Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course, the students should be able to:

• Explain the basic structure and function of the neuromuscular and skeletal systems and key neurological and physiological processes related to exercise and training.

• Describe basic principles of physical and mental training.

• Describe basic principles of training planning in sport.

• Explain key physical and mental factors that influence sport performance.

• Describe the role of recovery and nutrition in supporting training and performance.

• Describe the basic principles of group dynamics and identify how human factors and individual abilities contribute to team performance in sport.

Contents

This course introduces the basic principles of exercise and training in the context of health and performance. Students will learn how the body works during physical activity and how it adapts to regular physical activity over time. The course also covers the main principles of physical and mental training and how training can be planned and organized. Students will explore different factors that influence sport performance and how athletes acquire, improve, and maintain skills and expertise over time. Students will also be introduced to basic principles of recovery, nutrition and sport nutrition, including how good nutrition- and recovery habits support training and performance. In addition, the course introduces the foundational principles of group dynamics, equipping students to identify how basic human factors and individual abilities directly impact team performance in sports. Key features listed below:

Human Physiology and Physical Fitness

Structure and function of the musculoskeletal system.

Understand the key physiological determinants of muscle strength, endurance, mobility and motor skills, and how they adapt to strength and endurance training, respectively.

Training Theory and Sport Performance

Principles of physical and mental training.

Endurance and resistance training methods.

Basic training planning.

Physical and mental factors influencing sport performance.

Sport, Health, and Society

Exercise and training and their relation to physical, mental, and social health.

The human factor in team performance.

Groups, teams, and performance culture.

Recovery and Sport Nutrition

Recovery in sport contexts and basic recovery strategies.

Digestion of food.

Macro- and micronutrients.

Basic sport nutrition recommendations.

Teaching and learning methods

The course is taught as a combination of lectures, group work, case discussions, and individual tasks. Some parts of the course will be compulsory. Please see the timetable.

Expected workload for the average student is 270 hours.

Examination requirements

All mandatory assignments must be completed and approved. An overview of all assignments will be presented in the Learning management system Canvas.

Examinations

4-hour written individual examination under supervision. Graded assessment.

Student evaluation

The study program manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Offered as a free-standing course

Yes, if there are places available

Admission Requirement if given as a free-standing course

Higher Education Entrance Qualification

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course Reduction of Credits
IDR144 – General Introduction to Sports. 5
IDR143 – General Introduction to Exercise. 5
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 8:58:56 AM