Physical Activity and Health unit (CXA210)

Online

Introduction

This unit introduces students to the importance of physical activity for good health across the lifespan. Students will learn about the effect of various types of physical activity on personal health, and the connection between inactivity and diseases and conditions such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. Ways to incorporate and optimise regular physical activity into the lifestyle of individuals, communities and populations will be explored in depth. The unit will draw on aspects of physiology, health promotion, behaviour change, and information technology.

Summary

Unit name	Physical Activity and Health
Unit code	CXA210
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health School of Health Sciences
Discipline	Health Sciences
Coordinator	Professor Andrew Hills
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Intermediate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Online	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse and explain causal mechanisms for the effects of physical activity and inactivity on health and disease conditions.
• Analyse and evaluate personal, social, environmental and political determinants that contribute to active and inactive lifestyles.
• Review and suggest strategies to promote and provide physical activity for a variety of people in a variety of settings (e.g. communities, schools and workplaces).
• Research published literature in physical activity and health for different topics.
• Communicate in writing using language and terminologies specific to physical activity and health topics.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
010913	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$2,862.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

CXA103

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Tutorial – 2 hours (weekly); Individual study – 8 hours (weekly)
Assessment	Mid-Semester Test (20%)|Examination (40%)|Portfolio (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	You will need the following text which is provided free as an eBook via your reading list in Mylo.  • Ainsworth, B.E., Macera, C.A. Physical Activity and Public Health Practice. 2012. CRC Press: Taylor & Francis Group.
Recommended	Please refer to your reading list in Mylo for other recommended reading materials.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.