module specification

This module provides an opportunity for the student to undertake a substantial piece of research in one area of Sports Therapy & Exercise Science.  The intention is to allow a thorough analysis and synthesis of theory and practice in relation to sports or exercise science. The research will require either the empirical collection of data or an original secondary analysis of existing data. This module also provides an opportunity for critical reflection of the research topic and self-reflection of learning, studying and research skills and knowledge.

ST7054

There is no taught syllabus for this module. Students are self-directed to research an area of interest in depth. They are required to research and plan a piece of research in qualitative or quantitative form. They are supported by a supervisor for guidance and draft feedback but should manage their own time and present their own ideas.  

Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

This Module will require the student to self-direct and manage his/her own independent learning experience. The area of research will be matched, as far as is possible with the research interest, expertise and existing research projects of the supervisor.  Research topics will be identified during the earlier part of the course through formal discussions as well as procedural support given during 2 x 2 hours tutorials (4 hours total).  The supervisor allocated may be a member of academic teaching or research staff within the University, or from outside in appropriate organisations where the supervisor is of sufficient academic standing.

Topics will be chosen that give the opportunity for high-level research that advances the boundaries of current knowledge but gives the student a realistic opportunity of completion. A total of 400 hours self-directed study would be typical for this module.

Upon arrangement by the student, the project supervisor will initially assist in the following processes:
1. clarifying the terms of the research project
2. establishing a timetable for the research and dates for subsequent student/supervisor meetings
3. directed background reading
4. study design, methodology, ethical approval (where necessary) and statistical analysis

Supervisory support will form a key part of the teaching method, but ultimately, most of the learning will be student-centred. Supervisor meetings will continue periodically through the Project. A typical amount of contact time the student can expect is between eight and ten hours with the supervisor. Comments on the draft of the dissertation can be expected. Supervisor records of the meetings will be used as a basis for the Supervisor's mark for process accounting for 10% of the module.

Where a student carries out the majority of their research in an institution other than the University, the Module Convenor will ensure that supervision arrangements are in place that give appropriate support to the student equivalent to that for students working within the University. In such cases, an additional external supervisor will be appointed to oversee the research project at the student's place of work.

1. Plan and execute a piece of original research, placed approppriately in the existing context within sports therapy or exercise science
2. Demonstrate innovation and originality of thought with respect to basic or applied research
3. Select, execute and interpret appropriate statistical tests at an advanced level of capability using statistical software at a high level of competency
4. Demonstrate an ability for self-managed time in the area of research
5. Present a report that is written clearly in the prescribed style with correct use of English

Assessment instruments consist of a project proposal which must include all risk assessment, participant consent forms and ethical approval forms. A supervisor's mark for process awarded at the end of the module to assess the student’s ability to plan and develop their ideas as well as attend, and be well prepared for, supervisor meetings. The main dissertation should be 7000 (+/- 10%) words and adhere strictly to the formatting outlined in the module booklet. The presentation and viva examination is 35 minutes in total, including a 15 minute presentation summarising their dissertation. To pass the module an aggregate mark of at least 50% must be obtained.

Textbooks:

Core Text: Field, A. (2009) Discovering Statistics Using SPSS, 3rd Ed. London: Sage

Other Texts: Walliman, N. (2005) Your Research Project: a Step by Step Guide for the First-time Researcher. 2nd Ed. London: SAGE.

Berry, R. (2004) The Research Project: How to Write it, 5th ed. London: Routledge.

Thomas, J.R., Nelson, J.K. and Silverman, S. (2015) Research Methods in Physical Activity, 7th Ed., Human Kinetics

Atkinson, M. (2012) Key Concepts in Sport and Exercise Research Methods, London: SAGE

Journals: Topic dependant

Electronic Databases: Science Direct, EBSCO, PubMed, Sports Discus