Course Listings

2025 Spring > GRAD > ehs > ehs 655

Advanced Physical Activity and Health

Course #: ehs 655

Description:
The primary purpose of this course is for students to develop an understanding of the relationships among physical activity, exercise, and health across the lifespan, be able to identify key behavioral and social determinants of physical activity behaviors, and identify evidence-base approaches to promoting physical activity at the individual, community and population levels. The course focuses on gaining experience reading peer reviewed scientific literature, and understanding how research is used to guide physical activity programs and policies. This course provides an overview of the epidemiological evidence on associations between physical activity and a variety of health outcomes with an emphasis on chronic cardio-metabolic disease and cancer, key determinants of physical activity behaviors in different populations, and effective approaches for increasing participation in physical activity. Special attention is given to developing critical thinking skills and understanding the application of epidemiological methods to the science of physical activity and health outcome. The class is also structures to provide opportunities for in-depth analysis and discussion as to how various research methods are used to study physical activity.