Course Catalogue

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This course is designed to enable students to understand the principles, assumptions, strengths and limitations of commonly used methods to assess cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity and for them to gain practical experience in performing these tests.

Online seminars throughout the semester. Lab-based practical sessions will be offered during a Residential Week at the University during the summer.

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MED5346

80% written lab report (2500 words approx)

4x5% group tasks to respond to question on topic covered in the block (300 words approx. each)

The course aims to:

■ Enable students to understand the principles, assumptions, strengths and limitations of commonly used tests of cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity

■ Provide students with hands on practical experience of performing these tests and an appreciation of when particular tests are most appropriate

■ Provide students with experience of analysing, interpreting and critically evaluating experimental data

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Critically evaluate, with reference to the relevant literature, the principles, assumptions, strengths and limitations of commonly used tests of cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity

■ Perform a range of tests to determine cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity level

■ Critically review and analyse experimental data generated by these tests

■ Communicate their findings clearly and concisely in a written report

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.