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

Summer 2026 · NU 0112 · Tufts University · 3 credits · Undergraduate

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. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, or consent of the Online Graduate Certificate Program Director. If you are a Tufts undergraduate student please contact [email protected].

Course codes: NU-0112, NU 0112, NU0112, NU-112, NU 112, NU112

Course Discovery