Exercise and Mental Health

Unit code: SCL6002 | Study level: Postgraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
Enquire

Overview

This unit addresses Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) requirements for the Mental Health domain. Students will critically evaluate and apply knowledge of both common and complex mental health problems and disorders, medications and treatments, and standardised measures for exercise testing, training and mental health monitoring. Students subsequently design and implement a simulated client exercise testing and training programme specific to the management of mental health conditions within the Australian healthcare context.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Critically evaluate knowledge of the psychopathology, treatments, risks, and monitoring, of mental health conditions;
  2. Critically appraise literature relating to exercise testing, prescription and barriers to exercising for mental health problems and disorders and associated comorbidities;
  3. Substantiate and evaluate the roles of different practitioners in the multidisciplinary care of individuals with mental health problems and disorders; and
  4. Formulate appropriate, person-centred screening, testing, training and monitoring plans for individuals within mental health problems and disorders, and communicate those plans (including risks) to others for suitable multidisciplinary care.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 20%
2 x online (short answer) tests evaluating psychopathology, treatments, medications & monitoring of a range of mental health conditions (30min each)
Assessment type: Assignment
|
Grade: 40%
Critical appraisal of evidence-base for mental health conditions, comorbidities & engagement with physical activity & exercise (2000words; Individual)
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 40%
Case group presentation on client multidisciplinary care and the role of exercise physiologists within the Australian healthcare sector

Required reading

Selected readings will be made available via the unit VU Collaborate site.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Master of Clinical Exercise Science and Rehabilitation
AMEP | Masters (coursework) degree | Duration: 1.5 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

Search for units, majors & minors