Course syllabus

Sport Science, Second Cycle, Concepts in Nutrition and Physical Activity for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 15 credits

Course code: ID008A Credits: 15
Main field of study: Sport Science Progression: A1N
    Last revised: 14/09/2020
Education cycle: Second cycle Approved by: Head of school
Established: 19/12/2019 Reading list approved: 14/09/2020
Valid from: Spring semester 2021 Revision: 1

Aims and objectives

General aims for second cycle education

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall involve the acquisition of specialist knowledge, competence and skills in relation to first-cycle courses and study programmes, and in addition to the requirements for first-cycle courses and study programmes shall

  • further develop the ability of students to integrate and make autonomous use of their knowledge
  • develop the students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
  • develop the students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable autonomy, or for research and development work.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 9)

Course objectives

Thorough knowledge on design, concepts, and methodological considerations within the field of nutritional and physical activity epidemiology

Ability to assess physical activity and dietary behaviors using different measurement techniques and perform in-depth analysis with a focus on reliability and validity

Thorough knowledge on evidence-based links between physical activity, dietary behaviors and outcomes related to physical health throughout the life course

Ability to critically examine, evaluate and present research results from studies on nutrition and physical activity for disease prevention and health promotion

Thorough knowledge on cellular and molecular mechanisms by which physical activity and dietary behaviors prevent disease development and promote health

Knowledge on major determinants for physical activity and dietary behaviors, and theoretical approaches for behavioral change interventions

Main content of the course

Concepts in nutritional and physical activity epidemiology
Measurement of physical activity and dietary behaviors
Evidence-based impact of physical activity and nutrition on physical outcomes
Physiological impacts of physical activity and nutrition
Critical examination and evaluation of current research
Theoretical approaches for behavioral change

Teaching methods

Teaching is done in the form of lectures, laboratory sessions and seminars.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Concepts in Nutritional and Physical Activity Epidemiology, 4.5 credits (Code: A001)
Individual written report

Research Review, 6 credits (Code: A002)
Individual written report

Oral presentation of Research Review, 1.5 credits (Code: A003)
Individual oral presentation

Measurement of Diet and Physical Activity, 3 credits (Code: A004)
Individual written report


For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

In accordance with university regulations regarding grading systems for first and second-cycle courses (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades shall be used: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). For courses that are included in an international Master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the grading scale of A-F shall be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds.

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Concepts in Nutritional and Physical Activity Epidemiology
Grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

Research Review
Grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

Oral presentation of Research Review
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Measurement of Diet and Physical Activity
Grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

Grade E at the course level requires G on all examinations.
Besides requirements for grade E:
Grade D at the course level requires VG on either Measurement of Diet and Physical Activity or Concepts in Nutritional and Physical Activity Epidemiology.
Grade C at the course level requires either VG on Research review, or, VG on Measurement of Diet and Physical Activity and Concepts in Nutritional and Physical Activity Epidemiology.
Grade B at the course level requires VG on Research review and VG on either Measurement of Diet and Physical Activity or Concepts in Nutritional and Physical Activity Epidemiology.
Grade A at the course level requires VG on the three examinations Research review, Measurement of Diet and Physical Activity and Concepts in Nutritional and Physical Activity Epidemiology.

Specific entry requirements

A first-cycle qualification comprising at least 180 credits, of which at least 90 credits are for specialised study in one of the main fields of study sport science, physiotherapy, medicine, biomedical laboratory science, nutrition, public health or caring sciences. The applicant must also have qualifications corresponding to the course "English B" or course "English 6" from the Swedish Upper Secondary School.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Transitional provisions

In the event the course is modified and the student can no longer be examined in accordance with this course syllabus, a special examination will be organized in accordance with the local guidelines of the university. Information about examination session (including completion of mandatory moments) will be announced at the intended location in the university webpage.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Additions and Comments on the Reading List

Obligatory literature do not exist.
Recommended literature will be presented in the study guide (separate document).
Scientific research articles will be used.