Unit information: Physical Activity and Nutrition Programmes: Planning and Evaluation in 2012/13

Unit name	Physical Activity and Nutrition Programmes: Planning and Evaluation
Unit code	PHEDM4016
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Dr. Haase
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit will teach students the knowledge and skills needed to plan, deliver and evaluate health promotion programmes within the context of current public policy. Leading from this, students will acquire a thorough understanding of the application and analysis of quantitative and qualitative methodology needed to create research proposals. This unit will show how the knowledge and skills acquired in earlier units such as knowledge of physical activity and nutrition, understanding of determinants and theoretical models and application of designing interventions can be applied to health promotion campaigns and initiatives, as well as dissertation proposals.

The aim of this unit will be to:

1. To develop skills in the planning, delivery and evaluation of health enhancing physical activity and nutrition programmes.

Intended Learning Outcomes

1. Understand how to plan programmes based on a full analysis of the public health problem.
2. Understand how to define programme goals and objectives.
3. Explore various methods for generating solutions to defined problems.
4. Develop an appreciation of the need to build capacity.
5. Understand how to develop programme strategies.
6. Develop skills in formulating an evaluation plan.

Teaching Information

The main teaching method is seminars plus small group exercises. Teaching takes place across four 1-day visits across 4 consecutive weeks. Each day will be of approximately 5 hours duration.

Assessment Information

Students will be required to formulate a proposal for a physical activity or nutrition programme based on the six learning outcomes. For MSc students this will be the basis of their dissertation. Assessment is through the completion of a written proposal equivalent to 4000 words.

Reading and References

Nutbeam D. Bauman A. (2006). Evaluation in a Nutshell: A Practical Guide to the Evaluation of Health Promotion Programs. Australia, McGraw-Hill.

Macdowall W, Bonnell C, Davies M. Health Promotion Practice (Understanding Public Health) (2006). Open University Press.

DoH. (2005) Choosing activity: a physical activity action plan.

DoH. (2005) Choosing a better diet: a food and health action plan.