression.
522237: 1, Rhodes, R.E., McEwan, D. & Rebar, A.L., 2019, Theories of physical activity behaviour change: A history and synthesis of approaches., Psychology of Sport & Exercise, 42, 100-109.,

Other Resources

None