Overview
An introduction to the principles and practice of exercise science, including common and relevant myths or misconceptions.
SPEX 102 Principles of Exercise for Health and Performance introduces exercise science and its disciplines (e.g. biomechanics) partly by considering common myths, misconceptions, and students' understanding of these. For example, what actually is exercise or fitness? Is exercise training necessary for fitness, and is fitness necessarily improved from training? What constitutes resistance or endurance exercise, and why do they improve fitness for health, work, or sport? Do training aids really aid fitness or performance? Does practice improve skill? How much practice, and what type? How would you know such things or test them yourself? Cultural and environmental contexts are also addressed. This paper would benefit anyone interested in exercise for human health or performance.
About this paper
| Paper title | Principles of Exercise for Health and Performance |
|---|---|
| Subject | Sport, Physical Education and Exercise |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,243.65 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Restriction
- PHSE 102
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Science
- Contact
Paper co-ordinator: Professor Chris Button
- More information link
- Teaching staff
Professors Chris Button, Jim Cotter, and supporting staff.
- Teaching Arrangements
Lectures (3 hours per week) and practical and tutorial sessions (1 - 2 hours per week).
- Textbooks
The following text is strongly recommended but optional. All other readings will be assigned.
Daniel Lieberman, Exercised - The Science of Physical Activity, Rest and Health (Penguin Press, 2022)
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
At the end of this paper students will be able to:
- Describe cultural considerations in relation to exercise for health (hauora) and performance
- Explain the scientific process, understand its importance and application in exercise science, and use this understanding to describe the characteristics of myths and knowledge
- Describe the major disciplines of exercise sciences and the interdisciplinary approach to create scientific knowledge
- Discuss the important role of physical activity on health and human performance
- Search, identify, review, and interpret information about exercise science from different sources
- Undertake meaningful measurement of human movement