Course specification for SES3205

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SES3205 Independent ¾«¶«´«Ã½app in Sport and Exercise

Semester 1, 2020 Online
Short Description: Ind ¾«¶«´«Ã½app in Sport & Exercise
Units : 1
Faculty or Section : Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences
School or Department : School of Health and Wellbeing
Student contribution band : Band 1
ASCED code : 069903 - Human Movement
Grading basis : Graded

Staffing

Examiner:

Requisites

Pre or Co-requisite: SES3204

Rationale

This course uses, develops and refines a range of research skills and information relevant to the planning, undertaking and reporting of an independent research project in a specific exercise science area. The course draws together information and insights provided through the courses in the degree program and can be seen as the culmination of the program of study. The course provides the opportunity to revise and refine research skills and to review information to assist in the choice of a specific exercise science issue to be investigated. Skills associated with the ability to statistically analyse and report the data collected in the research study will be refined. The ability to demonstrate the communication skills necessary for the professional dissemination of the results of an independent study through a report are further developed. The capability to evaluate research reports and use the implications of the reports to guide evidence based research as part of professional practice is highlighted.

Synopsis

This course will provide students with the skills and knowledge required to formulate, after consideration of relevant literature, technology and resources, a relevant research proposal in an area of exercise science. Students will be required to undertake a research process using appropriate methodology (while considering legal and ethical considerations); analyse the results; and, demonstrate the skills required to effectively communicate the findings of the study in an oral and written report. The ability to undertake an independent research project will provide the confidence and practical skills to undertake evidence based research as a normal part of professional practice and as a contribution to knowledge and practice in the area of sport and exercise. Skills will be developed to allow for the evaluation of the findings (conclusions and implications) of research studies and highlight the importance of applying latest research from relevant disciplines to ensure best professional practice. This course may provide students with the opportunity to conduct a project overseas. It may allow for some use of sport and exercise laboratories to conduct supervised research.

Objectives

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

  1. Refine and incorporate relevant research and discipline skills and information in the design and conduct of an independent study.
  2. Identify, apply and demonstrate relevant technology and use of resources for the independent research study to be undertaken.
  3. Review current exercise science research and other information (such as from professional case study scenarios) to formulate a research proposal involving apparently healthy and clinical populations and where there is a consideration of appropriate legal and ethical issues.
  4. Investigate an approved independent research study topic within a specific area of sport and exercise science.
  5. Collect, analyse and interpret data as part of an independent research study and clearly formulate and coherently present an oral and written research report using effective communication skills.
  6. Evaluate the independent research study undertaken (including reflection of personal aptitude) and hypothesise about the implications of the completed study to various study areas of exercise science and professional practice.

Topics

Description Weighting(%)
1. Introduction to research.
Review types, nature and purpose of research, research process and relevant research skills.
Use of information technology including library catalogues, databases.
Analyse appropriate methodologies (quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods)
Conducting independent as opposed to a group research. Independent study process: research question(s), reviewing literature, understanding and selecting method and methodology, research proposal, conduct the research and write/present the report (including style and referencing requirements).
15.00
2. Research Proposal
Identifying research question, find evidence and support for workplace based independent research proposal. Types of questions and issues explored in sport and exercise (critically review, analyse and synthesise published scientific material). Formulating a work based research proposal to address a research problem (develop a hypothesis) after an extensive literature review. Selection of appropriate research methodology and experimental design (qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods) to solve specific problem. Research proposal presentation: title, introduction, problem, hypothesis, terms, assumptions and limitations, justifying the significance of the study. Ethical and legal processes and implications of research. Receiving feedback and refining the research proposal. Proposal considerations: written and oral communication skills; thinking skills and processes such as evaluation; technology and research (e.g., video analysis); resources and cost; and, timelines and time management/planning in research. Issues related to conducting writing a report for an independent study and preparing a research presentation.
25.00
3. Research Process
Design and undertake a relevant, manageable independent study from the research proposal. Research steps: plan (proposal); conduct research (data collection and data analysis); produce a research report; and communicate research findings. Methodological tools in research, including surveys, interviews, content analysis and comparison. Validity and reliability of research process. Sampling, collecting, and analysing data - including issues such as randomness. Quantitative data: statistical methods and treatment; statistical computer packages such as SPSS; statistical issues and statistical analyses and interpretation of results.
Qualitative aspects: methodology employed, data collection (includes observation and interpersonal skills), interpreting results, formulating conclusions and theoretical frameworks and positions. Other issues of research relevance: independent and small scale of study, observation skills, conducting surveys etc.
25.00
4. Research report and presentation
Finalising the research process as part of plan, do and review. Requirements of a research report (and research article comparison). Research report preparation plan. Completing the independent research study and writing the research report (and developing conclusions). Structure of research report.
Communication - written and oral skills. Preparing a short oral and poster presentation to coherently outline the nature of the study and the findings. Presentation skills and relevant technology and resources. Explaining all aspects of research and answering questions on research. Issues and significance of the independent study.
25.00
5. Research and professional practice
Overview of practical skills used in completing and reviewing the independent research study. Evaluate the process, conclusions and implications of the research and hypothesise about relevance. Reflective practice to evaluate own and other research. Evaluate research and relevant information to develop a plan for evidence based practice. Conducting purposeful practice based research with clients.
Application of research to current and future practice in sport and exercise: examples of relevant research, discipline related literature, computer data analysis, and information retrieval systems.
Writing for journals, conference presentations, thesis writing.
Workplace aspects to consider in relation to research: professional case studies; types of relevant research to employ in workplace; professional development, practice and research.
10.00

Text and materials required to be purchased or accessed

ALL textbooks and materials available to be purchased can be sourced from (unless otherwise stated). (https://omnia.usq.edu.au/textbooks/?year=2020&sem=01&subject1=SES3205)

Please for alternative purchase options from USQ Bookshop. (https://omnia.usq.edu.au/info/contact/)

There are no texts or materials required for this course.

Reference materials

Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.
Newell, J., Aitchison, T. & Grant, S 2014, Statistics for sport and exercise science: a practical approach, Routledge, New York.
Pitney, William., & Parker, Jenny. (2009). Qualitative Research in Physical Activity and the Health Professions. Human Kinetics, Champaign, Ill.
Thomas, Jerry R., Nelson, Jack K. & Silverman, Stephen J. (2015). Research Methods in Physical Activity (7th ed.). Human Kinetics, Champaign, Ill.

Student workload expectations

Activity Hours
Assessments 61.00
Consultation 20.00
Online Tutorials 10.00
Private ¾«¶«´«Ã½app 74.00

Assessment details

Description Marks out of Wtg (%) Due Date Notes
Research Proposal 30 30 26 Mar 2020 (see note 1)
Research Report 70 70 28 May 2020 (see note 2)

Notes
  1. Special information sessions relating to the assessment item will be scheduled.
  2. Special information sessions relating to the assessment item will be scheduled. Online students will be assessed via video and online methods.

Important assessment information

  1. Attendance requirements:
    There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students' responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.

  2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
    To satisfactorily complete an assessment item a student must achieve at least 50% of the marks available.

  3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
    Students should refer to the Assessment Procedure (point 4.2.4)

  4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
    To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course.

  5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
    The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the aggregate of the weighted marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.

  6. Examination information:
    There is no examination for this course.

  7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
    NO EXAM: As there is no examination for this course there will be no deferred or supplementary examinations.

  8. ¾«¶«´«Ã½app Student Policies:
    Students should read the USQ policies: Definitions, Assessment and Student Academic Misconduct to avoid actions which might contravene ¾«¶«´«Ã½app policies and practices. These policies can be found at .

Assessment notes

  1. Students must familiarise themselves with the USQ Assessment Procedures (.

  2. If electronic submission is specified for a course assessment, students will be notified of this on the Course ¾«¶«´«Ã½app Desk. The due date for an electronically submitted assessment is the date by which a student must electronically submit the assignment irrespective of holidays. The assignment files must be submitted by 11.55pm on the due date using USQ time (as displayed on the clock on the course home page; that is, Australian Eastern Standard Time).

  3. If hardcopy submission is specified for a course assessment students will be notified of this on the Course ¾«¶«´«Ã½app Desk. The due date for a hardcopy assignment is the date by which a student must submit at USQ or despatch the assignment to USQ irrespective of holidays.
    USQ will NOT accept submission of assignments by facsimile or email unless expressly requested by the course examiner.

  4. Referencing in Assignments must comply with the APA referencing system. This system should be used by students to format details of the information sources they have cited in their work. The APA style to be used is defined by the USQ library's referencing guide. These policies can be found at

Evaluation and benchmarking

In meeting the ¾«¶«´«Ã½app's aims to establish quality learning and teaching for all programs, this course monitors and ensures quality assurance and improvements in at least two ways. This course:

1. conforms to the USQ Policy on Evaluation of Teaching, Courses and Programs to ensure ongoing monitoring and systematic improvement.
2. forms part of the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise program and is benchmarked against the
• internal USQ accreditation/reaccreditation processes which include (i) stringent standards in the independent accreditation of its academic programs, (ii) close integration between business and academic planning, and (iii) regular and rigorous review.
• professional accreditation standards of Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).

Other requirements

  1. Computer, e-mail and Internet access:
    Students are required to have access to a personal computer, e-mail capabilities and Internet access to UConnect. Current details of computer requirements can be found at

  2. Students can expect that questions in assessment items in this course may draw upon knowledge and skills that they can reasonably be expected to have acquired before enrolling in this course. This includes knowledge contained in pre-requisite courses and appropriate communication, information literacy, analytical, critical thinking, problem solving or numeracy skills. Students who do not possess such knowledge and skills should not expect the same grades as those students who do possess them.

Date printed 19 June 2020