Physical Behaviour Monitoring (Level 7, 10 credits)
Program start date | Application deadline |
2026-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
Physical Behaviour Monitoring (Level 7, 10 credits)
Overview
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.
Course Details
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
What will I be doing?
This module is taught via a mixture of online and face-to-face learning. Material is provided through online lecturers and resources, and lab-based tutorials.
Assessment
You must complete a project where you collect and analyse real-world data from a physical behaviour monitoring device. Each student will be supervised by a member of the module team.
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.
Employment and Stats
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.
Requirements
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.
Entry requirements
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).
Fees
How much?
Type of study | Year | Fees
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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.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This 10-credit module delves into the principles and applications of physical behaviour monitoring techniques using body-worn monitors in real-world settings. The course equips students to select appropriate technologies and analyze data for various applications.
Objectives:
- Gain an advanced understanding of physical behaviour monitoring technologies and techniques.
- Understand how data analysis techniques can be applied to physical behaviour data. Students will learn how to select appropriate monitoring technologies and analyze data collected from body-worn devices. The program culminates in a project where students collect and analyze real-world physical behaviour data under the supervision of a module team member.
Outline:
The program covers the following topics:
- Applications of physical behaviour monitoring: This section explores the diverse applications of physical behaviour monitoring across various fields.
- Characteristics of basic transducers: This section delves into the characteristics of basic transducers like accelerometers, gyroscopes, barometers, and magnetometers and their role in activity monitoring devices.
- Principles of data acquisition: This section covers the principles and methods of data acquisition from physical behaviour monitoring devices.
- Analysis techniques applied to physical behaviour data: This section explores advanced analysis techniques used for extracting meaningful insights from physical behaviour data.
- Design of physical behaviour monitoring application paradigm: This section equips students with the skills to design and implement physical behaviour monitoring applications for specific purposes.
Assessment:
Students will be assessed through a project where they collect and analyze real-world data from a physical behaviour monitoring device. Each student will be supervised by a member of the module team.
Teaching:
The module is delivered through a blend of online lectures, online resources, and lab-based tutorials. The teaching team comprises experienced researchers and practitioners in the field of physical behaviour monitoring.
Careers:
This module equips students with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in various fields, including:
- Research and development of physical behaviour monitoring technologies
- Design and implementation of physical behaviour monitoring applications
- Data analysis and interpretation of physical behaviour data
- It is aimed at individuals who wish to incorporate real-world physical activity/behaviour monitoring into their research or occupation.
- The program is offered part-time.
- The School of Health and Society offers strong industry links and provides opportunities to collaborate with organizations in the health and social care sectors.
- Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources for conducting research and data analysis.
- The program emphasizes real-world applications and provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience through the project work.
Entry Requirements:
Academic Requirements:
- Minimum of an upper-second class honours degree from an undergraduate course in an appropriate physical or biological science, science, mathematics, or engineering.
Other Requirements:
- Experience in data analysis is desirable but not essential.
- Strong interest in physical behavior monitoring and its applications in the real world.
Additional Notes:
- Applicants with a lower second class honours degree may be considered if they have significant relevant experience in the field of physical activity monitoring.
- International applicants are required to meet equivalent academic qualifications as those listed above.
- The University operates an English Language Policy for international students who do not hold a degree from a majority English-speaking institution.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- International students must demonstrate English language proficiency through:
- IELTS: 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
- TOEFL: Minimum score of 79 (internet-based).
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 57.