module specification

This module is intended to introduce students to the study of sport in higher education at London Metropolitan University as well as developing life-long skills in organisation and application of knowledge. In addition, the module introduces students to methods of data analysis using computer software.

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. The module aims to introduce students to the learning resources within the University to assist them with their personal and professional development. Students will enhance their planning, preparation, academic writing styles, referencing, resourcing and development for academia to enable an easy transition between levels. With regard to data analysis the aim of the module is to enable students to apply statistical techniques to data, as part of their other studies as well as in a more general work environment.

Introduction to the university learning resources LO1,LO2,LO3
Professionalism in HE and the workplace including appropriate on-line communication methods LO2,LO4,LO5
Planning and preparation for academic writing and presenting to audiences LO2,LO3
Preparing academic posters LO2,LO3
Referencing guidelines LO3
Resources for academic writing LO1,LO3
Development of CV and profiles LO4
Marketing your CV and profile plus reflective practice LO4
Reflection and review of written work from self and peers LO3
Understanding of both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods LO1,LO3,LO5
Basic mathematical and statistical skills and applications to research and data analysis LO5

The students will be taught using a variety of teaching methods including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Practicals in IT studios
• On-line tests and quizzes

Lectures will be used to present and develop core material, practicals will be used to demonstrate and allow students to apply concepts taught in lectures/tutorials, tutorial sessions will be used to support the lecture material and allow the students to engage in the material using IT and problem-solving skills. Directed learning will be used to develop an understanding beyond the material given in lectures. It will include exercises set within the lecture and tutorial sessions and involve using the web and library resources.

PDP will be delivered through specific tutorials and seminars embedded in the module timetable.
Reflective study will be encouraged across the year, specifically in the writing skills development throughout the module.

On completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Show an understanding of the different types of sports science research and some of the issues surrounding good quality research.
2. Demonstrate a level of proficiency in literacy, and computing and information technology skills appropriate for HE studies.
3. Undertake research and abstraction of information from written and electronic sources and utilise a standard format to cite the sources of such material in their own work.
4. Maintain a personal profile, including an up-to-date curriculum vitae and reflect upon own and others work to develop core HE skills.
5. Develop basic mathematical/statistical skills required to enable basic research and data analysis.

Written exam; 1 hour in-class test will assess the students’ principle understanding of statistics (LO 1, 2 & 5).

Coursework: CV & Reflection: Students will submit their CV for assessment.  Based on an early formative task, a summative reflective piece for students to demonstrate their understanding of research methods and how it applies to them. (LO 1, 2 & 4)

Coursework: Poster Package; In small groups student will prepare a poster based on a given research question.  Individually they will also provide short summaries of 3 research articles used in the preparation of the poster.(LO 1, 2, 3 & 5)

Textbooks:

Core Text: 

Thomas, J.R., Nelson, J.K., and Silverman, S.J. (2015) Research Methods in Physical Activity, 7th edn. Leeds: Human Kinetics.
 
Field, A. (2018) Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics, 5th edn, London: Sage.

Other Texts:

Cottrell, S. (2013) The Study Skills Handbook, 4rd edn. Hampshire: Palgrave.

Moore, D.S. and McCabe, G.P. (2017) Introduction to the Practice of Statistics, 9th edn.  Freeman.

Van Emden, J. (2001) Effective Communication for Science and Technology. Hampshire: Palgrave.

Websites:

Lane, M. (2013) Hyperstat Online Statistics Textbook. Available at http://davidmlane.com/hyperstat/index.html (Accessed 14 March 2018)