MA450 Assessment of physical activity and fitness (Autumn 2026)

ECTS Credits:
15
Responsible department:
Departement of Sports Medicine
Course Leaders:
  • Elin Kolle
  • Julie Sørbø Stang
Lecture Semester:
Autumn
Teaching language:
English
Duration:
½ year

Table of contents

Introduction

The course introduces students to research-based methods for assessing physical activity and physical fitness in individuals and populations. Students are expected to acquire extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of these topics.

Prerequisite

No subjects at program level.

Admission to the course

Program students MA IM, European master and international exchange students.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course the students shall be able to

  • extensively give an account of and know how to apply self-report and device-measured methods for assessing physical activity and methods for assessing physical fitness in individuals and populations
  • provide an in-depth assessment of the strengths and limitations of assessment methods for physical activity and aerobic fitness
  • use programmes for data reduction of physical activity accelerometer data
  • critically evaluate and recommend which method is best suited for different research purposes

Learning methods and activities

The course consists of a variety of learning activities, and active participation is expected.

  • Plenary lectures
  • Group assignments / Group presentations
  • Data lab
  • Fitness lab
  • Individual case reports
  • Seminar(s)

Work requirements

All group assignments, group presentations, seminars, data & fitness labs, and case reports are compulsory and must be approved to register for the final exam.

Assessment/exam

Students will, in groups of two to three students, conduct a small research project including data collections using various measurement methods for physical activity and/or physical fitness, data analyses and report writing.

Final grade A-F

  • Written report (75%)
  • Oral presentation (25%)

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

Core literature

Core literature for autumn 2026.
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Nov. 7, 2026 12:16:19 AM