Course overview
The aim of this course is to develop learners’ knowledge of human growth and motor development across the lifespan with a focus on practical applications in exercise, health, and sport. This course delves into the physical, psychosocial, and cognitive changes that occur with human growth and development, with specific reference to their implications for physical activity and exercise. Learners will build an understanding of typical human growth and development, influencing factors, social determinants, and the role of physical activity and exercise in growth, motor development, pregnancy, and ageing. This course aligns with the program’s goals of developing a deep understanding of the role of exercise in supporting health and well-being across the lifespan, including the consideration of individual needs and perspectives to provide holistic advice and intervention.
Course learning outcomes
- Describe the basic principles of human growth, development, and behaviour across the lifespan in terms of physical, psychosocial and cognitive changes
- Describe the difference between chronological and biological age and implications of these factors across the lifespan
- Analyse and evaluate evidence based physical activity and exercise principles affecting growth, motor development, pregnancy, and ageing
- Apply the social determinants of health that affect growth and development across the lifespan