MA531 Psychology of Exercise and Physical Activity (Autumn 2025)

ECTS Credits:
10
Responsible department:
Departement of Sports Medicine
Course Leader:
Elin Kolle
Lecture Semester:
Autumn
Teaching language:
English
Duration:
½ year

Table of contents

Introduction

This course offers an in-depth in psychology of exercise and physical activity, leading to an understanding of antecedents, experiences and outcomes of such activities. Topics include aspects such as motivation, behavior change, and physical and mental health. Different subgroups are also covered, such as children, adults and elderly. This course is particularly relevant for those who aim to work in exercise, physical activity and health settings.
English is the primary language of the course, however those students who wish can complete the assignments and the exam in Norwegian.

Prerequisite

No subjects at program level.

Admission to the course

Programstudents European master and international exchange students..

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course, students should be able to

  • reflect critically on potential antecedents, barriers and outcomes of exercise and physical activity
  • explain and apply models of behavior change in relation to exercise and physical activity behavior
  • design and evaluate programs design to facilitate exercise and physical activity behavior in specific subgroups
  • communicate scientific knowledge on topics related to exercise and physical activity

Learning methods and activities

Three-week intensive course

  • Preparation for lectures
  • Active participation in lectures and seminars (with a lecturer present)
  • Student presentations

The students are expected to participate actively and sufficiently in the classes and forfeit the right to take the final examination (see below) if the group assignments are deemed unsatisfactory.

Work requirements

Mandatory group assignment; group presentation, must be approved before final examination.

Assessment/exam

An individually written literature review based on the curriculum. Graded A-F.

Please note that assignments submitted in Canvas and WISEflow are checked for plagiarism.

Core literature

Core literature for autumn 2025.
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 3:15:23 AM