Physical Behaviour Monitoring (Level 7, 10 credits)
Part-time
One semester
January 2025
In a nutshell
This 10 credit module will provide you with a detailed understanding of the principles and applications of a range of physical behaviour monitoring techniques, using body-worn monitors, in the real-world environment. The course will equip students to select appropriate technologies (monitors) and analyse data for a range of applications.
You will:
- gain an advanced understanding of the principles of physical behaviour monitoring technologies and techniques
- understand how data analysis techniques can applied to physical behaviour data
- have an opportunity to undertake a project where you will collect and analyse real-world physical behaviour data
All about the course
The module will teach the following:
- Overview of physical behaviour monitoring
- Applications of physical behaviour monitoring
- Characteristics of basic transducers (accelerometers, gyroscopes, barometers and magnetometers) and their use in activity monitoring devices
- Principles of data acquisition
- Data processing, data handing and data analysis of basic transducer signals
- Overview of body-worn monitoring technologies and their application
- Analysis techniques applied to physical behaviour data
- Design of physical behaviour monitoring application paradigm
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
The School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real world impact.
Our courses are informed by the latest research and we work closely with organisations from both the public and private sector to ensure our teaching is at the forefront of practice.
What about after uni?
This module will equip you with the ability to make an informed choice on appropriate monitoring technology and you will have the ability to analyse and interpret real-world physical behaviour data.
Career Links
As a school, we work with over 100 health and social care organisations so our links with industry are very strong. These relationships will be of direct benefit to you because our academic team work in practice in some of these organisations at a senior level so are able to keep you at the forefront of developments in the sector which in turn help you provide a better service.
What you need to know
This module runs January - March.
It is aimed at individuals who wish to consider using real-world physical activity/behaviour monitoring in their research or in their occupation. Research and evaluation areas would cover areas relating to assessment of the effectiveness or a range of health care interventions that would be expected to change real-world physical behaviour, increasing activity and reducing sedentariness.
Previous study and experience
It is recommended that you have a minimum of an upper-second class honours degree from an undergraduate course in an appropriate physical or biological science, science, mathematics or engineering.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time | 2025/26 | £510 per 10 credit module |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.