NU 0112 - Developing Equitable, Inclusive Community Environments for Physical Activity

Course Description

Behavior change efforts alone are not sufficient to elicit population level improvements in physical activity and nutrition. This course will address policy and environmental approaches that are being utilized nationwide to create physical and cultural settings that routinely support healthier choices at all levels. The basics of physical activity measurement, epidemiology, and guidelines will be outlined, along with fundamental lessons of individually targeted approaches to physical activity and nutrition. The socio-ecological model will frame the evidence for systems-based approaches to population physical activity and nutrition, such as: key elements of the built environment that support routine activity and healthier food systems; policies such as land use plans and zoning, transportation networks and funding, and site design guidelines; school policies affecting physical activity (e.g., physical education and recess, shared-use agreements, Safe Routes to School) and nutrition (e.g., vending policies, concessions, fund-raising). The result will be a broad understanding of the evidence and best practice-based approach to healthy community development. 

Note: Undergraduate enrollment in this course is provisional pending the permission of the Program Director. Students seeking undergraduate credit will need to submit a brief statement of interest and upload an unofficial transcript before enrolling.  You will be guided through this process during checkout and it should only take you a few minutes.    

If you are a Tufts undergraduate student please contact <nutritioncertificates@tufts.edu.