SP7005 - Ageing, Musculoskeletal and Metabolic Conditions

What will I learn on this module?

On this module you will explore the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of ageing, musculoskeletal and metabolic conditions and learn how to safely assess and prescribe exercise for people living with these conditions. You will critically appraise the literature related to exercise intolerance, physical activity promotion and exercise as a treatment to manage these conditions. You will also develop an understanding of good clinical practice for the assessment of patients and evaluate and interpret patient’s physical health, using physiological tests, such as strength assessment and gait analysis.

How will I learn on this module?

The taught content will be delivered and provided in a variety of formats, including lectures, seminars and practical sessions. In seminars, you will discuss evidence related to guidelines for testing and treatment of different conditions. In practical sessions, you will develop good clinical practice and perform condition-specific physiological assessments that build upon lectures and seminars. You will be able to access materials on the eLP. There will be the opportunity to work in smaller groups with discipline specific members of staff who will facilitate context driven discussion and learning. You will also be set independent tasks informed by key literature to complete outside of class time to further develop your understanding of the taught content.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Module information, assessment requirements and expectations, and important module announcements will be made through the eLP. Material to support your learning will be uploaded in advance of sessions. You will be provided with content verbally and guided through tasks during timetabled sessions. There will be practical sessions throughout the semester to develop practical skills and prepare for the practical assessment. A dedicated assessment session will afford you the opportunity to ask assessment related questions in class. The Module Leader is there to support you with any queries that you may have about the module content, and all staff members provide tutorial time outside of class time. Module tutors will provide you with the necessary information on how to arrange a tutorial. You will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on your development during the module, and you will receive feedback on summative work to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial. There is also further academic skills support available from the University Library services.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of ageing, musculoskeletal and metabolic conditions.

Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of physical activity/exercise in the treatment of ageing, musculoskeletal and metabolic conditions; including factors that limit exercise tolerance.



Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

Demonstrate practical understanding of patient assessment (e.g. strength assessment or gait analysis) using good clinical practice

Demonstrate expert knowledge of evaluating and interpreting subjective and objective data related to ageing, musculoskeletal and metabolic conditions.



Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):



Demonstrate an awareness of safe and ethical conduct when performing physiological assessment of the patient

How will I be assessed?

Multiple choice question (MCQ) Exam one (20%, 30 minutes). The MCQ exams will assess the knowledge that you develop as you progress through this module. You may be asked questions about the aetiology and pathophysiology of different conditions and diseases, patient assessment and exercise responses, safety considerations for acute and long term exercise prescription. (MLO 1, 2, 4)



Multiple choice question (MCQ) Exam two (20%, 30 minutes). The structure and MLO coverage will be as above, but the questions will be directed towards different conditions.



Case study (60%, 2000 words)– a written case study will evaluate your ability to apply your scientific knowledge to assess and/or prescribe exercise for a patient with a health condition relevant to the module. Within the case study, students will be required to evaluate and interpret data and include evidence based discussion around epidemiology, pathophysiology and exercise prescription in the context of the target condition(s) (MLO 1, 3, 4 & 5).



Formative feedback will be provided during practical and seminar sessions where you will be given tasks to complete such as patient assessments and critiquing literature. You will receive written or audio feedback on your summative assessment to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial. 

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Exercise and physical activity are important to health and the prevention and treatment of many chronic health conditions. This module explores the disease pathway, the pathophysiological factors limiting exercise tolerance and the role of exercise for assessment and as a treatment for some of the most prevalent chronic disorders within the scope of ageing, musculoskeletal and metabolic conditions. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the epidemiology, pathophysiology and current treatments. They will also critically appraise the role of exercise in the prevention, treatment and management of health conditions and how exercise complements traditional medical prescription. The assessments require you to demonstrate good clinical practice in the assessment of a patient, evaluate and interpret data collected from patient assessments and understand the disease pathway in order to promote physical activity and exercise in the management of ageing, musculoskeletal and metabolic conditions. Teaching is carried out by staff that are experts in their respective fields and have strong research backgrounds in clinical exercise physiology.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 2 years Part Time
1 other options available

Department Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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